Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2017 15:37:07 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 3, 2017. 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 Low-income families join solar revolution with help of California NGO. If you were to make a list of the poorest areas in Los Angeles, somewhere on that list would be Bertha Dortch's neighbourhood in Inglewood. The 68-year-old is on a fixed income, but she's chosen to take in her great-granddaughter and two foster children. On hot days, she faces difficult choices — does she keep the house cool, or buy groceries? http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/solar-panels-low-income-california-1.3917318 Gasoline prices rise as Ontario's cap-and-trade takes effect. Ontario motorists are paying more for gas now that the provincial government's cap-and-trade program is in place, with one expert warning prices will keep climbing throughout 2017. The province estimates its cap-and-trade program, which is designed to curb carbon emissions in the province, will drive the price of gasoline up 4.3 cents per litre. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-gas-prices-1.3918571?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b10a6f9618-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b10a6f9618-327747457 AIR POLLUTION EPA finalizes major rollback in NO2 monitoring. U.S. EPA has substantially scaled back its original plan for tracking vehicle-related emissions of nitrogen dioxide, a regulatory retreat welcomed by state air regulators and industry advocates but hotly opposed by environmental and public health groups. Under a final rule published in Friday's Federal Register, the agency is dropping a requirement for installation of dozens of "near-road" nitrogen dioxide (NO2)… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/03/stories/1060047758 'Pollyanna' air chief unbowed after Hill fights, lawsuits. U.S. EPA air chief Janet McCabe didn’t discuss President-elect Donald Trump during a recent interview but offered advice to the incoming administration. Photo courtesy of C-SPAN. U.S. EPA air chief Janet McCabe sees marathon oral arguments on the Clean Power Plan in federal court last fall as a high point of her seven years in the Obama administration. On that September day, McCabe and her EPA colleagues sat… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/03/stories/1060047726 EPA, enviros near settling long Alaska soot fight. U.S. EPA and environmentalists are on the verge of settling their latest legal skirmish over the pace of efforts to clear the sooty air plaguing the Fairbanks, Alaska, area. By April 28, EPA officials would either declare the area in compliance with the 24-hour standard for fine particles or downgrade its nonattainment status from "moderate" to "serious" under a proposed consent decree to a lawsuit brought last fall by… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/03/stories/1060047728 CLIMATE CHANGE Can Carbon Capture Technology Prosper Under Trump? Can one of the most promising — and troubled — technologies for fighting global warming survive during the administration of Donald J. Trump? The technology, carbon capture, involves pulling carbon dioxide out of smokestacks and industrial processes before the climate-altering gas can make its way into the atmosphere. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/science/donald-trump-carbon-capture-clean-coal.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b10a6f9618-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b10a6f9618-327747457&_r=0 Weak Federal Powers Could Limit Trump’s Climate-Policy Rollback. With Donald J. Trump about to take control of the White House, it would seem a dark time for the renewable energy industry. After all, Mr. Trump has mocked the science of global warming as a Chinese hoax, threatened to kill a global deal on climate change and promised to restore the coal industry to its former glory. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/science/donald-trump-global-warming.html?_r=0 France delivers 2050 climate plan to UN. France has become the fifth major economy to outline plans to radically cut greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century in a submission sent to the UN last week. It details how the country will meet a 2030 goal to cut emissions 40% on 1990 levels and 75% by 2050, requiring “major changes” to the country’s economy. “Investment needs are massive and the recasting of production and consumption patterns is essential,” it says. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/01/03/france-targets-consumption-patterns-in-2050-climate-plan/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b10a6f9618-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b10a6f9618-327747457 San Diego Is ‘All In’ on Climate Change—And The World’s Noticing. San Diego and its Republican Mayor is working hard to become the San Fran of Southern California. Mayor Faulconer will be spending $130 million to change the energy usage of this city. He wants it to be a green mecca. For that all he has to do is look at Spain—they became the most green nation in the world—including a 25% unemployment rate… http://www.capoliticalreview.com/capoliticalnewsandviews/san-diego-is-all-in-on-climate-change-and-the-worlds-noticing/ Climate change in 2016: the good, the bad, and the ugly. 2016 wasn’t all bad news for the climate, but it was ugly toward the end. This past year had so many stories involving human-caused climate change – it will be forever in our memories. Here is a summary of some of the high points, from my perspective. When I say “high points” I don’t necessarily mean good. Some of these high points are bad and some are downright ugly. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/jan/02/climate-change-in-2016-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly The Climate Change Debate: Black People Are Being Left Out and That Can Be Deadly. A lack of diversity in the green movement is leaving people of color out of the discussion, even though climate and environmental disasters disproportionately affect our communities. When Bloomberg Media convened an invitation-only forum of notables on “The Future of Climate Change” during the first weekday of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last summer… http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2017/01/the-climate-change-debate-black-people-are-being-left-out-and-that-can-be-deadly/ Warming could bring Calif. 3 more strong storms per year. If the globe continues to warm at its current pace, California can expect to be hit with an average of three more extreme rainstorms per year, according to new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT scientists used new methods to analyze the atmospheric conditions that led to dangerous precipitation events like the one… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/03/stories/1060047760 Climate change a bull's-eye in the era of all-Republican rule. The Republican climate agenda begins today. With the opening of the 115th Congress, the GOP is poised to begin altering the nation's direction on greenhouse gases across the economy, from electricity and transportation to trade and foreign policy. Republican measures once seen as symbolic provocations against a liberal president are now considered mainstream policy. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/03/stories/1060047703 DROUGHT Side effect of California's drought: More climate pollution. Droughts are already getting longer and more severe because of human-caused climate change in the American Southwest and around the world. But the drought-climate connection goes both ways: California's prolonged dry spell has also made climate change a little bit worse. Between 2011 and 2014, during the height of the drought… http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2017/01/03/side-effect-californias-drought-more-climate-pollution/95875684/ California snowpack measures low, but big storms coming. Surveyors plunged a pole into the Sierra Nevada snowpack on Tuesday and took the first manual measurement of the wet season, finding water content was about half of normal as California flirts with a possible sixth year of drought. Surveyors took the reading at 6,000 feet near Lake Tahoe as major cold and windy storms were expected to dump... http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/national/california-snowpack-measures-low-but-big-storms-coming/TG9WeGRgjguX1w6f2xrLjJ/ VEHICLES South Korea Halts Some Nissan, BMW Sales in Emissions Probe (1). South Korea banned the sale of 10 models built by Nissan Motor Co., BMW AG and Volkswagen AG’s Porsche after an investigation found the automakers fabricated documents related to emission tests. The three manufacturers were slapped with total fines of 7.17 billion won ($5.9 million), which apply to 4,523 vehicles, and the certifications given for these models have been withdrawn… http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OJ57TC6TTDS301-48LNL3MPHPT1O11MEQQPJOAM8C GREEN ACTIVITIES Zambia Energy Regulator Cuts Fuel Prices After President’s Call. Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board cut fuel prices after President Edgar Lungu said this weekend he expected it to do so even as Brent crude climbed 13 percent last month. Gasoline prices will fall by 8.8 percent to 13.7 kwacha ($1.26) per liter, while diesel will drop 6 percent to 10.72 kwacha per liter, the regulator told reporters Tuesday in Lusaka, the capital. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-03/zambia-energy-regulator-cuts-fuel-prices-after-president-s-call Stocks jump at start of 2017 as energy firms and banks climb. U.S. stock indexes are jumping at the start of the first trading day of 2017. Energy companies are climbing with the price of oil, while banks are advancing thanks to a bump in interest rates. Those two sectors were the best-performing parts of the market in 2016. The Dow Jones industrial average leaped 122 points, or 0.6%, to 19,884 as of 10 a.m. Eastern time. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-markets-20170103-story.html MISCELLANEOUS NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan Leaves Agency For Other 'Adventures'. Ellen Stofan, NASA's chief scientist, has left the space agency for other "adventures." Stofan is believed to have left her post before Christmas last month. Slash Gear reported that Stofan first announced her plan to leave during a National Academies' Space Studies Board symposium in California last December. She admitted that she was leaving in two weeks. http://www.universityherald.com/articles/58184/20170102/nasa-chief-scientist-ellen-stofan-leaves-agency-adventures.htm 2016: The changing narratives of China’s environmental story. Although it appears that China’s environmental script is repeated year after year, some inherent narratives could be shifting, says chinadialogue's Ma Tianjie. As 2016 comes to an end, for observers of China’s environment, the year may leave them with a single impression: that the story is stuck on a loop, repeating itself again and again. http://www.eco-business.com/opinion/2016-the-changing-narratives-of-chinas-environmental-story/ OPINIONS What Rex Tillerson's Exxon Mobil track record tells us. Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the State Department, has spent 41 years at the oil and gas company Exxon Mobil. He rose through its ranks to CEO, but he was so cloistered in its corporate culture that he could not appreciate the decline of an outdated business model. As a case study for MBA students, that’s perhaps instructive; as a biography of the nominee to be secretary of State, that’s frightening. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/ A cap-and-trade scheme in disguise. While the American people said loud and clear on Nov. 8 that they were ready for new leadership and a new America, the frantic pace at which hundreds of new regulations have been issued by the Obama administration should be alarming for Americans as we approach the end of President Obama's term. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/a-cap-and-trade-scheme-in-disguise/article/2610632 Is California doing right when it comes to energy costs? Ontario isn’t the only place that is being hit with over the top electricity prices, California has the highest power rates in North America. Many low-income families must decide to buy food or stay cool , similar to Ontario when many families were cut off during the summer and fall because they could no longer afford the price of keeping the lights on. http://saultonline.com/2017/01/is-california-doing-right-when-it-comes-to-energy-costs/ BLOGS Minneapolis's citizen-centric approach to climate action. With average winter temperatures of just over 15 degrees Fahrenheit, you might think Minneapolis could use a little warming. But even this metropolis is feeling the effects of a changing climate — primarily in the form of increased flooding and extreme heat and humidity. In July, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for much of Minnesota, with temperatures forecasted to reach anywhere from 105 to 110 degrees. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/minneapoliss-citizen-centric-approach-climate-action What States Are In A Drought? California Rain, Snowfall Could Help Recover From Long Dry Spell [MAP] After years of drought that brought devastating wildfires and forced municipalities to consider alternative approaches to water use in California, incoming storms were expected to bring several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The snowfall, which could provide some much needed relief this week will come on the heels of weeks of wet…http://www.ibtimes.com/what-states-are-drought-california-rain-snowfall-could-help-recover-long-dry-spell-2468860 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 12:35:46 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 4, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 4, 2017. 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 POLLUTION It smells like dead animals. Is “Zero Waste” making a stink at the Miramar landfill? The smell of turkey wasn’t the only thing in the air Thanksgiving morning in Kim Bustos’s University City neighborhood. Bustos called the city at 7:30 a.m. to report a really bad smell coming out of Miramar Landfill. Bustos moved into the neighborhood seven months ago (about three miles downwind of the landfill, when the wind is out of the east). http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jan/04/citylights-it-smells-dead-animals-miramar-landfill/ CLIMATE CHANGE Tillerson Climate-Change Testimony Set Before Trump Sworn In (1). Lawyers for teenagers claiming the U.S. government failed to protect the environment from global warming plan to question under oath President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state on his knowledge of climate change. Exxon Mobil Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rex Tillerson’s testimony, set for the day before the Jan. 20 inauguration… http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OIYL8MSYF01W01-7R40G2I15NQ55H7JDICVKP67GF Louisiana History Washes Away As Sea Levels Rise, Land Sinks. Louisiana is losing its coast at a rapid rate because of rising sea levels, development and sinking marshland. Officials are trying to rebuild those marshes and the wetlands, but much of the coast can't be saved. This makes Louisiana's history an unwitting victim. As land disappears and the water creeps inland, ancient archaeology sites are washing away, too. http://www.npr.org/2017/01/04/505320391/louisiana-history-washes-away-as-sea-levels-rise-land-sinks?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=24d8f6f85e-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-24d8f6f85e-327747457 Climate Change Is Raising Flood Risk in the Northern U.S. Shifting rainfall patterns and the amount of water in the ground are likely causes for the heightened risk. Scientists who combined an on-the-ground look at stream gauge data and an above-the-ground view from satellites have determined that as the Earth warms, the threat of flooding is growing in the northern half of the United States. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/climate-change-is-raising-flood-risk-in-the-northern-u-s/?wt.mc=SA_Twitter-Share&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=24d8f6f85e-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-24d8f6f85e-327747457 Climate Change Affecting Vermont Moose Population? Multi-Year State Herd Study Started. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is starting a three-year study of the state’s moose population. Beginning this month and running through 2019, the study is aimed at understanding the impact of climate change on Vermont’s moose herds. On its website, the department said: “Moose herds across the Northeast are increasingly under stress from climate change. http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-affecting-vermont-moose-population-multi-year-state-herd-study-started-2469262 India's double first in climate battle. A £3m industrial plant is capturing the CO2 emissions from a coal boiler and using the CO2 to make valuable chemicals. It is a world first. And just 100km away is the world's biggest solar farm, making power for 150,000 homes on a 10 sq km site. The industrial plant appears especially significant as it offers a breakthrough by capturing CO2 without subsidy. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38391034 Judith Curry retires, citing 'craziness' of climate science. Judith Curry, one of climate science's most vocal critics, is leaving academe because of what she calls the poisonous nature of the scientific discussion around human-caused global warming. Curry, 63, is retiring from her tenured position as a professor at the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/04/stories/1060047798 Alaska facing up to $5.5B in climate damage by 2100. Climate change will cause billions of dollars in damage to roads, buildings, airports, railroads and pipeline infrastructure in Alaska, particularly if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, a new study found. The findings suggest it would be prudent for local, state and federal governments and businesses to adapt infrastructure or design new infrastructure with climate change considerations in mind. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/04/stories/1060047782 GAO calls for climate coordination in building codes. The accounting arm of Congress is urging the Commerce Department to launch a program aimed at minimizing the financial costs of climate change. In a report issued yesterday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the trade organizations that set architectural requirements, building codes and other certifications… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/04/stories/1060047784 Scientific uncertainty hamstrings climate policy analyses — study. A new study of the ways governments choose climate policies finds that economic analyses are poorly suited to dealing with the uncertainty posed by climate change. The study, published this month in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, examines two types of economic models that are used to assess the benefits and costs of taking action on climate change. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/04/stories/1060047783 DROUGHT With snow piling up in the Sierra, what will it take to end California's drought? The resort town of Phillips high in the Sierra Nevada has long been a barometer of California’s drought. Snow measuring station 3 in the El Dorado County town was where Gov. Jerry Brown came in April 2015 to announce major drought restrictions, using the dry, snow-less landscape as a stark backdrop. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-drought-snow-sierra-20170103-story.html Despite recent storms, California’s ‘snow drought’ continues. Around the start of each year, California water officials make a big show out of measuring the Sierra Nevada snowpack for reporters. Tuesday’s measurement before a throng of cameras was fairly bleak: Water content in the snowpack stood at just 53 percent of average, about a third as much water as the same time last year at that site. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article124387999.html#storylink=cpy http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/03/california-drought-first-snow-survey-of-the-year-tuesday-as-big-storms-forecast/ http://www.montereyherald.com/article/NF/20170103/NEWS/170109955 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/01/03/california-snowpack-surveyed-as-indicator-drought.html As drought abates, lawmakers resume push for water. A rainy start to California's traditional wet season has somewhat eased the state's five-year drought, and more storms are on the way, state officials announced yesterday. While above-average rainstorms have replenished major water supply reservoirs, snowfall, which provides runoff for farmers later in the year, is below average. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/04/stories/1060047836 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Ballard-powered fuel cell electric buses exceed 10M km of revenue service. Ballard Power Systems fuel cells have powered buses for more than 10 million cumulative kilometers (6.2 million miles) of revenue service. This fuel cell industry milestone has been achieved across the company’s seven generations of its FCveloCity fuel cell engine, which have been deployed in buses in 15 countries on 5 continents during the past 10 years. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/01/20170104-ballard.html VW RECALL U.S. judge delays sentencing of VW employee aiding in emission probe. A federal judge on Tuesday delayed the sentencing a German man who is the only person to face U.S. criminal charges over Volkswagen's diesel emission cheating scandal, as he cooperates with prosecutors still investigating the matter. In September, James R. Liang, who has worked for Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) since 1983 and was part of a… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN14N1YX Owners of Tainted Volkswagen Diesel Cars File Lawsuit Seeking Compensation. Action could snowball into more claims, auto maker’s costs to resolve scandal could rise significantly. Lawyers representing owners of tainted Volkswagen diesel-powered cars in Germany filed the first lawsuit seeking consumer compensation for damages from the car maker’s diesel scandal in a test case… http://www.wsj.com/articles/owners-of-tainted-volkswagen-diesel-cars-file-lawsuit-seeking-compensation-1483477500 GREEN ENERGY Solar Could Beat Coal to Become the Cheapest Power on Earth. Solar power is now cheaper than coal in some parts of the world. In less than a decade, it’s likely to be the lowest-cost option almost everywhere. In 2016, countries from Chile to the United Arab Emirates broke records with deals to generate electricity from sunshine for less than 3 cents a kilowatt-hour, half the average global cost of coal power. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-03/for-cheapest-power-on-earth-look-skyward-as-coal-falls-to-solar MISCELLANEOUS California enlists Eric Holder to defend against Trump. Vowing to protect California's values and constitutional guarantees, Democratic leaders in the state Legislature selected former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to serve as outside counsel to advise their legal strategy against the incoming Trump administration. Holder will help legislators resist any attempts to roll back progress on issues like climate change, health care, civil rights and immigration… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article124471529.html#storylink=cpy OPINION No, cap-and-trade is not causing gas prices to soar. But it does have a small impact. We can expect to hear all year about how Ontario’s new cap-and-trade system is causing consumers pain at the gas pumps — especially if the opposition parties and right-leaning advocacy groups have anything to say about it. But if gas prices do go way up this year, it will be because of other global factors. http://www.ottawasun.com/2017/01/03/no-cap-and-trade-is-not-causing-gas-prices-to-soar-but-it-does-have-a-small-impact The real costs of cap and trade. Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government isn’t telling Ontarians the true price of cap and trade, which it imposed on consumers starting Sunday. It estimates the average household will pay $156 more this year than last for gasoline and natural gas home heating is inaccurate by omission. The Liberal’s own figures… http://www.torontosun.com/2017/01/03/the-real-costs-of-cap-and-trade BLOGS Scientists Must Double Their Efforts In Combating Global Warming; Rebound Of Greenhouse Gas Emission Found. As global warming continues to hit, researchers are being challenged on how to combat it. One of the weapons to fight off the climate technologies would be the "green technologies." However, scientists must double their efforts to avoid future rebounds in greenhouse gas emission, a new study has found. http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/55818/20170104/scientist-double-efforts-combating-global-warming-rebound-greenhouse-gas-emission-greenhouse-gas-emission-global-warming.htm Can We Rely on DIY Air Pollution Sensors? People without specialized training can now measure air quality, but there are important concerns about how well the sensors work. Until recently, measuring air pollution was a task that could be performed only by trained scientists using very sophisticated — and very expensive — equipment. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/can-we-rely-diy-air-pollution-sensors#ixzz4UoOCsTOJ Solar and Wind Power are Now Officially Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels. Despite the low price, not enough money is being put into renewable ways of generating electricity Solar and wind is now either the same price or cheaper than new fossil fuel capacity in more than 30 countries, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. http://countercurrentnews.com/2017/01/solar-and-wind-power-are-now-officially-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels/ The Republicans Who Want Trump to Fight Climate Change. Meet the “eco-right.” Not everyone interested in curbing climate change is tearing their hair out about Donald Trump's election. Though the president-elect seems to be packing his administration with climate deniers and fossil fuel industry veterans, a small, unconventional band of environmentalists sees potential. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/green-republican/512111/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:53:32 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 5, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 5, 2017. 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 PC leader says he would dismantle Wynne government's cap-and-trade plan. The Liberal government's plan will not reduce greenhouse emissions in any meaningful way, he says. The leader of the Ontario PC party says the provincial government’s cap-and-trade plan, which went into effect Jan.1, is costing Ontarians too much and, if he is elected as premier, would be dismantled. https://www.sudbury.com/around-the-north/pc-leader-says-he-would-dismantle-wynne-governments-cap-and-trade-plan-502553 AIR POLLUTION China's smog has gotten so bad, it's almost impossible to see skyscrapers from the air. China’s still getting hit with intense levels of air pollution. As of Wednesday, Beijing was under a "red alert" for smog — the highest of four levels — and a "yellow alert" for fog. Other areas, particularly in northern China were still under red alert as of Wednesday for both fog and smog. http://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-smog-and-fog-over-beijing-photo-2017-1 CLIMATE CHANGE Global warming data that riled doubters is confirmed. A new independent study shows no pause in global warming, confirming a set of temperature readings adjusted by U.S. government scientists that some who reject mainstream climate science have questioned. The adjustments, made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2015 to take into account changes in how ocean temperatures… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_ADJUSTED_TEMPERATURES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/04/noaa-challenged-the-global-warming-pause-now-new-research-says-the-agency-was-right/?utm_term=.ea86d6e434b5 http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/UC-Berkeley-researcher-debunks-global-warming-10837437.php http://www.cbsnews.com/news/global-warming-data-that-riled-doubters-turns-out-to-be-true/ http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/04/science/ap-us-sci-adjusted-temperatures.html?_r=0 http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a24622/no-pause-in-global-warming/ http://www.popsci.com/yes-oceans-have-been-warming-for-past-75-years http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/01/05/Another-study-disproves-global-warming-hiatus/8491483636185/ Conditions That Form More Hurricanes Also Protect U.S., Study Finds. In October, Hurricane Matthew roared through the Caribbean as a near-worst-case Category 4 storm, with high winds that devastated Haiti and other countries. But when it made landfall in the United States a few days later, Matthew limped into South Carolina as a Category 1, bringing torrential rains and flooding but little else. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/science/hurricanes-us.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=6f82958dc0-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6f82958dc0-327747457&_r=0 Eric Holder to help state Trump-proof climate policies. California lawmakers yesterday announced the hiring of high-powered outside counsel to defend their policies against the Trump administration, signaling a spate of legal fights to come over climate change and other state priorities. State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León (D) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D) listed climate… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/05/stories/1060047877 DROUGHT Rains douse worst drought conditions in Southeast. Weeks of rains have eliminated the worst drought conditions in the Southeast, but nearly three-quarters of the region remains well below normal in rainfall. An analysis released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center shows none of the Southeast is classified as being in an exceptional drought anymore. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SOUTHERN_DROUGHT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Californians saved less water in November than previous year, water board report says. California water conservation took a slight step backward in November, officials announced Wednesday, possibly due in part to an unusually wet fall and months of successful conservation efforts. Californians used 18.8% less water this past November compared with November 2013, the benchmark year… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES Electric Power Gives New Life to Aging 20-Ton Crane. The time had come for American Crane Rental, Manteca, Calif., to make a decision about its 1999-vintage Shuttlelift 7750RT rough-terrain crane. The compact, 20-ton-capacity, crane had provided years of good service to American Crane’s customers, both as a maintained and bare-rental machine. http://www.liftandaccess.com/article/electric-power-gives-new-life-aging-20-ton-crane FUELS EPA seeks to ban Genscape from verifying renewable fuel credits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to revoke Genscape's ability to verify biofuels compliance credits after regulators say it failed to detect a massive fraud perpetrated by companies it was monitoring. The announcement, made Wednesday, will likely bolster calls to reform the U.S. biofuels programs from critics such as investor Carl Icahn… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-ethanol-credits-idUSKBN14P03L VEHICLES Tesla begins making battery cells at massive Nevada factory. Tesla Motors says it has started producing lithium-ion battery cells at its $5 billion factory in Nevada. The company says it began making high-performance cells in December and production started Wednesday for cells used in Powerwall energy-storage products. Tesla plans to start making batteries for its Model 3 sedans later this year. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TESLA_GIGAFACTORY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT US auto sales hit a record 17.55M in 2016, led by SUVs. U.S. consumers bought a record number of new cars and trucks in 2016. A repeat performance in 2017 could be a tall order. Low gas prices, rising employment and low interest rates kept buyers coming to car dealerships last year. There was also the lure of new technology - such as backup cameras… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AUTO_SALES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VW RECALL Volkswagen Must Face U.S. Investor Suit Over Emissions, Judge Rules. Lawsuit seeks damages over drop in share price after cheating scandal. Volkswagen AG, former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn and other top executives must face a lawsuit filed by U.S. investors seeking damages after the company’s share price dropped in the aftermath of its emissions-cheating scandal, a federal court has ruled. http://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagen-must-face-u-s-investor-suit-over-emissions-judge-rules-1483638864 http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-volkswagen-emissions-idUKKBN14P04C http://fortune.com/2017/01/05/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-california-lawsuit/ Diesel owners in Germany who sue VW face significant hurdles. In the U.S., owners of Volkswagen 2.0-liter TDI diesel cars with illegal "defeat device" software have reached a settlement with VW—and a preliminary agreement for a smaller number of affected 3.0-liter V-6 diesels is largely, if not entirely, settled. It may have taken months of negotiating, but 2.0-liter diesel owners can be assured of compensation, and 3.0-liter diesel owners will likely be able to get it as well. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108158_diesel-owners-in-germany-who-sue-vw-face-significant-hurdles GREEN ENERGY Israel harnessing sunshine with world's tallest solar tower. In sunny Israel, solar energy supplies only a small percentage of the nation's power needs, leaving it far behind countries with cloudier and colder climates. Now the fledgling solar industry is trying to make a leap forward with a large-scale project boasting the world's tallest solar tower, as a symbol of Israel's renewal energy ambitions. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_SOLAR_POWER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Meet the Obscure Group Influencing Trump's Energy Policy. An obscure Washington policy group that opposes almost any government aid for renewable energy has emerged as an influential force in shaping Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle Obama administration climate initiatives. The tiny Institute for Energy Research and its advocacy arm, the American Energy Alliance, work from an office decorated with an… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-05/tiny-group-of-tesla-skeptics-emerges-as-trump-energy-powerhouse?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=6f82958dc0-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6f82958dc0-327747457 China to plow $361 billion into renewable fuel by 2020. China will plow 2.5 trillion yuan ($361 billion) into renewable power generation by 2020, the country's energy agency said on Thursday, as the world's largest energy market continues to shift away from dirty coal power towards cleaner fuels. The investment will create over 13 million jobs in the sector, the National Energy Administration (NEA)... http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-energy-renewables-idUSKBN14P06P Stamp-sized solar panels could power pacemakers. Medical devices like pacemakers could soon get a new source of energy: solar power. A team of Swiss researchers have proved solar panels the size of postage stamps could be embedded under the skin and used to power pacemakers. While the proof is still theoretical, this could have significant implications for the medical field, since medical devices… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/05/stories/1060047854 BLOGS Volkswagen CDO's Perspective Of How Digitization Is Transforming The Automotive Industry. At the CES show yesterday, I met up with Johann Jungwirth, Volkswagen Group's Chief Digital Officer. In a candid free-wheeling discussion he shared with me his views on digital transformation, its impact to the automotive industry, mobility and our future society. http://www.forbes.com/sites/sarwantsingh/2017/01/05/volkswagen-cdos-perspective-of-how-digitization-is-transforming-the-automotive-industry/#7481bf5ae7f5 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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, 6 Jan 2017 13:51:08 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 6, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 6, 2017. 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 POLLUTION London breaches annual air pollution limit for 2017 in just five days. Brixton Road in Lambeth has already broken legal limits for toxic air for the entire year, with many other sites across the capital set to follow. London has breached its annual air pollution limits just five days into 2017, a “shameful reminder of the severity of London’s air pollution”, according to campaigners. By law, hourly levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide must not be more than 200 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3)… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/06/london-breaches-toxic-air-pollution-limit-for-2017-in-just-five-days http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/health/london-air-pollution/index.html EPA seeks public input on ozone reg's 'good neighbor' data. U.S. EPA is seeking public input on preliminary interstate ozone modeling data that will play a key role in guiding states' efforts to comply with "good neighbor" requirements embedded in the stricter ozone standard set last year. The agency has set a 90-day comment period on the data, which are geared to detailing the downwind movement of ozone… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/06/stories/1060047981 CLIMATE CHANGE Energy-sector CO2 to stagnate without Clean Power Plan — EIA. Coal use and energy-sector carbon emissions in the United States would both flatline without the Obama administration's climate standards for power plants, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration outlook released yesterday. Natural gas and renewable power would grow to meet increasing power demand, although the specific levels will depend on how much each cost, the annual report notes. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/06/stories/1060047925 Meet an animal pathologist uncovering climate mysteries. Kathy Burek often spends her days cutting up creatures of all sorts in Alaska and trying to figure out what killed them. She is one of only two board-certified anatomic pathologists in the state and the only one who regularly goes out into the field with knives and vials to harvest samples. With ecosystems in Alaska shifting as the climate changes, strange events are the new normal. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/06/stories/1060047965 DROUGHT How California went from drought to dangerous rain and snow. After years of dry conditions, California is getting its winter back. A series of storms over the last month have dumped feet of snow and rain in some parts of Northern California. And Southern California had its wettest December in several years. Heavier precipitation in the north of the state has slowly been easing the drought, though it is not over. Storms over the next few days are expected to continue this trend but also bring dangers. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-california-storms-scene-20170106-htmlstory.html NWS: Northern California now on pace for 'wettest water year on record'. After many long years of waiting, California's drought relief may finally be here. Snow has piled up over five feet in some parts of the Sierra Nevada since the Sunday storm. And while the first snow survey of the year actually came in below average in terms of snow accumulation, there are reasons for optimism. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Northern-California-now-on-pace-for-wettest-10837847.php VW RECALL U.S. approves first fix for 70,000 polluting VW diesel vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a fix for about 70,000 polluting Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) diesel vehicles, involving an initial software change available now, it said on Friday. A second phase of the fix will start about a year from now when VW will install more software updates and new hardware, including a diesel particulate filter, diesel oxidation catalyst and NOx catalyst. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN14Q21P Volkswagen Near Settling U.S. Criminal Case Over Emissions Cheating. Settlement with Justice Department could come as soon as next week. Volkswagen AG is near resolving a criminal investigation into the German auto giant’s emissions cheating, said people familiar with the matter, aiming to reach an accord as soon as next week that would require the company to pay a financial penalty… http://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagen-near-settling-u-s-criminal-case-over-emissions-cheating-1483724523 Regulators approve fix for some Volkswagen cars that cheated on U.S. emission tests. Volkswagen will soon be able to repair some of its diesel cars so they meet U.S. emissions standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board said Friday they have approved a fix for around 67,000 of the 475,000 Volkswagens and Audis with 2-liter diesel engines that were programmed to cheat on U.S. emissions tests. http://www.latimes.com/business/ US approves fix for some Volkswagen diesels. Volkswagen will soon be able to repair some of its diesel cars so they meet U.S. emissions standards. Volkswagen will soon be able to repair some of its diesel cars so they meet U.S. emissions standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board said Friday that they have approved a fix for around 67,000 of the 475,000 Volkswagens… http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-01-06/us-approves-fix-for-some-volkswagen-diesels Volkswagen, U.S. Justice Dept. nearing $3B emissions settlement. Volkswagen AG and the U.S. Justice Department are nearing an agreement to resolve the government's civil and criminal investigations that would require the German automaker to pay a penalty of more than US$3 billion, sources briefed on the talks said on Friday. The agreement is not final and could still change or fall apart but a deal could be announced as early as next week. http://www.bnn.ca/volkswagen-u-s-justice-dept-nearing-3b-emissions-settlement-1.645139 U.S. approves fix for some Volkswagen diesels. Volkswagen will soon be able to repair some of its diesel cars so they meet U.S. emissions standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board said Friday they have approved a fix for around 67,000 of the 475,000 Volkswagens and Audis with 2-liter diesel engines that were programmed to cheat on U.S. emissions tests. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-approves-fix-for-some-volkswagen-diesels/ MISCELLANEOUS Sununu: ‘New Hampshire is open for business’ In inaugural speech, governor calls for tax cuts, energy projects. Right to work, supporting Northern Pass, cutting business taxes and a three-month freeze on new regulations. Them’s fighting words, yet Gov. Chris Sununu intermingled them in his inaugural speech Thursday with platitudes about the need to work together after an ugly election cycle. On the other hand, he also promised that he would be blunt. http://www.nhbr.com/January-20-2017/Sununu-New-Hampshire-is-open-for-business/ OPINIONS Our View: Pursuing science of climate change never more vital. It might seem out of sync to be talking about climate change and global warming amid the cold, damp days of January in Flagstaff – even as those topics dominate White House transition plans for the EPA and the Department of Energy. But to the climate scientists at NAU, the U.S. Forest Service, USGS and other local agencies, it’s not about looking out the window and drawing conclusions about global trends. http://azdailysun.com/news/opinion/editorial/our-view-pursuing-science-of-climate-change-never-more-vital/article_221942f6-5082-504e-9e95-e58e7ae7f333.html Trump's secretary of state nominee may soon testify in a global warming trial. Alex Loznak is about to head into the second semester of his sophomore year at Columbia University, but he's not your typical student. He's one of 21 people, ages nine to 20, suing the federal government for failing to protect them from the damaging effects of climate change. http://mashable.com/2017/01/05/youth-climate-lawsuit-rex-tillerson-deposition/#G6txtLgrRaqH It’s Time to Hold Climate Change Policy-Makers Accountable. In reaction to the election of Donald Trump California’s Governor, state legislature and Air Resources Board have made clear their intention to double down on our state’s already strictest-in-the-nation climate change policies. Making such claims is easy when ignoring the current cost burden of the state’s climate policies… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/time-hold-climate-change-policy-makers-accountable/ As Donald Trump Denies Climate Change, These Kids Die of It. She is just a frightened mom, worrying if her son will survive, and certainly not fretting about American politics — for she has never heard of either President Obama or Donald Trump. What about America itself? Ranomasy, who lives in an isolated village on this island of Madagascar off southern Africa, shakes her head. It doesn’t ring any bells. Yet we Americans may be inadvertently killing her infant son. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/opinion/sunday/as-donald-trump-denies-climate-change-these-kids-die-of-it.html?_r=0 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:08:33 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 9, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 9, 2017. 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 POLLUTION Beijing launches environmental police force to tackle air pollution. The smog-hit Chinese capital of Beijing will establish a police force to deal specifically with environmental offences as part of its efforts to clean up its air and crack down on persistent polluters. The smog police will crack down on open-air barbecues, garbage incineration, biomass burning and dust from roads, Beijing's acting mayor Cai Qi said on Saturday, according to the official Xinhua news agency. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-idUSKBN14T0NX http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/police-set-smog-squad-crack-down-causes-choking-beijing-air-pollution-1600061 http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/08/asia/china-smog/index.html http://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/01/china-now-police-force-deal-persistent-polluters/ London Breaks Annual Air Pollution Limits Five Days Into 2017. London broke the annual limit for air pollution just five days into 2017, according to data from the capital’s main monitoring system. A site on Brixton Road in south London surpassed hourly limits for nitrogen dioxide concentrations 24 times so far this year, breaking the European Union’s annual permitted limit of 18 breaches… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-06/london-breaks-annual-air-pollution-limits-five-days-into-2017 >From Iceland to Maldives, Chinese Seek ‘Lung Cleansing’ Trips(1). Toxic haze that settled over much of China during the last three weeks has triggered a flight reflex among residents, leading to the rising popularity of smog avoidance travel packages to far-flung locations such as Iceland and Antarctica. Traveler’s online keyword searches for terms such as “smog escape,” “lung cleansing” and “forests” had tripled amid the air pollution… http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OJ934M6TTDSY01-3TTRS3R1PN4VR8MGUG2JCV616D Southern China Is Blanketed in Smog as Beijing Gets Slight Reprieve. With pollution levels receding in Beijing, parts of southern China, including Hong Kong, experienced dangerous levels of smog Monday as weather patterns pushed bad air into the region. The worsening conditions caused the Hong Kong government to warn of a “very high” health risk, particularly for the elderly, children and those with existing respiratory conditions. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/world/asia/china-air-pollution-hong-kong.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=0fb063654e-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-0fb063654e-327747457&_r=0 Chinese Defy Pollution, a Stubborn Visitor. Like ghosts floating in a dim netherworld, the dancers twirled, spun and curtsied in smog so dense that couples a few steps away seemed to be murky apparitions suspended in a gray haze. Filthy air has swamped much of northern China for weeks, but some amateur dancers have stuck to their outdoor ballroom routines. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/06/world/asia/china-smog-pollution.html?_r=0 Frosts Kill Dozens in Central Europe, Smog Forces Production Cuts. Severe frosts and snow storms killed at least 25 people in central Europe over the weekend, mainly in Poland, as temperatures in the region dropped below -30 degrees Celsius in some places. The Danube river was slowly freezing over in Budapest, a rare sight in recent years. Air pollution, mostly from airborne dust particles, forced production cutbacks at… http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/01/09/world/europe/09reuters-centraleurope-weather-freezing.html Live Global Map Lets You See Pollution In A New Way. It’s now possible to see on a map pollution rising up from cities and spreading around the globe on wind currents, in nearly real time. The airborne microfragments known as small particle pollution are important because they shorten the lives of millions of people each year. The captivating 3D visualization is the creation of a… http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jan/09/live-global-map-lets-you-see-pollution-whole-new-w/ EPA to issue regional haze regs, likely sparking lawsuits. U.S. EPA is poised to formally issue a package of changes to its regional haze regulations, opening the door for legal challenges. The package, various parts of which have drawn opposition from conservation groups, power producers and a coalition of Republican attorneys general, is set for publication in tomorrow's Federal Register. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048052 CLIMATE CHANGE Landmark global scale study reveals potential future impact of ocean acidification on species' distribution. Ocean Acidification and the extent to which marine species are able to deal with low pH levels in the Earth's seas, could have a significant influence on shifting the distribution of marine animals in response to climate warming. This is one the findings of a landmark new study that has taken a first-ever global scale integrative approach… http://phys.org/news/2017-01-landmark-global-scale-reveals-potential.html#jCp US plan on threatened polar bears lacks teeth, critics say. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its plan Monday for the recovery of threatened polar bears, acknowledging it will take no direct action for addressing the primary threat - greenhouse gases that contribute to the decline of sea ice habitat. Polar bears, the first species to be declared threatened or endangered because of climate change… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_POLAR_BEAR_RECOVERY_PLAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/09/without-action-on-climate-change-say-goodbye-to-polar-bears/?utm_campaign=0fb063654e-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.3065c1b44515 US had near record heat, costly weather disasters in 2016. With steamy nights, sticky days and torrential downpours, last year went down as one of the warmest and wildest weather years on record in the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday that 2016 was the second hottest year in the U.S. as Alaska warmed dramatically and nighttime temperatures set a record. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_HOT_WILD_YEAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT 2016 was hottest year ever recorded in New Zealand. Unusually warm winds and seas helped make last year the hottest ever recorded in New Zealand. The average temperature during 2016 was 13.4 Celsius (56.1 Fahrenheit), according to a report released Monday by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. That was nearly 1 degree Celsius warmer than normal and fractionally hotter than the previous record set in 1998. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_NEW_ZEALAND_RECORD_TEMPERATURES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Study documents tree species' decline due to climate warming. A type of tree that thrives in soggy soil from Alaska to Northern California and is valued for its commercial and cultural uses could become a noticeable casualty of climate warming over the next 50 years, an independent study has concluded. Yellow cedar, named for its distinctive yellow wood, already is under consideration for federal listing as a threatened or endangered species. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CLIMATE_WARMING_YELLOW_CEDAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Climate change should not be 'partisan issue,' Kerry says. Work to avert the problems caused by climate change should not be a partisan issue, outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry told students at an elite U.S. engineering school on Monday, in one of his final speeches as the nation's top diplomat. Kerry noted U.S. officials from military and intelligence leaders to the mayors of coastal cities agree the problem of… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-kerry-idUSKBN14T1VH Human-Driven Global Warming Is Biggest Threat to Polar Bears, Report Says. Federal wildlife officials on Monday called climate change the biggest threat to the survival of the polar bear and warned that without decisive action to combat global warming, the bears would almost certainly disappear from much of the Arctic. “It cannot be overstated that the single most important action for the recovery of polar bears… http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/science/polar-bears-global-warming-climate-change.html http://www.sltrib.com/home/4798499-155/without-action-on-climate-change-say UW faculty angry at Wisconsin agency climate change revision. A group of University of Wisconsin-Madison professors criticized the state Department of Natural Resources on Monday for scrubbing its website of language that stated human activity is causing climate change, accusing the agency of ignoring facts and violating the public trust. The Republican-controlled DNR's revisions came last month. http://www.sfgate.com/news/education/article/UW-faculty-challenge-DNR-climate-change-revisions-10845010.php 99% of coral reefs to be impacted by climate change, study says. Climate change is having a damaging and long-lasting impact on the health of the ocean’s coral reefs, a new study has found. By the end of the century, 99 percent of coral reefs will be impacted each year by bleaching, a process in which reefs lose their coloring and are more susceptible to disease and death. http://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article124752339.html#storylink=cpy Obama: US climate efforts can withstand 'near-term politics' President Barack Obama argued Monday the election of Donald Trump and a GOP Congress will not stop US efforts to fight climate change and spur clean energy development. The essay published online Monday in the journal Science goes through the scientific case for actions the administration has taken on climate change, energy efficiency and emissions… http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/09/politics/obama-climate-change-science-coal/index.html State sites still teach about climate change. Teachers and students in Wisconsin still have access to state-operated environmental education sites that discuss climate change, despite the Department of Natural Resources' recent move to scrub references to the concept from its website. The Department of Public Instruction will temporarily take over three educational programs previously administered by the DNR. http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/local/2017/01/09/state-sites-still-teach-climate-change/96150006/ http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/story/news/local/2017/01/09/state-sites-still-teach-climate-change/96150006/ Rich countries dominate climate research — study. Developed countries' dominance in climate research may make it harder for poorer nations to participate effectively in the Paris climate agreement, according to a report published last week in Nature Climate Change. That imbalance is overwhelming: Researchers from industrialized countries published 10,442 scientific and technical journal articles in 2011… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048006 FUELS US gas prices jump 12 cents over 3 weeks to $2.38 a gallon. The average price of regular-grade gasoline has surged 12 cents nationally over the past three weeks, to $2.38 a gallon. Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday the hike mostly results from the gasoline market catching up with rising crude oil costs. Lundberg says the current price is 33 cents a gallon above what it was one year ago. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GAS_PRICES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT EMBARGOED-Gasoline taxes fall despite promises to slow climate change-study. Average taxes on gasoline worldwide have tended to fall in recent years despite promises by many nations to do more to limit global warming, a study showed on Monday. Gasoline, or petrol, the most common fuel used to power cars, emits the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide when burnt. Tax paid on the average litre of gasoline fell 13.3 percent to 24.2 cents in the first half of 2015… http://uk.reuters.com/article/energy-taxes-idUKL5N1EZ1YP Sensing Gains Ahead Under Trump, the Kochs Court Minorities. The crowd that thronged a gospel concert last month in Richmond, Va., was in for an unusual Christmas treat. “Your energy bill’s paid!” the M.C. declared between soaring numbers from recording artists like VaShawn Mitchell and Charles Jenkins, calling to a young woman from the audience, who shrieked and started twirling on the floor. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/business/energy-environment/koch-brothers-fossil-fuels-minorities.html?_r=1 Obama admin spars with critics over methane rule. The fate of an Obama administration methane-slashing rule was on the line last week as critics and fans of the regulation argued over whether it should be halted. With government lawyers, environmentalists and supporting states on one side and industry groups and several opposing states on the other… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048012 VEHICLES China boosts VW sales despite diesel emissions scandal. German automaker Volkswagen saw sales jump 16 percent in December for its namesake brand, propelled by a big increase in China, Volkswagen's biggest market. Global sales reported Monday rose to 567,900 from 487,700 despite the damage to the company's reputation from its scandal over cars rigged to cheat on diesel emissions tests. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GERMANY_VOLKSWAGEN_SALES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VW RECALL Second VW Employee Arrested Over Emissions Scheme. The Volkswagen executive who once was in charge of complying with U.S. emissions regulations was arrested during the weekend in Florida and accused of deceiving federal regulators about the use of special software that cheated on emissions tests. Oliver Schmidt, who was general manager of the engineering and environmental office for VW of America, was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VOLKSWAGEN_ARREST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/09/us/ap-us-volkswagen-arrest.html http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/business/volkswagen-diesel-emissions-investigation-settlement.html?_r=1 http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-arrest-20170109-story.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/01/09/fbi-arrests-top-volkswagen-executive-emissions-scandal/96340582/ http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/01/09/67927/second-vw-employee-arrested-over-emissions-scheme/ GREEN ENERGY Obama presses Trump not to back away from clean energy. President Barack Obama cast the adoption of clean energy in the U.S. as "irreversible," putting pressure Monday on President-elect Donald Trump not to back away from a core strategy to fight climate change. Obama, penning an opinion article in the journal Science, sought to frame the argument in a way that might appeal to the president-elect: in economic terms. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Obama says push toward clean energy is 'irreversible' President Obama says trends toward clean energy are "irreversible" and will overcome "near-term politics" in an article he wrote Monday for the journal Science. The article, entitled "The irreversible momentum of clean energy," was published in the journal's policy forum, and details why the president believes there's no turning back from renewable energies such as solar, wind and geothermal. http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2017/01/09/president-obama-science-journal/96342060/ http://www.pv-tech.org/news/eia-clean-energy-to-grow-even-if-trump-scraps-clean-power-plan Scott Wiener models state solar bill on S.F. law. Newly sworn-in state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, plans to introduce legislation Monday requiring all new construction in the state to include solar panels. The bill expands on a San Francisco city ordinance Wiener wrote while on the Board of Supervisors that requires solar panels to be put on new construction within the city… http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Scott-Wiener-models-state-solar-bill-on-S-F-law-10843577.php?t=848b1faa85&cmpid=twitter-premium Amazon to surpass 1 GW of clean energy capacity. Is it enough? Amazon.com Inc. this month will begin receiving the first of roughly 930 megawatts of new renewable energy in what could be one of the largest expansions of wind and solar power by a private-sector firm in 2017. The company's growing portfolio of clean power projects — whose collective capacity should reach 1.16 gigawatts by year's end… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048034 A grim prognosis for Mission Innovation under Trump. President Carter installed 32 solar water heating panels on the White House roof in 1979, and President Reagan took them down in 1986. The decision was symbolic of the ideological divide between the two administrations on energy policy and how the two presidents sought to address challenges like the oil crisis and the lagging economy. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048035 MISCELLANEOUS San Diego’s Public Transit Growth Hits Speed Bump. Most effective transportation policies are highly unpopular. Just over a year after the passage of San Diego's Climate Action Plan, the city's goal of dramatically shifting its residents' commuting habits away from cars and toward public transit is slipping further from reach. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jan/09/public-transit-ridership-falls-san-diego-seeks-sol/ OPINIONS Seeing the devastation of climate change in the ruins of Aleppo. I recently followed a drone through the ruined Syrian city of Aleppo, courtesy of YouTube. The destruction was sobering, to say the least. The camera glided by exploded apartment buildings and streets piled with rubble, block after city block. The political situation in Syria is contemptible, the impact of war on human lives horrendously tragic… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-stier-climate-change-and-syrian-civil-war-20170106-story.html California must tighten fracking regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency’s final report on the impact of fracking on water supplies finds more danger than previously acknowledged — but there’s no way a Donald Trump administration is going to toughen the minimal federal regulations now in place. The president-elect already promised the industry last fall that he would try to end regulation of fracking, which involves injecting water and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to force oil and gas from rock formations. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/06/editorial-california-must-tighten-fracking-regulations/ Climate change and farming: let's be part of the solution! What with rising rainfall in the west, and hotter, drier summers in the east, British farmers place plenty of challenges from global warming, writes Anna Bowen. But there are also positive opportunities for agricultural innovators to adapt their farming systems to changing conditions, make their operations more resilient and sustainable, and make themselves part of the solution. http://www.enn.com/climate/spotlight/50253 Why automakers spend heavily to promote gas guzzlers. When Nissan rolled out its all-electric Leaf in 2010, the company's bold advertising grabbed attention — and criticism. The spot, which premiered during an NFL game, showed a polar bear trekking south past pollution-spewing power plants and cars, until he meets a Leaf driver and hugs him. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/09/stories/1060048038 BLOGS Drought and Equity in California. The Pacific Institute and the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water have released the first analysis of the impacts of the California drought on vulnerable communities and put forward recommendations to alleviate those impacts. The study focuses on three impacts of the drought: domestic water supply shortages, rising water costs, and declines in the salmon fishery. http://pacinst.org/news/drought-equity-california/ Getting a better grip on gas taxes. When 195 nations joined to fight climate change in the 2015 Paris Agreement, leaders hailed the occasion as “historic” and “a tremendous victory.” Others sounded notes of caution. Agreements and results are two different things, they said, especially when the agreements are nonbinding. Moreover, it can be difficult to measure the actions individual countries are taking due to a basic lack of reliable information and data. https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/article/getting-better-grip-gas-taxes/ The chances of Trump demanding a carbon tax to save the world from climate change is, to be polite, remote to non-existent. The introduction, or should I say, the force feeding of the Ontario carbon cap-and-trade, and the Alberta version, which they prefer to term a carbon “levy” were, and will be, dominate factors affecting prices in both provinces as well as Quebec. While the Ontario Government gave substantial forewarning of the intent to apply the cap-and-trade throughout 2016… http://www.trucknews.com/blogs/chances-trump-demanding-carbon-tax-save-world-climate-change-polite-remote-non-existent/ Global warming is creating a wildfire 'death spiral' in alpine areas, say climate change scientists. 'Landscape flammability, and thus fire, are likely to increase as a result of warming effects'. Global warming is creating a vicious feedback loop that could increase the number of wildfires in alpine areas, scientists have warned. After fire sweeps through an area, it can effectively clears the land and the researchers… http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/global-warming-wildfire-climate-change-environment-alpine-areas-australia-alps-fire-plants-flammable-a7517686.html New California Dam Proposed to Combat Climate Change Concerns. Nevada Irrigation District, which serves two California counties, wants to build a new reservoir on the Bear River to capture rainfall, amid concerns that climate change is shrinking Sierra Nevada snowpack. Americans have had one primary reason for building dams over the past century: capturing water for growth, whether on farms or in cities. Now a new dam proposed on California’s Bear River offers another reason: adapting to climate change. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/01/09/new-california-dam-proposed-to-combat-climate-change-concerns?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=0fb063654e-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-0fb063654e-327747457 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:43:34 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 10, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 10, 2017. 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 POLLUTION S.F. Supervisor Wants Answers From Chevron on Toxic Gas Release and Odor. San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell wants to haul executives from the Chevron oil company to City Hall to explain why two malfunctions at their Richmond refinery may have sent toxic gas to San Francisco twice late last month. Prompted by KQED’s reporting… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/01/10/s-f-supervisor-wants-answers-from-chevron-on-toxic-gas-release-and-odor/ Beijing and Paris step up air pollution crackdown. Businesses in two of the world's most famous cities could soon face increased pressure to curb pollution and step up efforts to improve air quality, as officials in Beijing and Paris this week unveiled bold new policy measures to tackle growing smog fears. According to Reuters reports, the Chinese government is to establish a new 'smog police' unit to specifically target environmental offences. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3002171/beijing-and-paris-step-up-air-pollution-crackdown EPA advances incinerator guidelines for states. U.S. EPA is proceeding with a federal framework for implementing incinerator emissions guidelines in states that don't put together plans of their own. The proposed rule, set for publication in tomorrow's Federal Register, would apply to existing commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators and serve as an enforcement vehicle for the amended… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048130 CLIMATE CHANGE Methane may not last long in the atmosphere — but it drives sea level rise for centuries. It seems like just about every week, there’s more news on the rapid melting of glaciers in Greenland, Antarctica and elsewhere — and scientists’ growing concern about their potentially dramatic contributions to global sea level rise. But there’s another major element affecting global sea levels, and research suggests that it could be a factor for centuries to come. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/09/methane-may-not-last-long-in-the-atmosphere-but-it-drives-rising-seas-for-hundreds-of-years/?utm_campaign=c63b52581d-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.548208c610d9 China Wants to Be a Climate Change Watchdog, but Can’t Yet Lead by Example. President-elect Donald J. Trump has called climate change a hoax created by China and said he would cancel an international accord to curb greenhouse gas emissions. But leaders of other nations, including China, are rolling up their sleeves for the hard work of putting that deal into practice. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/world/asia/china-wants-to-be-a-climate-change-watchdog-but-cant-yet-lead-by-example.html?_r=0 Obama admin sets climate metric for federal projects. The Obama administration is finalizing a controversial if under-the-radar rule tackling the climate change impact of transportation projects days before the end of the administration. A final draft of a rule the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published on its website would require state and regional highway planners to measure and report the greenhouse gas emissions of projects receiving federal funding. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060048136/search?keyword=california Is our wastewater treatment ready for climate change? As sea levels continue to inch up the coast, urban planners are beginning to worry that the water could disable a critical cog of urban infrastructure: wastewater facilities. Higher tides and storm surges are posing an increasing risk to facilities that clean out city sewage before routing it back into ocean… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048072 Hazardous toxin to humans could rise with warming water. Most seafood lovers have never heard of domoic acid, but it might be time for them to start paying attention — the material, occasionally found in shellfish, is a serious health risk, and researchers have recently linked its presence with climatic phenomena. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048087 DROUGHT The worst of the storms is over. Here’s what’s next for California. Northern California’s major rivers swelled and then began receding during a pause between rainstorms Monday, leaving a trail of toppled trees and damaged roadways but no major urban flooding in Sacramento or elsewhere. The weekend’s big rainfall, the most Sacramento has seen in a two-day stretch since 2000… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article125541679.html#storylink=cpy California gets rains, but drought still means fewer lawns in future. Deborah Butler spent three years apologizing for her lawn. After buying a corner property in Studio City with her husband over three years ago, they inherited a ragged front lawn they didn’t particularly want or need – not with a park across the street, and especially not amidst a five-going-on-six year drought. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0109/California-gets-rains-but-drought-still-means-fewer-lawns-in-future FUELS Carbon capture takes 'huge step' with first U.S. plant. Petra Nova carbon-capture project. President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign "there is a thing called clean coal." In the United States, he just got exhibit A. Today, NRG Energy Inc. announced that its Petra Nova project, the world's largest retrofit of a coal plant with carbon capture technology, is operational southwest of Houston. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048090 VEHICLES GM's Chevrolet Bolt electric car wins North American Car of the Year. General Motors picked up the crown jewel in the trifecta of trophies Monday for its new long-range electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt. The Bolt was named North American Car of the Year, beating two conventionally powered luxury sedans, the Genesis G90 and the Volvo S90, in an announcement delivered at the North American International Auto Show. http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/01/09/gms-chevrolet-bolt-electric-car-wins-north-american-car-year/96334822/ http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/09/autos/bolt-car-of-the-year/index.html http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108206_2017-chevy-bolt-ev-electric-car-wins-north-american-car-of-the-year-award Despite scandal, VW in running for global sales crown. It's ironic: Volkswagen spent 2016 battling a huge scandal over cars it rigged to cheat on emissions tests. And now stands a decent chance to pass Toyota for the title of world's biggest carmaker for the year.Booming business in China helped Volkswagen increase its sales to 10.31 million vehicles last year across all its brands, which include Audi, Porsche and Skoda… http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article125583224.html#storylink=cpy Cities unite to seek 'record breaking' electric fleet. Four of the largest West Coast cities are asking automakers whether they can produce "a potentially record-breaking order" of 24,000 electric vehicles. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Ore., joined in a request for information (RFI) from automakers. The cities described it as the first step in a formal bidding process. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048109 GREEN ENERGY Is Amazon's secrecy preventing a greener grid? Amazon.com, that seller of all things, offers endless information on its products. But the sharing stops cold when it comes to its own energy use and carbon footprint, and that reticence might be slowing the greening of the electric grid, a new report claims. The study from Greenpeace, called "Clicking Clean," is a periodic and comprehensive look at the energy… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048103 Southern unit scoops up another chunk of renewables. Southern Co.'s wholesale power unit has bought another wind farm in Texas, increasing its renewable energy portfolio to more than 3,200 megawatts. Southern Power has bought the 276-MW Bethel Wind Energy Center, the company said yesterday. Google's renewable energy arm has agreed to buy most of the electricity and renewable-energy credits. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048076 Wind power blows past coal in U.K. Wind produced more electricity than coal in the United Kingdom for the first time last year. Coal power fell to its lowest levels of generation in eight decades, partly because of the closure of three major plants. Coal contributed 9.2 percent of U.K. power, compared with 22.6 percent the year before. Wind energy supplied 11.5 percent of electricity generation in 2016. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/10/stories/1060048084 OPINIONS Letter: The PurpleAir option for measuring air quality. The Dec. 30 article, "Bad air and broken pollution monitors to ring in 2017," brings home the inadequacy of our official air pollution monitoring system. In spite of good intentions, Utah's Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is not doing the job they should: Effectively monitoring our air quality to help protect the public from harmful polluted air. http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/4765466-155/letter-the-purpleair-option-for-measuring BLOGS Calif. Senator Proposes Statewide Solar Mandate For New Buildings. Scott Wiener, a newly elected California state senator representing District 11, has introduced legislation to require the installation of solar power on new residential and commercial buildings throughout California. The statewide requirement would resemble a city mandate Wiener authored and helped pass last year as a member… http://solarindustrymag.com/calif-senator-proposes-statewide-solar-mandate-for-new-buildings Calif. Senator Proposes Statewide Solar Mandate For New Buildings. Scott Wiener, a newly elected California state senator representing District 11, has introduced legislation to require the installation of solar power on new residential and commercial buildings throughout California. The statewide requirement would resemble a city mandate Wiener authored and helped pass last year as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. http://solarindustrymag.com/calif-senator-proposes-statewide-solar-mandate-for-new-buildings California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 15:59:38 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 12, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CAP AND TRADE California lawmakers offer a plan to extend the state's cap-and-trade program (2nd item in digest). A group of lawmakers, including some who have been skeptical of global warming regulations, introduced legislation on Thursday to ensure that California's cap-and-trade emissions control program remains a permanent part of the state's climate policy.http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cap-and-trade-1484247898-htmlstory.html CLIMATE CHANGE Lowest temperatures in decades in parts of eastern Europe. Authorities dug out stranded residents as heavy snow blanketed Eastern Europe Wednesday and people struggled with travel delays, power outages and subzero temperatures. Homeless people and migrants were among those most at risk. The recent cold snap has now been blamed for at least 73 deaths, and seen the lowest temperatures for decades in some parts. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_WEATHER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Massachusetts judge requires Exxon to hand over climate documents. A Massachusetts judge has refused to excuse Exxon Mobil Corp from a request by the state's attorney general to hand over decades worth of documents on its views on climate change, state officials said on Wednesday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-exxon-mobil-massachusetts-idUKKBN14W04Z Climate changing for "green bonds" even in face of Trump skepticism. A niche market in debt raised to fund environmental projects may be set for significant growth and could make a bigger contribution to the trillions of dollars needed to stop the world overheating. The volume of "green bonds" with proceeds earmarked for investments such as a wind farm or a low carbon transport network nearly doubled in 2016. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-bonds-greenbonds-idUSKBN14W2FX Trump, rising populism threaten to slow climate action, analyst says. Rising global populism and pressure to reduce U.S. environmental regulation are among the issues to watch in 2017 as efforts to address climate change push ahead, a sustainability expert said Wednesday. Action to address global warming should be non-partisan to make the kind of ambitious progress needed… http://in.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-politics-energy-idINKBN14V2TC Scientists have a new way to calculate what global warming costs. Trump’s team isn’t going to like it. How we view the costs of future climate change, and more importantly how we quantify them, may soon be changing. A much-anticipated new report, just released by the National Academy of Sciences, recommends major updates to a federal metric known as the “social cost of carbon”... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/12/scientists-have-a-new-way-to-calculate-what-global-warming-costs-trumps-team-isnt-going-to-like-it/?utm_term=.933174f8de14 Seattle climate scientists spread word on warming, skip politics. For years now, climate scientists have seen explaining their work as a way to help the public make good decisions in response to global warming — without politics. Climate scientists at the University of Washington want to talk more about their work because it and public policy are intertwined. http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/seattle-climate-scientists-spread-word-on-warming-skip-politics/ Californians are confident climate is changing. While confidence in political polls has taken a recent hit, a new survey that finds Californians relatively steadfast in their views on climate change should restore some faith in the discipline. Californians are slightly more confident than the rest of the country that climate change is already happening… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/12/stories/1060048245 Ethanol, conservation cause 'significant' drop in GHGs — USDA. Corn-based ethanol contributes 43 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, and the biofuel's advantage is likely to grow if the industry keeps up with conservation practices, the Department of Agriculture said. In a report on the environmental impact of biofuels, USDA said conservation measures on the farm and at ethanol plants… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/12/stories/1060048301 DROUGHT Officials: More than 40 percent of California out of drought. More than 40 percent of California has emerged from a punishing drought that covered the whole state a year ago, federal drought-watchers said Thursday, a stunning transformation caused by an unrelenting series of storms in the North that filled lakes, overflowed rivers and buried mountains in snow. http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Officials-More-than-40-percent-of-California-out-10852763.php VEHICLES Zero-emission boat prepares for round-the-world odyssey. The first self-sufficient boat powered only by emission-free energy will start a six-year trip around the world in the spring. Energy Observer, a former multi-hull race boat converted into a green vessel equipped with solar panels, wind turbines and a hydrogen fuel cell system, will be powered by wind, the sun and self-generated hydrogen. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SAI_GREEN_POWERED_BOAT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) US gov't accuses Fiat Chrysler of cheating on emissions. The U.S. government is accusing Fiat Chrysler of failing to disclose software in some of its pickups and SUVs with diesel engines that allows them to emit more pollution than allowed under the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it had issued a "notice of violation" to the company that covers about 104,000 vehicles including the 2014 through 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram pickups… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FIAT_CHRYSLER_DIESEL_EMISSIONS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-idUSKBN14W29S https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-12/fiat-chrysler-plunges-on-report-epa-to-allege-emissions-cheating http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-accuses-fiat-chrysler-of-diesel-emissions-violations-1484237791 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/01/12/epa-fiat-chrysler-used-software-to-cheat-on-emissions-tests/?utm_term=.59b37ed8641e https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/business/epa-emissions-cheating-diesel-fiat-chrysler-jeep-dodge.html?_r=0 http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/01/12/fiat-chrysler-automobiles-epa-environmental-protection-agency/96485486/ http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-fiat-chrysler-emissions-20170112-story.html http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/AP-Sources-US-to-allege-Fiat-Chrysler-cheated-on-10852881.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article126093559.html#storylink=cpy http://www.hybridcars.com/us-epa-and-california-allege-undisclosed-diesel-emissions-controls-on-fiat-chrysler-jeep-and-ram-trucks/ http://www.timesheraldonline.com/article/NH/20170112/NEWS/170119913 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/12/fiat-chrysler-diesel-emission-cheating-software-epa http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/01/12/sources-u-s-to-allege-fiat-chrysler-cheated-on-emissions/ http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/12/reuters-america-fiat-chrysler-leads-european-shares-lower-on-emissions-accusations.html http://www.bbc.com/news/business-38600012 http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/12/stories/1060048294 VW RECALL Indicted VW exec seeking release on bail over US objection. A high-ranking Volkswagen AG executive indicted in the company's U.S. emissions scandal is seeking release on bail over the objections of federal prosecutors. A detention hearing for 48-year-old Oliver Schmidt is scheduled Thursday in Miami, where he was arrested on a visit to the U.S. from Germany. Five other Volkswagen executives have also been charged in an indictment released Wednesday in Detroit. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL_EXECUTIVE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT In VW case, US takes aim at employees, not just corporation. Six high-level Volkswagen employees from Germany have been indicted in the U.S. in the automaker's emissions-cheating scandal as prosecutors made good on efforts to charge individuals in a corporate corruption case. But bringing them to trial in the U.S. is another matter. In announcing the federal charges and a corporate plea bargain by Volkswagen… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT GREEN ENERGY Chinese clean energy investment dips amid plans to boost spending. Global investment in clean energy fell 18 percent in 2016 to $287.5 billion, a trend experts attributed to steeply falling costs for renewable energy but also a cooling of two of the world's largest energy markets — China and Japan. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/12/stories/1060048244 MISCELLANEOUS Gas Taxes May Go Up Around The Country As States Seek To Plug Budget Holes. Oklahoma lawmakers are staring into a budget hole that's nearly $900 million deep — and they might not be able to cut their way out of it. Legislators are considering tax increases to help fund state government, and one idea is gaining traction: Hiking taxes on gasoline and diesel. This year could see a wave of state tax hikes on gasoline and diesel. http://www.npr.org/2017/01/12/509344237/gas-taxes-may-go-up-around-the-country-as-states-seek-to-plug-budget-holes?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9dbf58a836-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9dbf58a836-327747457 Axalta Acquires CA-Based Ellis Paints. Axalta Coating Systems (Philadelphia) announced Friday (Jan. 6) that it will acquire the Ellis Paint Company, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of industrial and automotive refinish paints.Ellis, founded in Montana in 1887, has been based in California since the 1930s. In addition to the Pacific Coat Lacquer line of auto refinish paints, the company offers industrial paints and coatings under the Hy-Lux, Shaft-Lac… http://www.paintsquare.com/news/?fuseaction=view&id=16036 BLOGS Will Air Pollution Slow China’s Red-Hot Car Market? The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers announced car and light vehicle sales rose 15% to 24.4 million. Some of the growth likely was due to favorable sales tax provisions from the central government. Since the country has over 1.39 billion residents, the purchase numbers should drive higher for years. However, air pollution problems in large cities… http://247wallst.com/autos/2017/01/12/will-air-pollution-slow-chinas-red-hot-car-market/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 17:04:02 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 13, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CAP AND TRADE California Considers Guaranteeing Carbon Prices in Trump Era. California is considering a system to protect projects that cut global-warming emissions from a market downturn that may worsen under a Trump administration. The state may guarantee the money these project developers get for emission-reduction and clean-fuel credits by auctioning options that oblige California to pay a minimum price for them… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/california-considers-guaranteeing-carbon-prices-in-trump-era?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e958fbc481-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e958fbc481-327747457 Cap and trade, the good, bad and ugly. On Jan. 1, Ontario consumers noticed a spike in gas prices as the province’s new cap and trade system came into effect. Cap and trade will add about four cents a litre for gasoline and about a dollar per gigajoule to natural gas bills. It will increase other prices too as increased costs of production and transportation ripple through the economy. http://www.torontosun.com/2017/01/12/cap-and-trade-the-good-bad-and-ugly Lawmakers eager to extend cap-and-trade program. California lawmakers yesterday introduced a bill to extend the state's signature cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases beyond 2020, in line with Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) call to preserve the program. A.B. 151, by Assembly members Autumn Burke (D), Jim Cooper (D), Evan Low (D) and Blanca Rubio (D), is aimed at relieving market jitters that have hurt demand for emissions allowances. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048350 AIR POLLUTION All north Indian cities fail to meet air quality standards, report finds. Greenpeace study estimates air pollution kills more than 1 million Indians each year and cuts country’s GDP by 3%. Not a single city in northern India meets international air quality standards, according to a Greenpeace report that estimates air pollution kills more than 1 million Indians each year and takes 3% off the country’s GDP. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/13/all-north-indian-cities-fail-meet-air-quality-standards-report-finds EPA denies time-worn petitions against rule. The Obama administration yesterday denied a slew of petitions from states, industry and others that in 2015 asked U.S. EPA to reconsider or pause its landmark plan for cutting carbon emissions from the power sector. Challengers to the Clean Power Plan filed the requests after the rule was finalized in 2015 but before the Supreme Court froze implementation in February 2016. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048345 CLIMATE CHANGE Trump appointees on climate change: Not fake, not a big deal either. As we watch President-elect Donald Trump’s national security appointees seek Senate confirmation this week, a hint of a pattern seems to be emerging in how some of them discuss the global environment and its leading problem, the unambiguous warming trend. We’re not seeing any outright denial on this front. What we are seeing, though, is a tendency to either avoid full confrontation with the issue or to minimize it. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/13/trump-appointees-on-climate-change-not-fake-not-a-big-deal-either/?utm_term=.3f67bd17daba More than 70 percent of Japan’s largest coral reef has died. Japan’s largest coral reef system has become the latest casualty in a long series of coral bleaching events around the world. More than 90 percent of coral in the Sekisei Lagoon, located in the Okinawa prefecture, has bleached, according to a new survey just released by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. And a whopping 70 percent of the reef has died. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/13/more-than-70-percent-of-japans-largest-coral-reef-has-died/?utm_term=.733bee8d95ee Exxon Mobil is ordered to hand over climate change research. A Massachusetts judge has ordered Exxon Mobil to submit 40 years of documents regarding the company’s studies of the impact of fossil fuels on climate change. Superior Court Judge Heidi E. Brieger said state law supports arguments by Massachusetts’ attorney general that the government agency has the authority to pursue questions about whether Exxon Mobil misled the public about the role fossil fuels play in climate change. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-exxon-mobil-climate-change-documents-20170112-story.html Northeast warming more rapidly than most of US. New England is likely to experience significantly greater warming over the next decade, and beyond, than the rest of the planet, according to new findings by climate scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The region’s temperatures are projected to rise by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels by 2025… https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/01/12/northeast-will-experience-faster-warming-from-climate-change-new-study-finds/nitce6eK8zqQN2LXZXgvwK/story.html Trees near the Great Lakes vulnerable to warming. Scientists are trying to equip forests near the Great Lakes to deal with the effects of climate change. They predict the region will experience increased temperatures and water scarcity, which could have implications for its forest cover. The Great Lakes forests support a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna, as well as a forestry industry valued at several billion dollars. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048328 DROUGHT Call it the Southern California drought. Rain and snow end Northern California water woes. What was once a statewide drought this week became a Southern California drought. A week of powerful storms has significantly eased the state’s water shortage, pulling nearly all of Northern California out of drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The report underscores what experts have been saying for several months. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/ FUELS EPA rejects automakers’ bid to weaken fuel efficiency standards. The Environmental Protection Agency rejected a bid by automakers to roll back fuel efficiency standards that would sharply increase mileage by 2025, saying that the auto companies possess the technology and financial resources to meet the targets set by the Obama administration. Citing eight years of research, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said that “at every step in the process… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/13/epa-rejects-automakers-bid-to-weaken-fuel-efficiency-standards/?utm_campaign=e958fbc481-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.c6c17004b287 http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/314148-obama-wont-change-car-emissions-standards EPA finalizes standards as unhappy carmakers look to Trump. The Obama administration locked in tighter fuel economy standards today for cars, minivans, SUVs and pickup trucks — finalizing the decision 14 months ahead of schedule and a week before the inauguration of Donald Trump. A component of President Obama's climate change agenda, the greenhouse gas standards would bring average… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048381 VEHICLES Competition heats up in race for electric vehicle. Automakers are shifting away from hybrid vehicles and pouring resources into electric vehicles in the race to develop the next generation of environmentally friendly automobiles. The shift is being pushed by stronger emissions rules in Europe, the United States and China, as well as lower manufacturing costs for electric vehicles. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/13/competition-heats-up-in-race-for-electric-vehicle/ VW suggests imminent plug-in and electric vehicle battery shortage. Panasonic, Tesla will be tasked with boosting battery production. As consumers continue to buy more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids worldwide, lithium-ion battery packs continue to drop in price while offering increasing energy density. So what could possibly be the problem? A global battery-pack shortage, that's what. http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/12/vw-suggests-plug-in-electric-vehicle-battery-shortage/ VW RECALL How VW's In-House Lawyers Screwed Up a Litigation Hold. The obstruction of justice charge filed against Volkswagen AG on Wednesday pertains not only to lies by employees to federal regulators, but also to actions by VW's in-house legal team, according to statements attached to the plea agreement. The statements say VW in-house attorneys tipped off employees about an oncoming litigation hold. http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=1202776735311/-How-VWs-InHouse-Lawyers-Screwed-Up-a-Litigation-Hold-?slreturn=20170013133200 FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Fiat Chrysler Faces U.S. Criminal Emissions Investigation. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over its alleged failure to disclose software that violated emissions standards, according to people familiar with the matter, another legal hurdle for a company already under criminal scrutiny for its sales practices. The possibility of a criminal action over diesel emissions violations comes after the Environmental Protection Agency said… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/fiat-chrysler-said-to-face-u-s-criminal-emissions-investigation http://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-presses-italy-to-respond-on-fiat-chrysler-emissions-accusations-1484310394 Diesel emissions inquiries widen to Renault and Fiat. European carmakers were drawn into a widening probe of diesel emissions testing on Friday, with French prosecutors examining Renault and British authorities seeking answers from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV. Volkswagen's VOW_p.DE admission that some of its diesel vehicles were fitted with software designed to hide their true level of emissions… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-idUSKBN14X1GL http://www.wsj.com/articles/renault-under-investigation-in-france-over-emissions-1484303906 http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-renault-emissions-fraud-20170113-story.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/01/13/reports-renault-probed-over-diesel-emissions/96530572/ https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/13/renault-diesel-emissions-cheating-france-us-fiat-chrysler http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/13/news/renault-emissions-cheating-investigation/ GREEN ENERGY Cuomo pledges $360M toward renewables mandate. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday said his administration would provide $360 million in additional funding to help the state achieve a 50 percent renewable energy mandate by 2030. The announcement comes on the heels of a pledge by Cuomo to develop the country's largest offshore wind projects. Wednesday's awards to 11 new and existing renewable energy projects… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048327 BLM finalizes mitigation plan for Colo. solar zones. The Bureau of Land Management continues to advance policies and measures in the final days of the Obama administration to promote renewable energy development on federal lands. The latest move is the finalization of a regional mitigation strategy designed to pave the way for commercial-scale solar power development inside Colorado's resource-rich San Luis Valley. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048376 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Pricing carbon: California’s unfinished climate priority. At the close of their legislative session in August, California lawmakers passed one of the world’s most significant climate policies—SB 32, named after the state’s original climate law from a decade earlier, AB 32. The new bill added a single line to its predecessor, requiring the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. http://thebulletin.org/pricing-carbon-california%E2%80%99s-unfinished-climate-priority10367 OPINIONS In Paramount pollution crisis, outrage is justified: Anthony Rendon. If you suddenly discover a hazardous toxin in your home, the immediate response is shock and fear, whether the threat is radon in the soil, lead in water pipes or carbon monoxide leaking from a heater. Fear has hit the community I live in. Late last year, the residents of Paramount learned that our air betrayed levels of toxic chromium 6 that were hundreds of times above allowable standards. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20170113/in-paramount-pollution-crisis-outrage-is-justified-anthony-rendon Is climate ambiguity the new denial? The Senate's global warming snowballs might be melting. Conservative politicians in Washington are subtly shifting their arguments on climate change as the body of evidence grows to show how the Earth is affected by humans. And they often fall short of muscular denial. Former Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO Rex Tillerson says he believes in warming, but he doubts the accuracy of climate models. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/13/stories/1060048326 BLOGS Climate Change Could Kill off Parasites, Destabilizing Ecosystems. Photogenic animals, from polar bears to people, aren't the only creatures under threat from global climate change. A new review led by UC Berkeley suggests the phenomenon threatens parasites with extinction, which could have big consequences for ecosystems. The vast majority of research into parasites and environment change focuses on how hosts, particularly humans, will be harmed. http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/climate-change-could-kill-parasites-destabilizing-ecosystems Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle & Portland Seek Record-Breaking Order Of 24,000 EVs. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland are combining efforts and making monumental strides to strategically assist in the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles. The cities are initially requesting 24,000 EVs as soon as possible, along with enlisting multiple cities to join the effort to push numbers up to 100,000. Perhaps the Chevrolet Bolt will become a prime candidate for the initiative. http://insideevs.com/los-angeles-san-francisco-seattle-portland-seek-record-breaking-24000-evs/ Trump’s pick for CIA director tried to weasel out of questions on climate change. New California Sen. Kamala Harris grilled Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo about his views on climate change during a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. She asked if he has any reason to doubt current CIA director John Brennan’s assessment that climate change is a contributing factor to rising instability in the Middle East and other areas. http://grist.org/briefly/trumps-pick-for-cia-director-tried-to-weasel-out-of-questions-on-climate-change/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 15:36:04 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 17, 2017. 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 POLLUTION EPA tentatively agrees to NO2, SO2 review deadlines. U.S. EPA would commit to a series of hard deadlines for reviewing — and, if necessary, updating — its ambient air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide under a proposed consent decree released today for public comment. The tentative settlement, which still needs a judge's signature and must be made final by President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration, would require EPA officials to move ahead with a proposed rulemaking… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048500 EPA again argues for remand of Texas haze regs. EPA has renewed its call for a federal appellate court to permit the voluntary remand of the disputed portion of regional haze regulations for Texas and Oklahoma. In a motion filed Friday, EPA attorneys reiterated that the remand would allow the agency to reconsider those provisions in light of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/16/stories/1060048437 EPA faults 15 states, D.C. on ozone plans. U.S. EPA has officially faulted 15 states and the District of Columbia for failing to turn in complete plans for meeting the 2008 ozone air quality standard. Administrator Gina McCarthy signed the "findings of failure" to submit state implementation plans (SIPs) Friday. They will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, starting the clock on a two-year process… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/16/stories/1060048419 Miss. manufacturing workers exposed to toxins — EPA. Hundreds of workers in a Grenada, Miss., manufacturing facility are likely inhaling toxic air during the workday, according to a study released by U.S. EPA. Cancer-causing vapor flows inside the Grenada Stamping facility at rates higher than the federal action level, which is the highest threshold created by the agency. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/16/stories/1060048429 Beijing cracks down on pollution with $2.6B plan. Beijing's 2017 air quality goal is more than twice the World Health Organization standard, according to an announcement by the city's mayor Saturday. The Chinese capital has experienced persistent high levels of air pollution in recent weeks. "We will work hard to keep PM2.5 at an annual average of around 60 micrograms per cubic meter,"… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/16/stories/1060048420 CLIMATE CHANGE Xi at Davos Urges Trump to Stay in ‘Hard Won’ Paris Climate Deal. Chinese Premier Xi Jinping urged climate change skeptic Donald Trump to keep the U.S. in the “hard won” Paris agreement during a Davos speech that touted the world’s largest polluter as a leader in the fight against global warming. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, Xi said “all signatories must stick to” the 2015 Paris deal to limit global… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-16/climate-experts-see-xi-touting-clean-energy-leadership-at-davos?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e5b1326469-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e5b1326469-327747457 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-15/ignoring-trump-s-skepticism-davos-elite-bets-on-climate-change https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/15/business/world-economic-forum-davos-shifting-us-stance-on-climate-change.html?_r=0&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e5b1326469-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e5b1326469-327747457 Northeast warming more rapidly than most of US. New England is likely to experience significantly greater warming over the next decade, and beyond, than the rest of the planet, according to new findings by climate scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The region’s temperatures are projected to rise by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels by 2025… https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/01/12/northeast-will-experience-faster-warming-from-climate-change-new-study-finds/nitce6eK8zqQN2LXZXgvwK/story.html 30 years of cold and darkness may have killed the dinosaurs. The Cretaceous Period, famous for being the last age of the dinosaurs, seems to have ended on a cold and dark note. Researchers trying to reconstruct the mass dinosaur extinction more than 60 million years ago, widely believed to have been caused by the impact of an asteroid striking the Earth, may have found another piece of the puzzle. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048449 DROUGHT Drought-to-Drenched California Faces H20 Balancing Act. Rain has finally been falling hard in California, where reservoirs are filling up fast. After six years of punishing drought, that’s obviously a good thing. But it creates a balancing-act challenge for the state’s water managers. Keep too much holed up in storage and the system will overflow if the precipitation keeps coming. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-17/drought-to-drenched-california-faces-h20-overload-balancing-act California sees minor dip in water conservation. Water conservation for the state neared 19 percent this past November. That’s a slight decrease from 20.2 percent in November of 2015 before state-mandated conservation targets were lifted, according to a media release from the State Water Resources Control Board. The statewide savings from June 2015 to November 2016 is 22.6 percent, the board added… http://www.theunion.com/news/local-news/california-sees-minor-dip-in-water-conservation/ FUELS In Pruitt's Hearing for EPA Chief, His Fossil Fuel Ties Will Take Center Stage. Oklahoma AG's Senate hearing on Wednesday may be among the toughest of Trump's nominees as environmentalists aim to muster fierce opposition. Among Donald Trump's cabinet nominees awaiting Senate confirmation, few are expected to face tougher scrutiny than Scott Pruitt, the president-elect's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15012017/scott-pruitt-epa-chief-oklahoma-attorney-general-climate-denial?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e5b1326469-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e5b1326469-327747457 BLM rule survives initial court challenge. The Obama administration's plan to cut methane emissions on public lands will take effect as scheduled today after a federal court last night rebuffed industry and state attempts to block the rule. The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming denied requests from two industry groups and three states, which had asked for a preliminary injunction halting implementation of the Bureau of Land Management's… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048454 VEHICLES Robocars find prime parking in the high-tech spotlight. Desert Inn Road was clogged with traffic and workers moving exhibits for CES, the massive consumer electronics expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center. But the blue Hyundai Ioniq hybrid easily zigzagged through the mess, driving itself and a few reporters around obstacles with ease. The car and its passengers were there to attend CES. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/16/stories/1060048190 GREEN ENERGY A Big Test for Big Batteries. In Southern California in the fall of 2015, a giant natural gas leak not only caused one of the worst environmental disasters in the nation’s history, it also knocked out a critical fuel source for regional power plants. Energy regulators needed a quick fix. But rather than sticking with gas, they turned to a technology more closely associated with flashlights: batteries. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/14/business/energy-environment/california-big-batteries-as-power-plants.html?mtrref=t.co Clean-energy accelerator goes global. Energy "accelerators" are in vogue right now as a way to speed young clean-energy companies to market and curb climate change. Most focus on one geographic area, but a new one will span the globe, drawing the participation of utilities from Singapore to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Ireland. And though it is organized out of California and will have a focus on Silicon Valley… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048408 MISCELLANEOUS Environmental groups ramp up campaign against Pruitt. Progressive activists and environmental groups today escalated their lobbying against Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R), President-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. EPA administrator, as he prepares for his confirmation hearing this week. Protesters organized by 350.org staged a sit-in at the office of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who has been positive about Pruitt. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048505 Green rules don't cost jobs — report. Amid the GOP battle cry to roll back environmental regulations they say burden the economy and kill jobs, a green group has released a report rebutting that claim. The Environmental Integrity Project examined data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Office of Management and Budget and analysis from dozens of economists and researchers. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/17/stories/1060048477 OPINIONS In Paramount pollution crisis, outrage is justified: Anthony Rendon. If you suddenly discover a hazardous toxin in your home, the immediate response is shock and fear, whether the threat is radon in the soil, lead in water pipes or carbon monoxide leaking from a heater. Fear has hit the community I live in. Late last year, the residents of Paramount learned that our air betrayed levels of toxic chromium 6… http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20170113/in-paramount-pollution-crisis-outrage-is-justified-anthony-rendon California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 13:54:26 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 18, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 18, 2017. 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 Tax cuts over carbon pricing up to province, Justin Trudeau says. PM says steering new revenue toward 'vulnerable,' as promised earlier, isn't his decision. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he'll leave it up to the New Brunswick government to decide whether to cut other taxes to make up for a carbon-pricing system likely to be announced this year. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/justin-trudeau-carbon-tax-new-brunswick-1.3939722 AIR POLLUTION AQMD proposes ban on toxic hydrofluoric acid at South Bay refineries. In a stunning move that relieved and surprised local activists, the region’s air pollution watchdog plans to seek a ban on a highly toxic acid used at oil refineries in Torrance and Wilmington, the Daily Breeze has learned. Susan Nakamura, acting assistant deputy executive officer with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said a series of safety “mishaps” that have plagued the PBF Energy-owned refinery… http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170117/NEWS/170119495 Colorado Springs wrestles with sulfur dioxide pollution from central coal-fired power plant. Colorado’s pretty second city, aiming to play up its “city for champions” role as a base for Olympians, faces intensifying friction over foul air from an 80-year-old, coal-fired municipal power plant that pumps out sulfur dioxide. It is an example of lingering air pollution problems that the Clean Air Act… http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/15/colorado-springs-power-plant-sulfur-dioxide-pollution/ Clean air advocates detail 19-point plan to attack Utah's pollution problem. Advocates are recommending a 19-point proposal to Utah leaders if they want to get serious about conquering the state's nagging pollution problem, including an outright ban on all two-stroke gas-powered lawn equipment, statewide emissions testing for vehicles and tighter industry controls. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865671255/Clean-air-advocates-detail-19-point-plan-to-attack-Utahs-pollution-problem.html Australia should invest in coal power to reduce emissions, minister says. Economists and energy analysts question environmental and economic case for Matt Canavan’s coal push. Research touted by the resources minister that reportedly suggests Australia can rely on coal to meet emissions reduction has been attacked by experts and appears to have been misreported. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/17/australia-can-meet-emissions-targets-with-coal-says-mining-minister EPA reports decrease in toxic releases. The amount of toxic chemicals being released into the air by industrial facilities has been cut in half since 2005, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Toxics Release Inventory report, which is based on data from more than 21,800 facilities nationwide, shows a 56 percent decrease in the release of toxic air emissions from 2005 to 2015, including an 8 percent decrease between 2014 and 2015. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/data-watch/ EPA, Sierra Club reach deal in monitoring suit. U.S. EPA has worked out a tentative deal to end a Sierra Club lawsuit challenging changes to air quality monitoring regulations put in place last year. Under a proposed settlement scheduled to be formally released tomorrow for public comment, the Sierra Club would drop the suit after EPA issues two "nonbinding guidance documents" intended to bolster public access and notification efforts. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048574 ALISO CANYON California finishes safety review of wells after blowout. A California natural gas storage facility where a blowout spewed methane for nearly four months has completed a safety review required to resume operations, though it might never return to full capacity, state officials said Tuesday. The Southern California Gas Co. facility at Aliso Canyon has been crippled more than a year since the blowout discovered in October 2015 drove 8,000 families… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_GAS_LEAK?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://in.reuters.com/article/usa-socalgas-alisocanyon-idINL1N1F71Z7 http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-741417--.html CLIMATE CHANGE For third-straight time, Earth sets hottest year record. Earth sizzled to a third-straight record hot year in 2016, government scientists said Wednesday. They mostly blame man-made global warming with help from a natural El Nino, which has since disappeared. Measuring global temperatures in slightly different ways, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that last year passed 2015 as the hottest year on record. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_HOTTEST_YEAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/hottest-year-on-record/ http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-temperatures-idUSKBN15227X http://www.wsj.com/articles/last-year-was-hottest-on-record-climate-experts-say-1484756646 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/science/earth-highest-temperature-record.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-hottest-year-2016-20170118-story.html http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/For-third-straight-time-Earth-sets-hottest-year-10865428.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article127198569.html http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38652746 http://abc7news.com/science/2016-hottest-year;-scientists-blame-global-warming/1708364/ http://www.toledoblade.com/World/2017/01/18/World-temperatures-hit-new-high-in-2016-for-third-year-in-a-row.html Study finds global warming could steal postcard-perfect days. Global warming is going to steal away some of those postcard-perfect weather days in the future, according to a first-of-its-kind projection of nice weather. On average, Earth will have 10 fewer days of mild and mostly dry weather by the end of the century, the researchers estimate. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_FEWER_MILD_DAYS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/article127163554.html Interior nominee Zinke disputes Trump on climate change. Donald Trump's choice to head the Interior Department on Tuesday rejected the president-elect's claim that climate change is a hoax, saying it is indisputable that environmental changes are affecting the world's temperature and human activity is a major reason. "I don't believe it's a hoax," Rep. Ryan Zinke told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee at his confirmation hearing. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_INTERIOR_SECRETARY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/17/510335071/trump-pick-to-head-interior-department-says-climate-change-is-not-a-hoax?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=bcb2242d86- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/17/ryan-zinke-says-humans-influence-climate-change-scientists-say-were-the-dominant-cause/ http://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-01-17/donald-trumps-interior-pick-theres-debate-about-extent-of-human-role-in-climate-change http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/epa-pick-pruitt-climate-change-not-a-hoax/article/2612196?custom_click=rss http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/17/interior-secretary-pick-zinke-climate-change-real/ Trump Denies Climate Change, But Majority Of Americans Favor Environmental Laws. President-elect Donald Trump has denied climate change exists, but the majority of Americans say environmental regulations are worth the cost, a recent Pew Research Center survey found. Fifty-nine percent of Americans say stronger environmental laws and regulations are worth it… http://www.ibtimes.com/trump-denies-climate-change-majority-americans-favor-environmental-laws-2476676 Indigenous Canadians face a crisis as climate change eats away island home. Rising sea levels mean that Lennox Island has lost more than 400 acres in just a few generations. Now its First Nations community wonders if it has a future. His hands tucked tightly in the pockets of his jeans; Gilbert Sark nodded at the ice-covered bay stretched out before him. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/18/canada-island-climate-change-sea-level-rise-lennox Number of 'perfect' days diminishes with climate change. The perfect weather day could happen less often in the future. The mild weather most people prefer, sunny with temperatures between 64 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, will yield to more extreme weather in many parts of the globe, according to a new study published today. The study, published in the journal Climatic Change, found that the global number of mild weather days could decline by up to 13 percent… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048541 Obama admin says there's no 'consensus' on carbon levels. The number 350 resonates with climate activists but not the feds. To many global warming experts, 350 parts per million — the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide beyond which climate advocates and researchers say the levels endanger the planet — is common lingo, and its meaning is widely accepted. Not so to the federal government. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048544 Trump is the 'worst' for climate change — scientist. Climate scientist Michael Mann sees President-elect Donald Trump's surprising election win as the "worst possible scenario" for climate change. In a recent interview, Mann, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, spoke about the possible impacts of the incoming administration on climate action. He described the situation as bleak. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048511 Human impact on climate change up for debate — Pruitt. Scott Pruitt, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead U.S. EPA, faced a barrage of questions from Democrats at his confirmation hearing today before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The Oklahoma Republican attorney general is an aggressive critic of EPA, often leading litigation against the agency over its regulations… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048581 Global warming 'on the table' at U.N. — Haley. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R), President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.N. ambassador, is on Capitol Hill today for her confirmation hearing. Photo courtesy of C-SPAN. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) today said that she would bring fresh perspective to the United Nations and that climate change issues would remain… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048579 DROUGHT California’s tough water regulations likely to remain in place. Despite a wet winter that has much of California emerging from drought, state officials are showing no sign that they’ll ease up on water regulations imposed on cities and towns over the past three years. Staffers at the State Water Resources Control Board sent a proposal Tuesday to the agency’s governing board recommending renewal of emergency drought mandates… http://www.sfchronicle.com/drought/article/California-looks-to-extend-emergency-drought-10864014.php FUELS Judge lets federal flaring rules take effect during lawsuit. New nationwide rules to curtail the practice of burning off excess natural gas from oil and gas wells on federal land took effect as scheduled Tuesday after a judge said he saw no urgent reason to block them while a lawsuit moves ahead. U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl in Casper said Monday that he couldn't immediately conclude the Interior Department had overstepped its authority with the rules… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_METHANE_GAS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Army plans Dakota Access oil pipeline environmental study. The Army has started the process of launching a full environmental study of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline's disputed crossing of the Missouri River in North Dakota, though a federal judge could stop the effort. The Army published a notice Wednesday of its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement on the Lake Oahe crossing. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OIL_PIPELINE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Trump Interior nominee would consider more drilling on federal land. Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of Interior, on Tuesday said he would consider an expansion of energy drilling and mining on federal lands but would ensure sensitive areas remain protected. The former Navy SEAL sought to outline a measured approach to the job of managing America’s national parks, forests and tribal lands… http://in.reuters.com/article/usa-congress-zinke-idINKBN15133Z VEHICLES Trump may reverse auto emissions rules, but don't expect other nations to follow. Other countries have no intention of rolling back their emission limits. This means that any changes Trump makes in the US could be offset by laws elsewhere. With auto-industry lobbyists pushing to have the Trump Administration roll back current and future emission and fuel-economy rules, automakers clearly see the new U.S. regime as more friendly to the needs of business. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0118/Trump-may-reverse-auto-emissions-rules-but-don-t-expect-other-nations-to-follow VW RECALL VW will appeal court order to buy back customer's diesel car. Volkswagen says it will appeal a court ruling that it must buy back a German customer's diesel car rigged to cheat on emissions tests. Nicolai Laude, a VW spokesman, said Wednesday that the company expects the verdict by the court in Hildesheim in northern Germany to be overturned. Volkswagen noted that other courts had reached opposite decisions in previous cases. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GERMANY_VOLKSWAGEN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Italy rejects Germany's emissions allegations against Fiat Chrysler. Tests conducted on Fiat Chrysler vehicles show they are compliant with regulations and contain no emissions defeat devices as alleged by Germany, Italy's transport ministry said in a statement on Monday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-italy-idUSKBN1502EF Italy Says Tests Show Fiat 500X Cars Meet Emissions Rules. The Italian transportation ministry says its tests show that Fiat 500X cars meet emissions rules, despite German contentions that the cars contain so-called defeat devices meant to cheat emissions tests. A ministry statement Monday says it carried out the necessary checks and sent a detailed report to Germany indicating the model "meets the existing regulations" on emissions testing. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/16/world/europe/ap-eu-italy-fiat-chrysler-.html?_r=0 French target Renault, Brits query Fiat, over diesel emissions. The past week has not been a particularly pleasant one for advocates of diesel cars. Volkswagen agreed to plead guilty to criminal counts related to its diesel-emissions cheating and pay $4.3 billion in fines, while U.S. prosecutors arrested one of the company's executives and indicted five more. Fiat Chrysler was accused by the EPA of using software in its diesel vehicles that violates the Clean Air Act… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108380_french-target-renault-brits-query-fiat-over-diesel-emissions U.K. to test Jeep model after U.S. emissions accusations. The U.K. said on Monday it will carry out tests on the Jeep Grand Cherokee model following U.S. accusations that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles mislead regulators on diesel car emissions. "We have instructed our market surveillance unit to undertake testing on one of these vehicles at the earliest opportunity," a spokesman at the Department for Transport said. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170117/COPY01/301179948/u.k.-to-test-jeep-model-after-u.s.-emissions-accusations Ram and Jeep diesel emissions allegations spur class action lawsuits. U.S. and Canadian firms seek compensation for owners after EPA issues violation notice. This shouldn't come as a surprise. Last week, the EPA issued a notice of violation to FCA after it determined that Jeep and Ram installed eight undisclosed auxiliary emissions control devices on diesel vehicles. Since then US law firm Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC and Canadian firm Sotos LLP have launched class action suits… http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/17/ram-jeep-fca-ecodiesel-lawsuits/ Emissions cheating goes global: France and Britain also investigating automakers. With US headlines about the latest on emissions cheating from Volkswagen, and now an investigation of Fiat Chrysler, the past week has not been a great one for diesel cars. Now, two automakers are subject to diesel investigations in Europe. The past week has not been a particularly pleasant one for advocates of diesel cars. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0117/Emissions-cheating-goes-global-France-and-Britain-also-investigating-automakers GREEN ENERGY Renewables trade groups, enviros at odds over Perry. Environmentalists and clean energy groups disagree over President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Energy Department ahead of tomorrow's confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. While the wind industry's largest lobbying group is voicing support for the nominee, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R)… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/18/stories/1060048569 MISCELLANEOUS Trump pick to lead EPA has spotty state environmental record. When President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency first took office as Oklahoma's attorney general, he disbanded the unit responsible for protecting the state's natural resources. Instead, Scott Pruitt reassigned his staff to focus on filing lawsuits against the federal agency he's now selected to lead. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_EPA_PRUITT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Why the EPA nominee wants to be a political wrecking ball. When new presidents come to the White House, the pendulum of federal environmental action tends to swing, and under Donald Trump it may take an unusually wide shift – seen especially in passing responsibility to the states. State empowerment stands out like no other theme as a guiding light for Scott Pruitt, who faces a confirmation hearing today… http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0118/Why-the-EPA-nominee-wants-to-be-a-political-wrecking-ball ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE California Upgrades Environmental Justice Tool. CalEnviroScreen looks at a number of different factors to identify neighborhoods that have significant impacts from pollution and other factors. The online map looks at 8,000 census tracks and gauges pollution, public health conditions and environmental quality. Red indicates a higher risk rate, while a green color represents lower risk. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jan/17/california-upgrades-environmental-justice-tool/ OPINIONS California has gone from drought to deluge, but our woes aren't over yet. To the editor: California’s current bountiful rainfall is a welcome but uncertain reprieve. Weather is becoming less predictable and more disruptive all around the world, validating the warnings of climate scientists. Its basic physics, they explain: more atmospheric CO2 means a warmer planet. These and other disturbances from global warming can no longer be ignored. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-drought-20170117-story.html Cap and trade déjà vu. Wynne government appears to be making the same mistakes the Liberals did with their disastrous Green Energy Act. If you doubt carbon dioxide (CO2) is a dangerous pollutant, you probably think the $156 Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne claims her new cap and trade policy will cost your family this year in direct charges for gasoline and natural gas home heating, is a rip-off. http://www.torontosun.com/2017/01/14/cap-and-trade-deja-vu The Delusional War on Warmth. For decades now, global warming scaremongers have been stealing energy from the environment using windmills, solar collectors and biofuels, force-fed by carbon taxes and emission trading schemes. Their delusional dream is to cool the globe. However, there has been no global warming for nearly 20 years. Right now, the great ice sheets are growing thicker and record snow… http://canadafreepress.com/article/the-delusional-war-on-warmth BLOGS Legislative Update: Cap-and-Trade to Get a Hearing. Two Democratic Assemblymembers got the ball rolling on settling the future of California’s cap-and-trade program by introducing A.B. 151 yesterday. The bill would authorize the California Air Resources Board “to utilize a market-based compliance mechanism” to reduce greenhouse gases after 2020, when the current Global Warming Solutions Act expires. http://cal.streetsblog.org/2017/01/13/legislative-update-cap-and-trade-to-get-a-hearing/ Engaging Indigenous Peoples on Environmental Justice at the UN Permanent Forum. At the EPA, we see providing meaningful engagement for our most vulnerable and underserved communities as a fundamental part of fulfilling our mission to protect this country’s environmental quality and public health. This work includes engagement with federally recognized tribes and indigenous people. http://www.environmentguru.com/pages/elements/element.aspx?id=4426707 Record Year for Environmental Enforcement. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division has announced one of its most successful years in its history of over a century, including the highest recoveries in environmental enforcement and the highest criminal penalties handed down in individual vessel pollution and wildlife trafficking cases. http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/record-year-for-environmental-enforcement EPA Not Backing Down On 2025 Emissions Standards. Only a week prior to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now set vehicle emissions standards that should remain in place until 2025. The standards are based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) current fuel economy regulations. http://insideevs.com/environmental-protection-agency-2025-emissions-standards/ Decoded microbial metabolism explains biofuel yield. To unravel how intricate waste biomass converts to biofuels, a Cornell professor studied the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum to decipher its metabolism. Understanding the bacterium’s sugar-processing complexities may lead to improved biofuel yields. “It is recognized for over a century that Clostridium acetobutylicum [a soil bacterium] is a viable biofuel producer. http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/01/decoded-microbial-metabolism-explains-biofuel-yield New Streamlined Process Could Hold Promise for Making Biofuel. A dozen glass cylinders containing a potential payload of bright green algae are widely exposed to hundreds of multi-colored lights that offer all the natural hues of sunlight. The small LEDs dim and brighten to imitate the constantly changing conditions of the outdoors. In order to further simulate a virtual cloud that passes overhead, chillers start and nudge the algae a little cooler. http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=23895 Another Potential Global Killer Is Approaching the Tipping Point. And we have no one else to blame but ourselves. For over 7 decades, we have been protecting ourselves from disease-causing bacteria by taking antibiotic drugs. But because everything changes, and even bacteria learn to evolve, it’s not surprising that over time, what were once effective in fighting infection… http://wallstreetpit.com/112732-potential-global-killer-approaching-tipping-point/ Collaboration on Drought Resilience is Delivering Results for America’s Communities and Economy. Over the past year, we have seen alarming mass tree mortality in California, the development of severe drought conditions in New England and the Southeast, and dropping water tables in regions throughout the United States. The five-year Western drought and recent droughts in other states threaten our communities, our farms, our freshwater fisheries… http://blogs.usda.gov/2017/01/18/collaboration-on-drought-resilience-is-delivering-results-for-americas-communities-and-economy/ On Climate Change, Even States in Forefront Are Falling Short. Is there a more environmentally conscious state than California? It has been at the forefront of climate policy for decades — from demanding stringent fuel economy and emissions standards to wholeheartedly embracing renewable energy from the sun and wind. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/17/business/economy/climate-change-california-new-york.html California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:17:29 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 19, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 19, 2017. 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 TESTING CLIMATE LEADERSHIP WITH CAP AND TRADE. In Oregon environmental advocates hope a market-based program will help accelerate climate leadership. Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield, has introduced a cap and trade bill that would repeal the state's existing emissions goals, and replace them with a new goal for 2025 and caps for 2035 and 2050. In 2050, carbon dioxide emissions would be capped at least 75% below 1990 levels. http://www.oregonbusiness.com/article/item/17463-oregon-tests-climate-leadership-with-cap-and-trade AIR POLLUTION London Mayor Issues Health Alert Over Air Pollution. London's mayor has issued a smog alert for the British capital, advising people with heart and lung conditions to avoid outdoor exercise. Mayor Sadiq Khan says Londoners with asthma or heart problems "are advised to consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors." The London Air Quality Network, run by King's College London… http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/19/world/europe/ap-eu-britain-air-pollution.html Trump's EPA pick casts doubt on California's power to regulate auto emissions. Donald Trump’s pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency cast doubt on whether California should continue to have power to impose its own emission rules for cars and trucks, an authority the state has enjoyed for decades that is also the cornerstone of its efforts to fight global warming. Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt said at a contentious confirmation hearing Wednesday that he cannot commit to keeping… http://www.latimes.com/nation/ http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/19/stories/1060048609 Bay Area to seek more greenhouse, smog controls. Two days before climate change skeptic Donald Trump becomes America’s president, the Bay Area’s clean air agency released a blueprint to reduce greenhouse gases, smog, soot and other pollutants. Bay Area Air Quality Management District officials said Wednesday they have the will and authority to push ahead with new industrial controls to reduce… http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/18/bay-area-to-seek-more-greenhouse-smog-controls/ Diesel Brothers’ lawsuit reveals challenges of emissions enforcement in Utah. A recent lawsuit has exposed a Woods Cross-based reality TV group’s alleged air-polluting antics, as well as gaps in enforcing laws meant to clear Utah smog. Utah Physicians for a Health Environment filed suit last week against hosts of the Discovery Channel show “Diesel Brothers” David W. “Heavy D” Sparks… http://www.standard.net/Environment/2017/01/18/Diesel-Brothers-lawsuit-reveals-challenges-of-emissions-enforcement-in-Utah In court, EPA defends analysis of mercury regs' benefits. U.S. EPA is asserting a wide prerogative to gauge the potential impact of proposed air quality regulations in a legal tussle over whether the agency properly considered compliance costs in going ahead with its regulations on power plant mercury emissions. Under its preferred approach, the agency interpreted the Clean Air Act "as not requiring a formal… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/19/stories/1060048661 CLIMATE CHANGE Trump's energy pick Perry softens stance on climate change. Rick Perry, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the U.S. Energy Department, said during a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday that global warming caused by humans is real, but that efforts to combat it should not cost American jobs. The comment marks a shift for the former Texas governor, who had previously called the science behind climate change "unsettled" and a "contrived, phony mess." http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-perry-idUSKBN1531OZ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-19/trump-nominees-accept-global-warming-but-only-to-a-degree http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/rick-perry-spars-with-bernie-sanders-over-climate-change/article/2612338 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/18/epa-nominee-scott-pruitt-confirmation-hearing/96679106/ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/confirmation-hearings-cabinet-donald-trump.html?_r=0 http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060048626 Climate change will hurt crops more than it helps them, study suggests. Out of the many consequences of climate change, from melting glaciers to changing weather patterns, its effect on agriculture has emerged as one of the most complex issues for scientists to investigate. It’s also among the most globally significant. As the world’s population approaches 8 billion people — and is expected to exceed 9 billion before midcentury… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/19/yet-another-study-suggests-that-climate-change-will-hurt-crops-more-than-it-helps-them/?utm_term=.23b3ee698ab1 Wisconsin state agencies are deleting talk of human-caused climate change from their websites. Information on the science of human-caused climate change has begun to disappear from Wisconsin state government websites. According to local news reports, both the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission have either altered or removed web pages devoted to global warming in recent months. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/19/wisconsin-state-agencies-are-deleting-talk-of-human-caused-climate-change-from-their-websites/?utm_term=.0ccbb90f5c99 Wildfires, sea level rise, coral bleaching: Climate change is already here. From extreme wildfires in the Western United States to melting ice sheets in Antarctica, the effects of rising temperatures on Earth have not gone unnoticed. On Wednesday, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced 2016 was the hottest year on record. Before that, the record was set in 2015. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-global-warming-effects-20170118-story.html Analysis: Climate change and mass migration: a growing threat to global security. When international leaders met in the Bangladeshi capital last month for ongoing discussions about a new global migration policy, they glossed over what experts say will soon become a massive driver of migration: climate change. “The international system is in a state of denial,” said A.N.M. Muniruzzaman, a retired major-general who now heads... http://yubanet.com/world/analysis-climate-change-and-mass-migration-a-growing-threat-to-global-security/ The 10 species most at risk from climate change. From penguins in Antarctica, to butterflies in Spain, and rodents and coral in the Great Barrier Reef, as the world warms these species are disappearing. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/critical-10-species-at-risk-climate-change-endangered-world Democrats fail to land fatal blow in Pruitt hearing. Scott Pruitt doesn't think climate change is a hoax and says he believes U.S. EPA has an obligation to regulate planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions. But Democrats and environmental advocates aren't breathing any sighs of relief. Although the Oklahoma attorney general has sued the federal government over its clean air and climate regulations more than a dozen times… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/19/stories/1060048624 DROUGHT California has the snow. It just needs to keep it frozen. With another round of winter storms hitting California this week, the question isn’t just how much rain and snow they will dump, but how cold they will be. The coldness of storms can make the difference between one that adds to the fast-rising snowpack — an essential source of water for the state — and one that also leaves a wet mess. Northern California was pulled out of a five-year drought by a series of storms over the last few weeks… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/ 5 feet in Big Bear? 'The drought is going to get crushed,' forecaster says of new winter storms. SoCal skiers may see heavy snow pound their favorite resorts the next several days, as another winter storm system — again arriving in three overlapping chapters — rolls through the region. "Although we are not in an El Niño pattern, these weather systems affecting California are behaving much like El Niño, where you get these taps into the atmospheric rivers that enhance rainfall,”… http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-mammoth-thursday-20170118-story.html California drought continues to shrink, federal government says. With major reservoirs nearly full, the Sierra Nevada snowpack well above average and flood warnings in place for some rivers, federal scientists reported Thursday a continued weakening of California’s drought. Overall, 44 percent of the state remains in severe drought conditions or worse, down from 49 percent a week ago… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/19/california-drought-shrinking-federal-government-says/ California Drought Retreats During Winter Rain Storms. California’s drought continues to wane just as the Bay Area is about to receive five straight days of rain, according to the National Weather Service. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly analysis, released on Thursday shows only 2 percent of the state remains in the most extreme category “exceptional drought,” down 43 percent from a year ago. https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/01/19/california-drought-retreats-during-winter-rain-storms/ How much drought can a forest take? Aerial tree mortality surveys show patterns of tree death during extreme drought. Why do some trees die in a drought and others don't? And how can we predict where trees are most likely to die in future droughts? Scientists from the University of California, Davis, and colleagues examined those questions in a study published in the journal Ecology Letters. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170119143406.htm FUELS Biodiesel faces a mixed forecast as the industry gathers in San Diego. As a new presidential administration comes into power, ambiguity reigns for the biodiesel industry. But at the same time, the California market appears to be growing solidly for the fuel derived from a diversity of products including soybeans, canola oil and animal fats. “We have learned to thrive on uncertainty,” said Jennifer Case, president of New Leaf Biofuel, based in San Diego. http://www.latimes.com/business/ VEHICLES Toyota, Shell Among Giants Betting $10.7 Billion on Hydrogen. Toyota Motor Corp. and four of its biggest car-making peers are joining oil and gas giants including Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total SA with plans to invest a combined 10 billion euros ($10.7 billion) in hydrogen-related products within five years. In all, 13 energy, transport and industrial companies are forming a hydrogen council to consult with policy makers and… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-17/toyota-shell-among-auto-and-oil-giants-forming-hydrogen-council http://www.motortrend.com/news/toyota-help-lead-new-global-council-advance-hydrogen-adoption/ VW RECALL Ex-Volkswagen CEO denies early knowledge of diesel emissions cheating. Former Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn refused to tell German lawmakers when he first learned about systematic exhaust emissions cheating but said it was no earlier than VW has officially admitted. VW has said its executive board did not learn of the software violations until late August 2015 and formally reported the cheating to authorities in the United States in early September that year. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-winterkorn-idUSKBN15318J http://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagens-ex-ceo-denies-prior-knowledge-of-emissions-cheating-1484834026 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/business/germany-investigation-volkswagen-winterkorn-diesel-emissions.html?_r=0 GREEN ENERGY GE signs $1.4B electricity deal in Iraq. General Electric Co. has landed another gigawatt-sized energy contract in the Middle East, further signaling its aggressive push to feed the region's growing demand for electricity. Yesterday, GE announced that it has signed an agreement with Iraq to add 2 gigawatts' worth of electricity generating capacity. The company said it would also invest in improved infrastructure necessary to deliver a further 1.75 GW to Iraq's grid. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/19/stories/1060048606 MISCELLANEOUS Developer Rick Caruso agrees to shave height of apartment tower. The developer of a residential tower planned near the Beverly Center offered new concessions to the city on Wednesday, saying he will reduce the height of his project by nearly 23%, taking it from 240 feet to 185. Businessman Rick Caruso, appearing before the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee, said he has agreed to scale back the La Cienega Boulevard project… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/ Isidro Baldenegro, Mexican Environmental Activist, Is Shot to Death. Isidro Baldenegro López, an indigenous activist whose struggle to protect the pine-oak forests of Mexico’s Sierra Madre range won him the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, has been killed by a gunman, the authorities said on Wednesday. A leader of the Tarahumara people who live among the jagged peaks of the western Sierra Madre, Mr. Baldenegro defended the area’s old-growth forests against powerful… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/world/americas/mexico-environmental-activist-shot-sierra-madre.html OPINIONS As senators grilled Trump’s climate change skeptic EPA nominee, scientists said 2016 was warmest on record. Unsurprisingly, 2016 was the hottest year on record — the third straight year in which worldwide temperatures have reached record levels. Ironically, Scott Pruitt, the climate change skeptic whom Donald Trump has chosen to run the Environmental Protection Agency, just happened to be testifying before… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-trump-global-warming-pruitt-20170119-story.html Jay Evensen: How to fund education and fight pollution. If Utah lawmakers are creative enough in the session that begins Monday, they might be able to tackle two vexing problems at once — education funding and air pollution. The only downside is that you, the taxpayer, would have to pay a bit more of your hard-earned money to the state; but let’s face it, just about every reliable political barometer is pointing in that direction anyway… http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865671349/How-to-fund-education-and-fight-pollution.html The Guardian view on Trump and global warming: the right fight. On climate change, like so many other things, the world is going one way and Donald Trump is going the other. On Twitter the president-elect has claimed manmade global warming was a hoax invented by China to increase its trade surplus with the US. However, for most Americans, like most other people on the globe, daily life is increasingly impacted by extreme weather. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/18/the-guardian-view-on-trump-and-global-warming-the-right-fight Protectionism and the fight against climate change. You rather spoiled your commendable editorial (19 January) on making America great again by going green, when you dismissed the idea of protectionist carbon tariffs on those US exports made artificially cheap by being produced using subsidised fossil fuels. This could be an important transitional step to shifting a world economy already falling out of love with globalisation towards… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/protectionism-and-the-fight-against-climate-change Climate change a growing challenge for a new president. In what amounts to blockbuster news in the field of climate change, scientists confirmed Wednesday that the Earth set a new record in 2016 — the third year in a row — for warmth. We await word of what President-elect Donald Trump plans to do about that. Climate change, and the threat it poses to our environmental, safety and the natural world… http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/editorial-climate-change-a-growing-challenge-for-a-new-president/ Climate change will affect all of us. So why the lack of urgency? Tomorrow the world shudders as Donald Trump becomes US president. Hopes that wise advisers would mitigate the erratic, half-crazed stream of contradictions pouring from his lips have been dashed as he picks fake news purveyors and climate change-deniers for his close consiglieri. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/19/climate-change-affect-all-urgency-trump-brexit Environmental Racism Is a Special and Urgent Concern. The focus of environmental justice has been the preservation of ecologies and spaces largely uninhabited by people of color. There is grave consideration for the preservation of national parks, but not for the preservation of black life and space. The ideas of justice and environment refer to the surrounding conditions of living things, yet the apathy that surrounds… http://www.theroot.com/environmental-racism-is-a-special-and-urgent-concern-1791343793 What does environmental justice organizing look like in the time of Trump? Environmental justice work will need to change in critical ways as Donald Trump ascends to the White House, but not in all ways, says Miya Yoshitani, executive director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN). On-the-ground organizing around community members’ local concerns will still be the core. http://grist.org/opinion/what-does-environmental-justice-organizing-look-like-in-the-time-of-trump/ After the bust, industry begins rebalancing act. The great oil bust is over. But so is the boom. That's the consensus emerging in company boardrooms and among energy industry analysts. Recent government data are reaching that conclusion, too, suggesting an end to falling oil production in the United States… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/19/stories/1060048582 Challenging Arthur Little study on electric-car emissions: questionable assumptions. Transitions into new technologies always generate confusion and misinformation, and certainly that has been the case with modern electric cars. Buyers, automakers, and analysts debate their cost, suitability, real-world range, wells-to-wheels carbon footprint, and recyclability, among other issues. Six years after the first modern electric cars launched… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108418_challenging-arthur-little-study-on-electric-car-emissions-questionable-assumptions California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:29:23 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 20, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 20, 2017. 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 unveils sweeping plan to combat climate change. California environmental officials released an ambitious plan on Friday that seeks to cut the state's output of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The California Air Resources Board proposal includes an extension of the state's controversial carbon cap-and-trade program, which sets limits on total emissions, and includes a 20 percent cut to greenhouse gas emissions from the state's oil refineries. http://www.reuters.com/article/california-climate-idUSL1N1FA1F1 http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-1484938433-htmlstory.html http://www.4-traders.com/news/California-Air-Resources-Board-issues-proposed-plan-to-achieve-groundbreaking-2030-climate-goals--23728290/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-20/as-trump-vows-to-kill-climate-plan-california-pushes-back White House climate change webpage disappears after Trump's inauguration. Less than an hour after President Trump took the oath of office on Friday, the White House’s webpage on climate change disappeared, the latest sign that the new administration will divert resources – and attention – from the issue. The removal of the page from the White House’s website came around the same time the site… http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315284-white-house-climate-change-webpage-disappears-after-trumps http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/01/donald-trump-climate-white-house-website http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/20/the-white-house-websites-page-on-climate-change-just-disappeared.html http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315284-white-house-climate-change-webpage-disappears-after-trumps http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/donald-trump-president-white-house-global-warming-climate-change-environment-a7538381.html Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’ sequel shows he’s hopeful on climate change despite Trump. Eleven years after “An Inconvenient Truth” rocked the Sundance Film Festival and went on to become an Oscar winner and box office success, Al Gore’s eco-warrior alter-ego is back on-screen at Sundance with a timely follow-up, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.” Its release arrives on the heels of news that 2016 was, like the two years before it, the hottest on record. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/01/20/al-gores-inconvenient-truth-sequel-shows-hes-hopeful-on-climate-change-despite-trump/?utm_term=.431e1e297d01 http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-sundance-updates-2017-htmlstory.html http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Al-Gore-has-a-triumphant-new-documentary-about-10871788.php http://www.businessinsider.com/al-gore-an-inconvenient-sequel-review-movie-2017-1 Mayor Calls For Cities Nationwide To Continue Fighting Climate Change Under Trump. At a conference in Washington, D.C., Wednesday morning, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo called for cities across the country to continue fighting for the environment under a new presidential administration "not likely to be a significant partner in our battle against climate change." http://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Mayor-Calls-For-Cities-Nationwide-To-Continue-10869674.php ‘Antarctica: Ice and Sky’ Review: Environmental Doc Overpraises Its Subject. The director of “March of the Penguins” sounds the alarm for global warming but also lavishes his glaciologist subject with too much gushy narration. Luc Jacquet’s documentary “Antarctica: Ice & Sky” comes to praise Claude Lorius, the now-84-year-old glaciologist who was the first researcher to discover a link between greenhouse gases and global warming. http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Antarctica-Ice-and-Sky-Review-10871979.php Trump begins with call to kill climate action plan. As President Trump delivered his inaugural address Friday, his staff posted a variety of proposals ranging from an "American First Foreign Policy" to killing President Obama's climate action plan — plans largely echoing his campaign website. "For too long, we’ve been held back by burdensome regulations on our energy industry. http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/20/donald-trump-first-day-barack-obama-white-house/96829932/ Scotland sets ambitious goal of 66% emissions cut within 15 years. Holyrood ministers aim higher after hitting target of 42% cut by 2020 six years early, but say Brexit poses challenge. Scotland is seeking to dramatically cut its reliance on fossil fuels for cars, energy and homes after setting a radical target to cut total climate emissions by 66% within 15 years. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/19/scotland-sets-ambitious-goal-of-66-emissions-cut-within-15-years?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=8500fa4599-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-8500fa4599-327747457 World’s poorest urge G20 to make long-term climate plans. Put your money where your mouth is. That’s the demand from a coalition of 43 of the poorest and most climate vulnerable countries ahead of July’s G20 summit in Hamburg. They want governments from the wealthy Group of 20 to start work on long term plans to ditch fossil fuels ahead of a UN climate policy review in 2018. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/01/19/worlds-poorest-urge-g20-to-make-long-term-climate-plans/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=8500fa4599-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-8500fa4599-327747457 Warm Air Invades Arctic Again, Slowing Sea Ice Growth. A surge of warm air and stormy weather has once again invaded the Arctic, sending temperatures soaring and stagnating winter sea ice growth. These repeated incursions have helped keep sea ice area at record low levels for much of the freeze season, and have even contributed to an exceptional cold season retreat. http://www.climatecentral.org/news/warm-air-slowing-sea-ice-growth-21081?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=8500fa4599-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-8500fa4599-327747457 Obama's climate legacy: 8 years of troubles and triumphs. When an environmentalist asked a recent adviser to President Obama what the future holds for confronting climate change, the answer cast a shadow on today's inauguration. That was before almost anyone gave Donald Trump a shot at winning the presidential election. No one would match Obama's zeal on climate, the adviser said. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048703 U.S. crop harvests to 'suffer' with climate change. Shifting climate patterns in North America could hit U.S. crop production hard, possibly even halving the production of corn by the end of the century, a new study finds. Scientists believe that the spike in average temperatures that is widely predicted by climate models for North America could hurt its agriculture sector. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048700 AIR POLLUTION Beijing to spend $2.7 billion on cleaning capital's air. Beijing will spend $2.7 billion to fight air pollution in the capital this year, state media reported Thursday. Part of the money will be used to close or upgrade more than 2,000 polluting factories, replace the use of coal with clean energy on the outskirts of the city and phase out 300,000 high-polluting older vehicles, the official Xinhua News Agency said… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_CHINA_POLLUTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Paramount metal finisher suspends operations after violating Chromium 6 pollution limit. A Paramount metal-finishing plant was forced to suspend some operations Thursday after violating limits on a potent cancer-causing air pollutant. Aerocraft Heat Treating Co., Inc. shut down operations that had the potential to emit Chromium 6 after levels of the pollutant outside the facility exceeded a specified threshold. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-paramount-metal-emissions-20170119-story.html Schools in Lindsay, San Joaquin added to pesticide monitoring list. Two areas in the central San Joaquin Valley have been added to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s air monitoring list, and will begin giving samples this month. Air samples from San Joaquin Elementary School in San Joaquin and Jefferson Elementary School in Lindsay will be taken once a week until December 2018… http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article127145354.html#storylink=cpy Gas fireplaces offer a wide range of styles, and they're good for the environment. Southern California’s air quality in 2017 is much cleaner than it was a generation ago, thanks to some of the nation’s most stringent regulations. A 2016 USC study that tracked the health of Southern California children over two decades concluded that they now have significantly fewer respiratory symptoms because of improved air quality. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fireplace-741654-wood-hatabu.html EPA offers 2-pronged legal attack on MACT rule critics. U.S. EPA sought yesterday to parry a two-sided attack on its emission standards for brick and ceramic manufacturers, arguing in a newly filed court brief that the new limits are strong enough to satisfy public health requirements, yet not skewed against industry. "Neither side is right," EPA lawyers wrote in the brief, submitted as a rebuttal… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048727 EPA delays Del. ozone compliance petition response. U.S. EPA is giving itself another six months to address Delaware's complaint that a coal-fired power plant in southwestern Pennsylvania is contributing to ozone compliance problems. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control had brought the petition against the 1,711-megawatt… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048737 DROUGHT Western drought watchers keep wary eye on Lake Mead level. In a new report about an ongoing problem, an advocacy group is projecting the effects in places that depend on the Colorado River if the water level at drought-stricken Lake Mead continues to fall. Western Resource Advocates says the vast reservoir behind Hoover Dam is being drained faster than it can be filled, and the first to feel the effects would be farmers in Arizona. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article127701749.html#storylink=cpy Should California drought rules be lifted? State ponders question as storms roll in. With rivers roaring and more rain coming, California’s drought cops are wrestling with a complicated question: Should they keep patrolling the beat? A chorus of urban water districts Wednesday urged the State Water Resources Control Board… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article127255174.html#storylink=cpy California Drought Retreats During Winter Rain Storms. California’s drought continues to wane just as the Bay Area is about to receive five straight days of rain, according to the National Weather Service. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly analysis, released on Thursday shows only 2 percent of the state remains in the most extreme category “exceptional drought,” down 43 percent from a year ago. Recent heavy rains have resulted in significant improvements for much of California, most of it in the Northern half of the state. https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/01/19/california-drought-retreats-during-winter-rain-storms/ California's wet year means we will get increased water deliveries. State announces plans to send more Northern California water here. California water suppliers pleaded with state water officials on Wednesday to end a statewide emergency water conservation regulation. Nearly half of the state is out of drought as much of Northern California has been socked with one of its wettest years in decades. http://www.pe.com/articles/water-823477-state-california.html Drought’s back broken — or not? Despite the torrential rains of the last few weeks, experts say it’s too early to tell whether California’s interminable drought is really over. It will be necessary to monitor rainfall through at least March to make an assessment. California has been in a drought since 2012. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought state of emergency in January 2014 after the state experienced record dry conditions. http://capitolweekly.net/drought-california-rains-over/ As drought eases, what’s next for California’s water strategy? With storms drenching much of California and snow blanketing the Sierra Nevada, the state’s top water regulators are grappling with how to shift from conservation rules devised during more than five years of drought to a long-term strategy for using water more sustainably. The State Water Resources Control Board plans to decide in February whether to extend the current drought regulations… http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2017/01/19/california-grapples-pivot-drought-rules-long-term-water-strategy/96805682/ California’s snowpack is good news for the parched state—for now. It's still early in the season, and the drought isn't ending. California’s wet winter continues, with rain and snowstorms still pelting the state. These constant storms are building up the California snowpack to levels that haven’t been seen in the drought-plagued state in several years. “This is way better than some of the recent years we’ve had… http://www.popsci.com/snowpack-increase-in-california-leads-to-cautious-optimism DIESEL ACTIVITIES DEQ receives more than $1 million in grants to reduce diesel emissions in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been awarded more than $1 million in grants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to retrofit and replace old, polluting diesel vehicles and equipment in Idaho. The funds will be used to retrofit or install diesel particulate filters or oxidation catalysts on construction… http://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/idaho/deq-receives-more-than-million-in-grants-to-reduce-diesel/article_73f04910-df3e-11e6-8035-5b662e719c73.html FUELS Stinky cows and climate change: Scientists try to mitigate methane from cows. Many creatures, including you and me, emit methane from time to time. Microbes within our guts break down one substance and turn it into another, making methane in the process. Northern lakes and tundra plants also leak methane. That gas, too, is from microbes, which become more active as the air warms. http://juneauempire.com/outdoors/2017-01-20/stinky-cows-and-climate-change-scientists-try-mitigate-methane-cows Ethanol lowers GHG emission 43% compared to petrol, USDA says. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with corn-based ethanol in the US are about 43% lower than petrol when measured on an energy equivalent basis, a new study finds. Carried out by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the study – Life-Cycle Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn-Based Ethanol… http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/11716/ethanol_lowers_ghg_emission_43_compared_to_petrol_usda_says/ MIT team engineers yeast to boost lipid production for biofuels. MIT engineers have genetically engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to boost the production of lipids by about 25% compared to previously engineered yeast strains. Their approach could enable commercialization of microbial carbohydrate-based lipid production, supporting the renewable production of high-energy fuels such as diesel. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/01/20170120-mit.html VEHICLES Ford Targets London’s ‘White Van Man’ to Drive Down Emissions. Ford Motor Co. will trial plug-in hybrid vans in London in an effort to accelerate the uptake of low-emissions vehicles and tackle climate change and air pollution. Aided by 4.7 million pounds ($5.8 million) of U.K. government funding, the automaker will test 20 of the vehicles, which mainly operate using an electric battery but can fall back… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-20/ford-targets-london-s-white-van-man-to-drive-down-emissions Utah plans for larger charging station network. Utah state leaders are planning to create an electric corridor connecting Yellowstone National Park to Disneyland. Rocky Mountain Power, the regional utility, has been provided with $14 million to create a network of electric charging stations in the region — enough that an electric vehicle driver could travel comfortably from Disneyland in California to Yellowstone in Montana. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048695 VW RECALL Almost 67,000 polluting VW and Audi diesels returned so far. Almost 67,000 of the roughly 470,000 Volkswagen and Audi 2-liter diesel models sold in the United States with emissions-cheating software have been returned to dealers for buybacks or lease terminations, an attorney for the automaker said at a hearing in federal court in San Francisco Wednesday. http://www.sfgate.com/cars/article/Almost-67-000-polluting-VW-and-Audi-diesels-10866125.php?cmpid=twitter-desktop Volkswagen’s $14.7 billion “Dieselgate” settlement could greenify. Volkswagen’s pain could be Georgia's gain. Georgia's roads. About $58 million of Volkswagen’s $14.7 billion settlement for violating federal clean air laws is headed to Georgia to help clean up the state’s transportation system, according to a report from the Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center. http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/01/20/volkswagen-s-14-7-billion-dieselgate-settlement.html GREEN ENERGY British village gets solar battery boost in green energy trial. Villagers in northern England may soon see their electricity bills slashed by as much as 50 percent in a pilot project allowing them to use solar power around the clock. In a 250,000 pound ($307,000) trial, 40 houses in the village of Oxspring, 12 miles (19 km) north of Sheffield, will be linked in a "virtual power plant"… http://www.reuters.com/article/britain-renewables-solar-idUSL5N1FA236 Rick Perry expresses ‘regret’ for pledging to abolish Energy Department. Former Texas governor Rick Perry, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Energy Department, parried questions about climate change at his confirmation hearing Thursday morning, reversing his earlier skeptical stance but still balking when pressed to declare it a crisis. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/rick-perry-seeks-to-lead-the-energy-department-an-agency-he-pledged-to-abolish/2017/01/18/19b14494-dd0a-11e6-acdf-14da832ae861_story.html?utm_campaign=8500fa4599-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.1e731259442d Hawaii bill aims for 100 percent renewable transportation. Hawaii has the most aggressive renewable energy targets in the nation, aiming for its utilities to get 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Now advocates want to extend that goal to the transportation sector to urge all forms of ground transportation to fuel up using renewable sources by 2045. http://www.seattlepi.com/business/technology/article/Hawaii-bill-aims-for-100-percent-renewable-10867919.php http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048696 Trump Treasury pick backs wind credit — for now. Treasury secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin voiced support yesterday for keeping the federal tax credit for wind intact during the first several years of the Trump administration. At his confirmation hearing, Mnuchin was asked by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) whether he supported the current phaseout of the production tax credit for wind… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048724 On Inauguration Day, Trump's energy agenda starts to unfold. A cavalcade of limousines and marchers is ready to usher Donald Trump to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. this afternoon as the 45th president, in a highly secured procession where every minute detail has been scoped and scripted. But the currents of energy and economic actions that will follow Trump's inauguration won't resemble today's clockwork plans… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/20/stories/1060048692 MISCELLANEOUS Barack Obama's science legacy. In 2008, President Barack Obama said that he would “change the posture of our federal government from being one of the most anti-science administrations in American history to one that embraces science and technology.” As Obama’s final days in office come to a close, it is important to look back and examine his legacy on science. http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/story/barack-obamas-science-legacy/ OPINIONS State climate policies are boosting San Joaquin Valley’s economy. >From the statehouse to the courthouse to Washington, D.C., California’s pioneering climate policies face scrutiny. How do they affect jobs? How do they affect the economy more broadly? Do they cost too much? People have a lot of opinions about these questions. At Next 10, we wanted to add hard economic data to the discussion. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article127307039.html#storylink=cpy Leonard Galan: If state won’t build water storage, I won’t quit watering my lawn. The next time the state asks me to let my yard go dry because of a drought, I will ignore the request. I have not heard of any legislation in California to support building more water storage. Do we not think the population in California will continue to grow? And I guess we think there will not be another severe drought. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article127702274.html#storylink=cpy The threat to species from climate change should provoke shame in our hearts. While Australia bakes through another hot, angry summer, its precious wildlife is increasingly under threat, not just from the extreme weather of fires and floods but by the growing reality of a changing climate. It is getting hotter. Day by day, month by month, year by year – 2016 is confirmed as the hottest year on record globally… https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/20/the-threat-to-species-from-climate-change-should-provoke-shame-in-our-hearts BLOGS Better Transportation Choices are Key to Meeting California’s 2030 Climate Goals. California has set ambitious targets for reducing climate emissions by 2030 – a 40% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels. And transportation is the largest source of emissions in the Golden State – accounting for nearly half of the state’s emissions when you consider production and refining of oil as well as burning it in our cars, trucks, trains and ships. http://blog.ucsusa.org/don-anair/better-transportation-choices-are-key-to-meeting-californias-2030-climate-goals California Dreamin’ of a Clean Electricity Grid. My daughter is almost a year old, so lately I’ve been reading a lot of books about farm animals. It’s been fun to practice animal noises, but it has also felt a little strange to teach my daughter about a lifestyle that fewer Americans experience. It’s gotten me thinking about what else in our daily lives might look different by the time my daughter is a teenager. http://blog.ucsusa.org/laura-wisland/california-dreamin-of-a-clean-electricity-grid Ancient Warm Period Hints at Future Sea Level Rise. Ocean temperatures in a natural warm period 125,000 years ago were indistinguishable from today—but sea level was six to nine meters higher. Sea levels could rise by a greater-than-expected six metres (20 ft) over many centuries even if governments cap global warming around current levels, scientists said on Thursday, based on clues from an ancient warm period. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-warm-period-hints-at-future-sea-level-rise/ Trump Day 1: Global Warming's Fate. If the new president delays climate action as promised, the world is far more likely to miss its Paris agreement goals. Donald Trump’s presidency begins today, giving him the ability to act on numerous pledges he has made related to global warming. They include “canceling” American involvement in the Paris climate accord, reviving the coal industry and rolling back federal environmental regulations. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-day-1-global-warmings-fate/ California's grid geeks: The keepers of a clean future. The Sacramento-based Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) and its allies long have seen themselves as prime keepers of California’s clean energy future. To keep the state on track, the center long has contended that a much more balanced portfolio of renewable sources is needed. The state’s rapid growth of rooftop and utility-scale solar installation must… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/californias-grid-geeks-keepers-clean-future Rick Perry’s hearing was blindsided by a report that Trump plans to gut the Energy Department. When Rick Perry walked into his secretary of energy confirmation hearing this morning, he was all set to make a bold pitch for the Department of Energy’s crucial role in supporting scientific research and developing new energy technologies. He told the Senate panel that the DOE was crucial in developing hydraulic fracturing technology, which led to a huge oil and gas boom in America. http://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/1/19/14324412/perry-energy-research-trump Mar-a-Lago’s Destiny as Trump’s Presidential Retreat. Donald Trump’s Presidency, whatever else it may be, can be viewed as the fulfillment of a dying wish of Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was the daughter of the founder of the cornflake company that evolved into General Foods, the second wife of the financier E. F. Hutton (her second husband), and one of the wealthiest Americans ever. http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/mar-a-lago-trump-presidential-retreat We're Still Using A Lot Of Nonrenewable Energy. That Has Pros And Cons. There is a lot of talk about the rapid growth of renewable energy, including wind and solar. It can be easy to forget that at least for now, we still rely heavily on nonrenewable energy sources, such as oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. Today, it’s hard to imagine the western standard of living without fossil fuels and nuclear energy… http://www.forbes.com/sites/uhenergy/2017/01/20/were-still-using-a-lot-of-nonrenewable-energy-that-has-pros-and-cons/#6aebab7a4d9a The Saudis' Solar Boom Hits the Next Level. It’s not really news to hear about the sprawling state of California adopting more solar power. For one, the state has a reputation for being one of the most clean energy–friendly states in the U.S. and the biggest market for solar energy in the country. California also gets to play guinea pig to Elon Musk’s latest innovations, from his electric cars to his home battery packs. http://www.energyandcapital.com/articles/the-saudis-solar-boom-hits-the-next-level/5722 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 16:53:46 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 23, 2017. 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 Appeals court to hear pivotal suit against cap and trade. A lawsuit challenging the legality of California's economywide cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases is set for oral arguments this week, but uncertainty over the future of the program is likely to persist for some time. The 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento will hear an hour of arguments tomorrow for and against California's authority to conduct auctions… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060048756 CLIMATE CHANGE As Trump enters White House, California renews climate change fight. California released new measures to fight climate change within minutes of Donald Trump being sworn in as U.S. president on Friday, signaling the state's commitment to be the nation's environmental steward under an administration that has questioned the reality of global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-climate-idUSKBN1542LX?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=63572fa249-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-63572fa249-327747457 On Trump's White House website, no more mention of climate change. Well, that was fast. Scientists, environmentalists and other concerned citizens were quick to notice that there is no longer any mention of climate change on the new White House website. It’s a significant departure from how the site looked Friday morning, when President Obama was still in charge. His administration dedicated a page to the issue that began with the following quote from the now-former president: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/ Fearing climate change databases may be threatened in Trump era, UCLA scientists work to protect them. On a rainy Inauguration Day morning, dozens of students, archivists, librarians, professors and other concerned citizens gathered in a UCLA classroom, poring over the Department of Energy website. They sifted through pages covering a broad spectrum of topics, from energy-efficient buildings and solar power to transportation and bioenergy. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-climate-change-data-20170121-story.html Wisconsin's PSC also cut climate topics from site. In a shift from the practice of two other state agencies, Wisconsin emergency management officials have released new information on climate change and its implications for the state. In a report that it posted online last week, the state Division of Emergency Management devoted extensive attention to climate change and how a warming planet… http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/22/wisconsin-disaster-agency-plans-climate-change/96844716/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=63572fa249-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-63572fa249-327747457 CDC quietly cancels long-planned climate summit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly and abruptly canceled a major climate change summit scheduled for next month shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, according to emails sent to those scheduled to speak and obtained by E&E News. The Climate and Health Summit was scheduled to be held in Atlanta, where the CDC is headquartered… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/23/stories/1060048779 DROUGHT Widespread flooding, mudslides, evacuations as biggest storm in years batters California. The third in a series of powerful winter storms unleashed a deluge in Southern California on Sunday, flooding numerous roads and freeways, setting new rainfall records and stranding some in dangerously rising waters. Forecasters had predicted this storm would be the strongest and several years… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-new-storm-california-floods-muslides-snow-20170121-story.html How California Can Make the Most of Its Rainfalls. Now that rain is finally falling, is California doing all it can to capture and conserve that water? Projects are underway to utilize stormwater better, with several areas of Southern California already leading by example. The deluge that hit California this month may have eased some people’s concerns about the drought. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/01/23/how-california-can-make-the-most-of-its-rainfalls FUELS OPEC Helps Cheap U.S. Oil Find Its Way to Group’s Top Customers. Add Southern Green Canyon and Mars Blend to the growing list of American crude that’s challenging OPEC’s dominance in the world’s biggest oil market. Cargoes of the two varieties produced in the Gulf of Mexico, which are heavier and more sulfurous than supply from U.S. shale fields, are poised to flow into Asia... https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-23/opec-helps-cheap-u-s-oil-find-its-way-to-group-s-top-customers GREEN ENERGY China axes 103 coal-fired power plants, citing smog, overcapacity. During negotiations for the Paris Climate Treaty signed last fall, a major concern among critics was whether the carbon emissions of China's sprawling and inefficient energy sector could be reined in. With China, the U.S., and dozens of other countries signing the agreement, the world's most populous country committed itself to decarbonizing its growing energy consumption. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108481_china-axes-103-coal-fired-power-plants-citing-smog-overcapacity MISCELLANEOUS Trump’s political teams land at EPA, DOE. President Trump's first wave of political staffers are heading into federal agencies today. The small groups — known as beachhead teams — will lay the groundwork for the new administration's policies and serve as White House representatives until Cabinet officials are confirmed and bigger teams dispatched. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/23/stories/1060048813 OPINIONS Pruitt and Perry continue to play down climate change. President Trump has tapped Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R) and former Texas governor Rick Perry (R) to lead the agencies at the forefront of the nation’s response to global warming. In their nomination hearings last week, both men downplayed expert warnings about the nature and extent of the crisis. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/pruitt-and-perry-continue-to-play-down-climate-change/2017/01/21/c891c61c-de97-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html?utm_term=.b15eedac386e Legal, political clashes will settle future of California’s cap-and-trade system. California’s highly controversial cap-and-trade approach to reducing carbon emissions has many moving parts – bureaucratic, legal and political – and the next few months will determine whether they coalesce into an enduring system or the entire structure collapses. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/dan-walters/article127843199.html#storylink=cpy The real climate hoax. Perhaps taking a page from the bad old days of the petroleum-influenced George W. Bush administration, Donald Trump's cabinet nominees aren't denying the science behind climate change, they're just trying to cast doubt. Asked about mankind's impact on global warming, they've collectively shrugged their shoulders and waxed philosophically about the uncertainties involved in the matter. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/ With the Rise of Trump, Is It Game Over for the Climate Fight? Donald Trump’s ascension to the presidency is a stunning blow to hopes for avoiding the worst impacts of global warming. But a broad-based, grassroots movement committed to cutting emissions and promoting clean energy must continue and intensify – the stakes are simply too high to give up. One possibility is, we’ve lost. It’s a real possibility, and we should consider it carefully instead of ignoring it because it’s emotionally unpalatable. http://e360.yale.edu/features/with-the-ascent-of-trump-is-it-game-over-for-the-climate-fight California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 13:32:38 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 24, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CAP AND TRADE Appeals Court to Decide Future of California Carbon Auctions. Businesses looking to invalidate California's fee for carbon pollution take their arguments to a state appeals court Tuesday in a case that could determine the future of one of California's signature efforts to combat climate change. With a central piece of Gov. Jerry Brown's legacy on the line, lawyers for the state and for environmental advocacy groups will defend a program that has been closely watched around the world as a potential model for controlling carbon emissions. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_GREENHOUSE_GASES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/24/us/ap-us-california-greenhouse-gases-.html?_r=0 http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/appeals-court-decide-future-california-carbon-auctions-45000787 California regulators propose extending cap-and-trade. California regulators are proposing to expand efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, partly by extending the state's cap-and-trade program, which is set to end in 2020. California's goal of cutting its GHG emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 is the most ambitious carbon emissions reduction requirement in the US. The state is close to meeting its current target of getting down to 1990 emissions levels by 2020, according to the draft plan, released Friday by the California Air Resources Board. http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/portland-maine/california-regulators-propose-extending-cap-and-21680770 Appeals court to hear pivotal suit against cap and trade. A lawsuit challenging the legality of California's economywide cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases is set for oral arguments this week, but uncertainty over the future of the program is likely to persist for some time. The 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento will hear an hour of arguments tomorrow for and against California's authority to conduct auctions of greenhouse gas permits, which have become a lucrative source of funding, generating more than $3 billion so far for the state's high-speed rail project, affordable housing near transit and other programs linked to emissions reductions. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060048756 AIR POLLUTION Air pollution in London passes levels in Beijing...and wood burners are making problem worse. Air pollution in London passed levels in Beijing this week, figures have shown, with popular wood burning stoves blamed for exacerbating the problem. On Monday London mayor Sadiq Khan issued the highest air pollution alert in London for the first time, and said on Tuesday that the capital’s ‘filthy air’ is now a ‘health crisis.’ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/01/24/air-pollution-london-passes-levels-beijingand-wood-burners-making/ Judge Rules Ameren Missouri Plant Violates Clean Air Act. A federal judge has ruled that Ameren Missouri's coal-fired power plant near St. Louis violates the Clean Air Act and has created "significantly more pollution" since modifications were made. U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel's ruling Monday could require St. Louis-based Ameren to install additional pollution control equipment at the Rush Island power plant in Jefferson County. Ameren Missouri calls the ruling disappointing and says an appeal is planned. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AMEREN_PLANT_POLLUTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Paris Rolls Out Colour-Code Stickers for Cars to Curb Pollution. The French capital on Monday launched a new colour-coded sticker scheme to restrict car use in its latest attempt to curb air pollution many Parisians blame for coughing fits, eye irritation and runny noses. The "Crit'Air" system bans all diesel-fuelled cars registered between January 1997 and December 2000 - identifiable by a grey sticker on the windscreen - from the capital. About 6 percent of France's 32 million cars fall into this category. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/01/23/world/europe/23reuters-france-pollution.html East Meets West: Examining air pollution in Cook County. Which Cook County residents are affected most by air pollution, and how does it affect their health? Those are the questions that collaborators from the School of Public Health and College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs aim to answer. The first step is examining air pollution data in Cook County to understand the spatial distribution of air toxics. https://news.uic.edu/east-meets-west-examining-air-pollution-in-cook-county Paris Tests Electronic Driverless Minibus to Fight Pollution. In a city hit by chronic pollution and traffic problems, Paris officials are experimenting with a self-driving shuttle linking two train stations in the French capital. Two electric-power EZ10 minibuses, which can carry up to six seated passengers, were put into service Monday and will be tested until early April between the Lyon and Austerlitz stations in Paris. The GPS-guided vehicle is free and will be running seven days a week. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_PARIS_SELF_DRIVING_BUS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT CLIMATE CHANGE More businesses must work with suppliers to curb climate change: study. Too few businesses are working with their suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to study that praised 29 companies including General Motors(GM.N), Sky (SKYB.L) and Sony Corp (6758.T) for taking the lead. "The supply chain is the new frontier in environmental responsibility – an area rich with opportunity that remains mostly unexplored," non-profit group CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, wrote in its report published on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-companies-idUSKBN1580D0 CDC abruptly cancels long-planned conference on climate change and health. With little warning or explanation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently canceled a major climate change conference that had been scheduled for next month in Atlanta. The Climate and Health Summit, which had been in the works for months, was intended as a chance for public health officials around the country to learn more about the mounting evidence of the risks to human health posed by the changing climate. But CDC officials abruptly canceled the conference before President Trump’s inauguration, sending a terse email on Jan. 9 to those who had been scheduled to speak at the event. The message did not explain the reason behind the decision. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/23/cdc-abruptly-cancels-long-planned-conference-on-climate-change-and-health/?utm_term=.2f25712dec69 FUELS Trump Acts to Advance Keystone XL, Dakota Access Pipelines. Dealing a blow to former President Barack Obama's legacy on climate change, President Donald Trump signed executive actions Tuesday to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines, a move cheered by congressional Republicans and decried by environmentalists. Trump told reporters at the White House that the actions on the pipelines will be subject to the terms and conditions being negotiated by U.S. officials. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_PIPELINES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT REEN ENERGY Scotland sets 50% renewable energy target. The draft Scottish Energy Strategy sets out a vision for the transition away from oil and gas dependency and towards a low-carbon economy by 2050. Only 13% of Scotland's total final energy consumption came from renewable sources in 2013. Environmental groups had been campaigning for the 50% target. A public consultation on the proposals will run until the end of May. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-38729869 Why Donald Trump won't hold back solar and wind power. President Donald Trump's full-throated support for fossil fuel production and his climate change denial have raised concerns about the future of renewable energy projects in America, but some investors believe the president cannot hold back solar and wind energy deployment — or alternative energy stocks. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/24/donald-trump-cant-stop-back-solar-and-wind-power.html Not renewable: Bill would ban utilities from using renewable energy. On the first day of the state’s legislative session, nine Republican lawmakers filed legislation that would bar utilities from using electricity produced by large-scale renewable energy projects.The bill, whose sponsors are primarily from the state’s top coal-producing counties, would require utilities to use only approved energy sources like coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric, and oil. While individual homeowners and small businesses could still use rooftop solar or backyard wind, utilities would face steep fines if they served up clean energy. http://www.salon.com/2017/01/23/not-renewable-bill-would-ban-utilities-from-using-renewable-energy/ Policy Forecast: A Rough 4 Years for Climate Action, a Good 4 Years for Clean Energy. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States last week and promptly updated the White House website with a new set of policy pages, including his “America First Energy Plan.” The page makes no mention of renewable energy or climate action, marking a stark shift from President Obama. Trump’s plan also commits to embracing the oil and shale gas revolution, advancing independence from foreign oil and reviving America’s coal industry. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/watch-democrat-and-republican-policy-experts-discuss-the-future-of-clean-en?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GTM_Solar+(GTM+Solar) MISCELLANEOUS California Governor Speech Comes Amid Shifting Politics. Jerry Brown is coming off a blockbuster year of liberal wins: He secured an extension of landmark climate change legislation, signed off on an increase in California's minimum wage, expanded family leave laws, toughened gun laws, and persuaded voters to both soften sentencing laws and reject a ballot measure that would have threatened two of his legacy projects. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_STATE_OF_STATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Trump Admin Orders Media Blackout at EPA. The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates or posts to the agency's social media accounts. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_THE_LATEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Clean-Burning Stoves Save Lives In Mountainous Nepal. George Basch spends a lot of time in Asia helping people. As founder of the not-for-profit Himalayan Stove Project, he travels back and forth between the U.S. and mountainous regions of Nepal, providing clean-burning stoves to locals there who really need them. For his efforts, he is receiving the prestigious Explorers Club "Citation of Merit" Award at its annual dinner in March. We sat down with Basch recently to learn a little more about HMS. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2017/01/24/clean-burning-stoves-save-numerous-lives-in-mountainous-nepal/#2fef93652285 BLOGS Renewables Now Cheapest, But How To Enable Faster Renewable Energy Growth? Renewable energy is now the cheapest option, on average, for new electricity capacity around the world — in developed countries like the US as well as developing countries like India, China, Nigeria, and Mexico. As I noted the other day, we need to keep channeling this message to the broader public, and especially decision-makers, but there are other things to do as well in order to increase the rate of renewable energy growth. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/01/22/renewables-now-cheapest-renewable-energy-costs-low-too-high/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:42:52 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 25, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 25, 2017. 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 Trump administration tells EPA to cut climate page from website: sources. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the climate change page from its website, two agency employees told Reuters, the latest move by the newly minted leadership to erase ex-President Barack Obama's climate change initiatives. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-epa-climatechange-idUSKBN15906G?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=26dd190879-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-26dd190879-327747457 The future of California's cap-and-trade program remains uncertain as it gets its day in court. Lawyers for the state and businesses clashed in a Sacramento appeals court Tuesday over how much power California has to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and whether that authority includes raising revenue for lawmakers to spend. The case could determine the future of the state’s cap-and-trade program, which requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-climate-court-hearing-20170124-story.html Is it a fee or tax? California’s cap-and-trade faces tough questions. California’s marquee climate-change program faced tough scrutiny on Tuesday from a state appeals court judge who seemed skeptical that the $4.4 billion raised from the state’s cap-and-trade program complied with laws regulating taxes and fees. “Where does this end?” Associate Justice Harry Hull asked state lawyers at a hearing in a long-running lawsuit… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article128494604.html#storylink=cpy California’s Cap and Trade: Appeals Court to Decide Its Future. Businesses looking to invalidate California’s fee for carbon pollution take their arguments to a state appeals court Tuesday in a case that could determine the future of one of California’s signature efforts to combat climate change. With a central piece of Gov. Jerry Brown’s legacy on the line, lawyers for the state and for environmental advocacy groups will defend… https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/01/24/californias-cap-and-trade-appeals-court-to-decide-its-future/ Hearings begin on constitutionality of California cap and trade. In an uncertain political landscape, cap and trade in California faced a fresh hurdle as hearings began before an appeals court over the constitutional legitimacy of the regime. “A long-running lawsuit filed by the California Chamber of Commerce seeks to have the system declared an illegal business tax that should have required a two-thirds vote of the legislature to take effect,”… http://calwatchdog.com/2017/01/25/hearings-begin-constitutionality-california-cap-trade/ California’s cap-and-trade faces tough questions. California’s marquee climate-change program faced tough scrutiny on Tuesday from a state appeals court judge who seemed skeptical that the $4.4 billion raised from the state’s cap-and-trade program complied with laws regulating taxes and fees. “Where does this end?” Associate Justice Harry Hull asked state lawyers at a hearing in a long-running lawsuit that challenges… http://www.capoliticalreview.com/trending/californias-cap-and-trade-faces-tough-questions/ Appellate court hears arguments on cap-and-trade auction. A Sacramento appellate court will hear oral arguments this morning on a closely-watched lawsuit filed by CalChamber concerning the California Air Resources Board’s cap-and-trade auction. In 2012, CalChamber sued the ARB seeking to invalidate the auction in violation of Proposition 13. The complaint asserts that AB 32 does not authorize the ARB to impose fees… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/appellate-court-hears-arguments-cap-trade-auction/ In California, a legal battle over carbon emission auctions (+video). An appeals court in Sacramento is set to hear a four-year-old legal challenge to California's emissions trading program. California Gov. Jerry Brown wants his state's cap-and-trade program to serve as a golden example of how industries can slash pollution. But business groups argue the billions the program has collected through auctions amount to an “illegal tax.” http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0124/In-California-a-legal-battle-over-carbon-emission-auctions-video?cmpid=TW Governor Brown tries to leverage giant new cap-and-trade deal. Gov. Jerry Brown proposes a budget that eliminates a projected $2 billion deficit for the upcoming year. Brown wants the Legislature, where Democrats gained a two-thirds majority in both houses in the November election, to use that power to extend the cap-and-trade program beyond 2020. https://calnewseditor.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/governor-brown-tries-to-leverage-giant-new-cap-and-trade-deal/ Amid legal uncertainty, California agency proposes cap-and-trade expansion Dive Brief: •The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed a plan that would raise the bar on the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. •CARB’s scoping plan calls for reducing GHGs 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, extending the state’s carbon dioxide cap and trade program to 2030, reducing GHGs from refineries by 20%... http://www.utilitydive.com/news/amid-legal-uncertainty-california-agency-proposes-cap-and-trade-expansion/434691/ California Appellate Court Hears Arguments in Cap-and-Trade Program Challenge. Court of Appeal Justices Appear Inclined to Reject Industry’s Constitutional Attack on State’s Cap-and-Trade Auction System. On Tuesday, the California Court of Appeal in Sacramento heard oral arguments in the most formidable legal challenge to the State of California’s ambitious, multifaceted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. http://legal-planet.org/2017/01/25/california-appellate-court-hears-arguments-in-cap-and-trade-program-challenge/ Court weighs whether cap and trade is a fee or a tax — or 'neither'. Judges considering a challenge against California's landmark climate change laws asked pointed questions yesterday aimed at figuring out its status under the state's tax rules. California businesses argued in the 3rd District Court of Appeal that the state lacks authority to conduct auctions of greenhouse gas permits… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048949 AIR POLLUTION Judge protects Chevron's assets in $9.5B pollution fight. An Ontario judge last week protected Chevron Corp.'s Canadian assets from being seized; dealing a blow to Ecuadorean villagers who say the oil giant polluted their land. The ruling is the latest development in a 24-year-old legal battle between Chevron and Ecuadorean villagers that has played out in courtrooms around the globe. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048908 CLIMATE CHANGE EU body: Climate change poses increasingly severe risks. The European Environment Agency says the continent is facing rising sea levels and more extreme weather, such as more frequent and more intense heat waves, flooding, droughts and storms because of climate change. The Copenhagen-based agency says that its assessment is based on the latest trends and projections on climate change and its impacts across Europe. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-25/exxon-praises-monumental-paris-agreement-in-signal-to-trump Trump’s Climate Stance Threatens to Worsen China Relations. President Donald Trump’s vow to pull back from climate-change efforts endangers one of the few areas where China and the U.S. have seen eye-to-eye, exacerbating tensions as he takes on more contentious subjects. “There is a long history of countries that struggle to get along, using the subject of the environment to continue talking and build good will… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-24/trump-s-climate-stance-threatens-rare-common-ground-with-china?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=f3a8c5999d-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-f3a8c5999d-327747457 California governor defiant in face of Trump agenda. Gov. Jerry Brown forcefully defended California's efforts to curb global warming, protect immigrants and expand health care, vowing in his State of the State address Tuesday to fight the Trump administration if it tries to roll back the state's accomplishments. "California is not turning back. Not now, not ever," he declared. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_STATE_OF_STATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/24/in-a-fiery-speech-california-gov-jerry-brown-defends-climate-action-and-attacks-alternative-facts/?utm_campaign=26dd190879-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.e51bec25de67 San Diego adopts urban forestry plan to boost tree canopy, slow climate change. Neighborhoods in San Diego, especially those in low-income and urban areas, would get significantly more trees under a five-year “urban forestry” plan the City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday. The proposal aims to help the city meet the goals of its ambitious climate action plan… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-urban-forest-20170124-story.html Report: Climate Change Rules Boost Economy In Central Valley. A study finds that California's climate-friendly policies have created a $13 billion economic boost to the Central Valley's economy. The report, commissioned by the nonpartisan group Next 10, finds climate change policies in California have helped, not hurt, the region's economy. Next 10 founder Noel Perry said the study focused on three areas: the state's air pollution cap-and-trade credit program; the state's renewable energy goals… http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/jan/25/states-climate-change-rules-boosting-economy-centr/ Silenced Federal Agencies Violating Their Own Policies. Tuesday marked a flurry of actions by the Trump administration that have cut off some federal scientists from the outside world. The news, reported by outlets including ProPublica, the Huffington Post, BuzzFeed and the Associated Press, centers around the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.climatecentral.org/news/silenced-federal-agencies-are-violating-their-own-policies-21105?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=26dd190879-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-26dd190879-327747457 Donald Trump accused of breaking law by removing greenhouse gas emission data from US government website. Campaigners claim there is a legal requirement to publish information about carbon emissions. The Trump administration broke US law when it ordered information about carbon emissions to be removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, a leading environmental campaigner has claimed. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-break-law-removing-greenhouse-gas-emission-data-us-government-website-epa-nationa-parks-a7545981.html Even before formal death knell, Clean Power Plan is history. The Clean Power Plan, as the world knows it, is dead. The Trump administration has vowed to reverse the U.S. EPA regulation meant to drive down carbon emissions from power plants. And although environmental advocates will fight that decision in the courts, the battle could rage on for years. During that time, many states may pursue their own climate strategies. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/24/stories/1060048857 Staff told to 'stand down' on axing climate page. Trump administration officials appear to have walked back plans to scrub climate change references from U.S. EPA's website. "We've been told to stand down," an EPA employee told E&E News today. That new directive comes after staff were told yesterday to remove the agency's climate change page from its website, worrying climate change activists and sending data specialists scrambling to download files. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048975 Agency told to remove climate from website — report. The Trump administration has instructed U.S. EPA to get rid of mentions of climate change from its website, Reuters reported late yesterday. Communications staff were told to remove the agency's webpage on climate change, according to two unnamed EPA staff members. The move adds to concerns that a Trump administration will promote a denial of fundamental science within its agencies. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048947 Tillerson's written responses on climate fail to satisfy Dems. Former Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO Rex Tillerson, President Trump's choice to lead the State Department, said at his confirmation hearing that climate change is real but provided vague answers on climate science and hazy replies about international climate negotiations. What the oilman told senators in writing only slightly clarified things. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048942 DROUGHT ‘Snow drought’ ends for Mid-Atlantic ski resorts, and the cold returns. It finally snowed again in the Mid-Atlantic ski country. After a two-week hiatus, Old Man Winter returned, dropping almost half a foot in the most snow-favorable areas, like Canaan Valley, W.Va. Other notable locations were… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/01/25/snow-drought-ends-for-mid-atlantic-ski-resorts-and-the-cold-returns/?utm_term=.b1e9b67cd3f4 >From drought to floods, California staggers from one state of emergency to the next. Despite rising flood waters across California this week, the state's water regulator is not ready to lift the drought-mandated water conservation ban just yet. When it rains, it pours. In drought- and wildfire-scarred California, it also snows, hails, and gusts. California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Monday in 50 out of California’s 58 counties… http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2017/0125/From-drought-to-floods-California-staggers-from-one-state-of-emergency-to-the-next DIESEL ACTIVITIES San Pedro’s battleship upgrades from diesel to clean shore-side power. The Battleship Iowa tourist attraction has become the latest vessel to plug into electric shore-side power at the Port of Los Angeles. The upgrade was unveiled at a Monday morning news conference in San Pedro, where the World War II battleship has been a popular tourist draw since it arrived in 2012. The ship’s operational systems previously ran on a diesel generator. http://www.dailybreeze.com/business/20170123/san-pedros-battleship-upgrades-from-diesel-to-clean-shore-side-power FUELS Exxon Praises ‘Monumental’ Paris Agreement in Signal to Trump. Exxon Mobil Corp., the U.S. oil giant that’s facing investigations over what it knew and when about climate change, sees the Paris agreement to mitigate global warming as a “monumental” achievement, according to a top executive. The company supports the December 2015 Paris accord as a “very meaningful and constructive process,” William M. Colton, Exxon’s vice president for corporate strategic planning… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-25/exxon-praises-monumental-paris-agreement-in-signal-to-trump California Agencies Report on Build-Out of Hydrogen Stations. The California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have released the annual Joint Agency Staff Report on A.B.8: 2016 Assessment of Time and Cost Needed to Attain 100 Hydrogen Refueling Stations in California. As reported, the analysis updates the time and cost assessments to design, permit… http://ngtnews.com/california-agencies-report-on-build-out-of-hydrogen-refueling-stations http://cafcp.org/blog/cec-and-arb-release-joint-staff-report-2017 ‘Huge’ coal-to-gas switch drives down EU power emissions. Europe’s power-sector CO2 emissions fell 4.5% in 2016 after a “huge” switch from coal- to gas-fired generation, according to new analysis. The figures are jointly published by the thinktanks Sandbag and Agora Energiewende today. They show coal generation across the EU falling by 94 terawatt hours (TWh), down 12% on a year earlier. Gas output was up 101TWh, a 20% increase (see chart, below). https://www.carbonbrief.org/huge-coal-gas-switch-drives-down-eu-emissions Enviros, now on the outs with White House, look to the courts. President Trump yesterday began making good on his promises to boost the oil and gas industry, signing memos reviving two controversial pipelines that have become the face of the climate movement and officially kicking off a war with environmentalists. Trump directed the State Department to expedite its approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline that would connect Canadian oil sands with U.S. refineries. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/25/stories/1060048946 GREEN ENERGY France issues record $7.5 billion in 'green bonds'. France has issued a record 7 billion euros ($7.5 billion) in so-called green treasury bonds, a boost to efforts to generate investment in clean energy. The French government celebrated the higher than expected demand for Tuesday's bond issue. President Francois Hollande called on others to follow France's example. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_FRANCE_GREEN_BONDS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT MISCELLANEOUS Trump admin orders EPA contract freeze and media blackout. The Trump administration has instituted what it described as a temporary media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed specific prohibitions banning press releases… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US__TRUMP_AGENCIES_CRACKDOWN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-epa-idUSKBN15822X https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-agencies-ordered-to-restrict-their-communications/2017/01/24/9daa6aa4-e26f-11e6-ba11-63c4b4fb5a63_story.html?utm_term=.63b705fe193e http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/EPA-contract-freeze-media-blackout-leave-states-10882102.php http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2017/01/24/california-objects-trumps-freeze-epa-grants/97021102/ http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Gag-order-freeze-put-on-EPA-other-federal-10881372.php The Latest: National park’s climate tweets go viral. The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local): Three climate-related tweets sent out by Badlands National Park have been deleted after they went viral on Twitter, sparking debate over whether the park was defying the Trump administration. The South Dakota park posted tweets Tuesday that accurately quoted climate science data… https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/the-latest-trump-repeats-unproven-claim-of-illegal-votes/2017/01/23/3235326c-e1da-11e6-a419-eefe8eff0835_story.html?utm_term=.ca2bcdef03db Closed-loop concept could be the future of sustainable animal farms. Dr. Eunsung Kan sees his concept of a closed-loop dairy farm, which reuses wastewater, emits zero waste and powers itself on manure, as the future of sustainable animal farming. Kan, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research chemical and environmental engineer in Stephenville, said his concept could change the way dairies, swine and poultry farms deal with manure… https://phys.org/news/2017-01-closed-loop-concept-future-sustainable-animal.html#jCp OPINIONS The end of California's drought is much closer after recent rain. Local reservoirs rising rapidly in response to the barrage of rain, but we still have a ways to go to overcome effects of drought. You know the answer already. No, the drought isn’t over in Southern California – even with this burst of insane amounts of rain the last five days, Alex Tardy, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego, said Monday, Jan. 23. http://www.pe.com/articles/drought-823822-water-tardy.html The growing need for boardroom climate competency. Large institutional investors, concerned about portfolio risks stemming from the effects of global warming, are calling for climate-competent boards and directors as part of their fiduciary responsibility to preserve and enhance the long-term value of their investment assets. Despite the anticipated rollback of climate related governmental policies such as the… http://www.pionline.com/article/20170125/ONLINE/170129925/the-growing-need-for-boardroom-climate-competency Why California’s EPA waivers matter: The air we breathe. The reason that Congress, back in 1970, granted California authority to go beyond federal standards is that California had the worst air pollution in the nation. It had already taken aggressive action in 1967 under Gov. Ronald Reagan to address the persistent smog that was choking the Los Angeles Basin, regularly triggering red-flag alert days… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/californias-epa-waivers-matter-air-breathe/ Cap and Trade Nightmare. As Ontario rang in the New Year, the Liberal government’s cap-and-trade scheme came into play in the background, thus setting the stage for another crippling blow to the wallets of working class Ontarians, and Ontario’s economy. Canada ratified the Paris Agreement in October of 2016, officially setting plans in motion to combat climate change. http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ur/story/1223965 BLOGS Five Far Reaching Opportunities to Modernize California Natural Gas Policy. As he settles into his final two years as California’s longest-serving Governor, Jerry Brown has limited time to finalize his energy and climate policy legacy. Meanwhile, with a new crop of state legislators and two new appointees at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California has a fresh set of actors… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/01/24/five-far-reaching-opportunities-to-modernize-california-natural-gas-policy/ Endangered Species: How Environmental Rollback Could Hit Forest Owners Hard. A few years back, the Yurok people of California started tapping carbon markets to save their forest; they’ve since raised millions from companies like Chevron, Tesoro, and Calpine Energy Services by doing so – and they’re not alone. In 2015, owners of farms and private forests across the country earned $63.2 million… http://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/endangered-species-environmental-rollback-hit-forest-owners-hard/ In California, the Future Is Still Electric. At every level, the state is ramping up for widespread electric vehicle adoption. And it’s ready to throw down with President Trump. No question about it: The next four years will darken U.S. action on climate change. In a meeting yesterday with automakers where he promised to roll back environmental regulations, President Donald Trump declared, “I am, to a large extent, an environmentalist.” http://www.citylab.com/commute/2017/01/in-california-the-future-is-still-electric/514199/ CDC Postpones Climate Change Conference: Is Trump Administration To Blame? The CDC postponed a summit, scheduled for February 2017, on climate change and its effects on public health. The event had been programmed before President Donald Trump's inauguration, but it was voluntarily delayed two days after his mandate. The president's administration never asked explicitly for this move. http://www.techtimes.com/articles/194195/20170125/cdc-postpones-climate-change-conference-is-trump-administration-to-blame.htm#sthash.rMeKtMvv.dpuf California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 14:52:44 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 24, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 24, 2017. 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 Appeals Court to Decide Future of California Carbon Auctions. Businesses looking to invalidate California's fee for carbon pollution take their arguments to a state appeals court Tuesday in a case that could determine the future of one of California's signature efforts to combat climate change. With a central piece of Gov. Jerry Brown's legacy on the line, lawyers for the state and for environmental advocacy groups will defend a program that has been closely watched around the world as a potential model for controlling carbon emissions. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_GREENHOUSE_GASES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/24/us/ap-us-california-greenhouse-gases-.html?_r=0 http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/appeals-court-decide-future-california-carbon-auctions-45000787 California regulators propose extending cap-and-trade. California regulators are proposing to expand efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, partly by extending the state's cap-and-trade program, which is set to end in 2020. California's goal of cutting its GHG emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 is the most ambitious carbon emissions reduction requirement in the US. The state is close to meeting its current target of getting down to 1990 emissions levels by 2020, according to the draft plan, released Friday by the California Air Resources Board. http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/portland-maine/california-regulators-propose-extending-cap-and-21680770 Appeals court to hear pivotal suit against cap and trade. A lawsuit challenging the legality of California's economywide cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases is set for oral arguments this week, but uncertainty over the future of the program is likely to persist for some time. The 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento will hear an hour of arguments tomorrow for and against California's authority to conduct auctions of greenhouse gas permits, which have become a lucrative source of funding, generating more than $3 billion so far for the state's high-speed rail project, affordable housing near transit and other programs linked to emissions reductions. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060048756 AIR POLLUTION Air pollution in London passes levels in Beijing...and wood burners are making problem worse. Air pollution in London passed levels in Beijing this week, figures have shown, with popular wood burning stoves blamed for exacerbating the problem. On Monday London mayor Sadiq Khan issued the highest air pollution alert in London for the first time, and said on Tuesday that the capital’s ‘filthy air’ is now a ‘health crisis.' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/01/24/air-pollution-london-passes-levels-beijingand-wood-burners-making/ Judge Rules Ameren Missouri Plant Violates Clean Air Act. A federal judge has ruled that Ameren Missouri's coal-fired power plant near St. Louis violates the Clean Air Act and has created "significantly more pollution" since modifications were made. U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel's ruling Monday could require St. Louis-based Ameren to install additional pollution control equipment at the Rush Island power plant in Jefferson County. Ameren Missouri calls the ruling disappointing and says an appeal is planned. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_AMEREN_PLANT_POLLUTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Paris Rolls Out Colour-Code Stickers for Cars to Curb Pollution. The French capital on Monday launched a new colour-coded sticker scheme to restrict car use in its latest attempt to curb air pollution many Parisians blame for coughing fits, eye irritation and runny noses. The "Crit'Air" system bans all diesel-fuelled cars registered between January 1997 and December 2000 - identifiable by a grey sticker on the windscreen - from the capital. About 6 percent of France's 32 million cars fall into this category. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/01/23/world/europe/23reuters-france-pollution.html East Meets West: Examining air pollution in Cook County. Which Cook County residents are affected most by air pollution, and how does it affect their health? Those are the questions that collaborators from the School of Public Health and College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs aim to answer. The first step is examining air pollution data in Cook County to understand the spatial distribution of air toxics. https://news.uic.edu/east-meets-west-examining-air-pollution-in-cook-county Paris Tests Electronic Driverless Minibus to Fight Pollution. In a city hit by chronic pollution and traffic problems, Paris officials are experimenting with a self-driving shuttle linking two train stations in the French capital. Two electric-power EZ10 minibuses, which can carry up to six seated passengers, were put into service Monday and will be tested until early April between the Lyon and Austerlitz stations in Paris. The GPS-guided vehicle is free and will be running seven days a week. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_PARIS_SELF_DRIVING_BUS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT CLIMATE CHANGE More businesses must work with suppliers to curb climate change: study. Too few businesses are working with their suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to study that praised 29 companies including General Motors(GM.N), Sky (SKYB.L) and Sony Corp (6758.T) for taking the lead. "The supply chain is the new frontier in environmental responsibility – an area rich with opportunity that remains mostly unexplored," non-profit group CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, wrote in its report published on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-companies-idUSKBN1580D0 CDC abruptly cancels long-planned conference on climate change and health. With little warning or explanation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently canceled a major climate change conference that had been scheduled for next month in Atlanta. The Climate and Health Summit, which had been in the works for months, was intended as a chance for public health officials around the country to learn more about the mounting evidence of the risks to human health posed by the changing climate. But CDC officials abruptly canceled the conference before President Trump’s inauguration, sending a terse email on Jan. 9 to those who had been scheduled to speak at the event. The message did not explain the reason behind the decision. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/23/cdc-abruptly-cancels-long-planned-conference-on-climate-change-and-health/?utm_term=.2f25712dec69 FUELS Trump Acts to Advance Keystone XL, Dakota Access Pipelines. Dealing a blow to former President Barack Obama's legacy on climate change, President Donald Trump signed executive actions Tuesday to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines, a move cheered by congressional Republicans and decried by environmentalists. Trump told reporters at the White House that the actions on the pipelines will be subject to the terms and conditions being negotiated by U.S. officials. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_PIPELINES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT REEN ENERGY Scotland sets 50% renewable energy target. The draft Scottish Energy Strategy sets out a vision for the transition away from oil and gas dependency and towards a low-carbon economy by 2050. Only 13% of Scotland's total final energy consumption came from renewable sources in 2013. Environmental groups had been campaigning for the 50% target. A public consultation on the proposals will run until the end of May. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-38729869 Why Donald Trump won't hold back solar and wind power. President Donald Trump's full-throated support for fossil fuel production and his climate change denial have raised concerns about the future of renewable energy projects in America, but some investors believe the president cannot hold back solar and wind energy deployment — or alternative energy stocks. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/24/donald-trump-cant-stop-back-solar-and-wind-power.html Not renewable: Bill would ban utilities from using renewable energy. On the first day of the state’s legislative session, nine Republican lawmakers filed legislation that would bar utilities from using electricity produced by large-scale renewable energy projects.The bill, whose sponsors are primarily from the state’s top coal-producing counties, would require utilities to use only approved energy sources like coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric, and oil. While individual homeowners and small businesses could still use rooftop solar or backyard wind, utilities would face steep fines if they served up clean energy. http://www.salon.com/2017/01/23/not-renewable-bill-would-ban-utilities-from-using-renewable-energy/ Policy Forecast: A Rough 4 Years for Climate Action, a Good 4 Years for Clean Energy. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States last week and promptly updated the White House website with a new set of policy pages, including his “America First Energy Plan.” The page makes no mention of renewable energy or climate action, marking a stark shift from President Obama. Trump’s plan also commits to embracing the oil and shale gas revolution, advancing independence from foreign oil and reviving America’s coal industry. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/watch-democrat-and-republican-policy-experts-discuss-the-future-of-clean-en?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GTM_Solar+(GTM+Solar) MISCELLANEOUS California Governor Speech Comes Amid Shifting Politics. Jerry Brown is coming off a blockbuster year of liberal wins: He secured an extension of landmark climate change legislation, signed off on an increase in California's minimum wage, expanded family leave laws, toughened gun laws, and persuaded voters to both soften sentencing laws and reject a ballot measure that would have threatened two of his legacy projects. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_STATE_OF_STATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Trump Admin Orders Media Blackout at EPA. The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates or posts to the agency's social media accounts. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_THE_LATEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Clean-Burning Stoves Save Lives In Mountainous Nepal. George Basch spends a lot of time in Asia helping people. As founder of the not-for-profit Himalayan Stove Project, he travels back and forth between the U.S. and mountainous regions of Nepal, providing clean-burning stoves to locals there who really need them. For his efforts, he is receiving the prestigious Explorers Club "Citation of Merit" Award at its annual dinner in March. We sat down with Basch recently to learn a little more about HMS. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2017/01/24/clean-burning-stoves-save-numerous-lives-in-mountainous-nepal/#2fef93652285 BLOGS Renewables Now Cheapest, But How To Enable Faster Renewable Energy Growth? Renewable energy is now the cheapest option, on average, for new electricity capacity around the world — in developed countries like the US as well as developing countries like India, China, Nigeria, and Mexico. As I noted the other day, we need to keep channeling this message to the broader public, and especially decision-makers, but there are other things to do as well in order to increase the rate of renewable energy growth. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/01/22/renewables-now-cheapest-renewable-energy-costs-low-too-high/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 15:30:54 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 26, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 26, 2017. 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 Elon Musk Floated the Idea of a Carbon Tax to Trump, an Official Says. Tesla Motors Inc. founder Elon Musk is pressing the Trump administration to adopt a tax on carbon emissions, raising the issue directly with President Donald Trump and U.S. business leaders at a White House meeting Monday regarding manufacturing. A senior White House official said Musk floated the idea of a carbon tax… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-01-26/tesla-s-musk-said-to-float-idea-of-a-carbon-tax-to-trump-ceos AIR POLLUTION Toxic air pollution report finds continued gains. The county adopted its latest “hot spot” report for toxic air pollution Wednesday, which found progress continues on limiting harmful emissions from industrial and government facilities. Cancerous and other dangerous air pollutants have been reduced by nearly 25 percent since 2009 and roughly 88 percent since 1989 when the program started, according to the most recent Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Report. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/ Palo Alto teens ask city to test for vapor intrusion. Students from Gunn High School’s Investigative Medicine Club are again petitioning Palo Alto city officials to deal with toxins seeping from plumes into buildings. Brent Han asked the City Council on Monday to adopt a citywide vapor intrusion policy that requires testing when buildings are constructed or situated over toxic plumes. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/25/palo-alto-teens-ask-city-for-vapor-intrusion-policy/ Global Suppliers Achieve 434 Million Tonnes Of Emissions Reductions. A new report has shown that the world’s largest purchasing organizations, large private and public sector organizations, not only have the ability to drive down emissions across their supply chains, but are actually doing so, achieving reductions equivalent to 434 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2016. The new report was published by environmental data initiative… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/01/26/global-suppliers-achieve-434-million-tonnes-emissions-reductions/ CLIMATE CHANGE U.S. government scientists go 'rogue' in defiance of Trump. Employees from more than a dozen U.S. government agencies have established a network of unofficial "rogue" Twitter feeds in defiance of what they see as attempts by President Donald Trump to muzzle federal climate change research and other science. Seizing on Trump's favorite mode of discourse, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-resist-idUSKBN15A0DI?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=942ae2935a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-942ae2935a-327747457 South, southeast face Europe's most adverse climate change impact: agency. Southern and southeastern regions of Europe will face the continent's most adverse effects from climate change as heatwaves and droughts become more intense and frequent, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said on Wednesday. Climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-climatechange-idUSKBN15912K Climate change efforts under siege after Trump election -E.ON CEO. German utility E.ON, which owns billions of euros worth of wind parks in the United States, said global efforts to tackle climate change were suffering serious setbacks, singling out the election of Donald Trump as a key obstacle. "President Trump has clearly distanced himself from climate protection during his election campaign: for him it does not… http://www.reuters.com/article/e-on-ceo-trump-idUSL5N1FF1QC Trump’s Web Makeover Softened After Bureaucratic Backlash. The White House website no longer has a section on climate change. An EPA page that answered "common questions" about global warming is gone. And reports on greenhouse gas emissions have vanished from the State Department’s Internet site. But, six days into the administration of President Donald Trump, most references to climate change and carbon emissions remain on government web pages. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-26/trump-climate-pivot-takes-shape-in-overhaul-of-federal-websites Trump administration backs off plan to scrub climate pages from EPA website. The Trump administration on Wednesday backed away from plans to take down some climate-change information from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, which employees said had been planned for this week. But political appointees are exerting more oversight over the agency’s scientific communications. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/25/trump-administration-backs-off-plan-to-scrub-climate-pages-from-epa-website/?utm_campaign=942ae2935a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.542c33722901 California Eyes Climate Leadership Role, But Trump's EPA Holds A Key On Cars. California Gov. Jerry Brown is vowing to lead the nation on climate change, as the Trump administration pulls back. But the Trump administration could get in California's way. In his annual State of the State speech, California Gov. Jerry Brown had one key message about climate change: perseverance. "We cannot fall back and give in to the climate deniers," Brown said. "The science is clear. The danger is real." http://www.npr.org/2017/01/25/511480146/california-eyes-climate-leadership-role-but-trumps-epa-holds-a-key-on-cars Strangling a Huge Climate Policy Machine Won't Be Easy for Trump. In the early days of what appears to be a clampdown on federal agencies who do climate work, it's been a bumpy ride for the Trump transition team. If the Trump administration intends to strangle the flow of climate change information produced by the federal bureaucracy, it will be no small task. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25012017/climate-change-bureaucracy-epa-donald-trump?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=942ae2935a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-942ae2935a-327747457 Russia, Canada, Brazil record vast forest loss. Here is how to turn a forest into a carbon-consuming machine that will help contain global warming. Leave it alone. Let it grow. Do not log it. It will sequester only so much carbon, but there are sure to be other benefits, according to some fresh thinking by a distinguished plant ecologist. And is the world listening? Probably not. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/01/26/russia-canada-brazil-record-vast-forest-loss/ One thing that will breach Trump's wall: climate change. Architects have called the border wall a "pharaonic project" and a misplaced infrastructure priority. Environmentalists say it will continue to cut off the flow of water and wildlife in a changing climate but is little more than political grandstanding that won't keep out people. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049011 EPA transition economist sees no role for carbon regs. An economist on the Trump administration's U.S. EPA team said today that he opposes using carbon taxes to curb heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions. Asked whether he supports any government regulations on carbon during a discussion at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, David Kreutzer replied, "Given the inefficiency of the… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049062 Pruitt questions warming, leaves wiggle room on CO2 finding. EPA administrator nominee Scott Pruitt yesterday sent 242 pages of responses to questions from Democratic senators, doubling down on his stances that the severity of climate change is up for debate and that the agency he would run has overstepped its congressional mandate. In response to numerous general and specific questions about climate science… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049016 Clean energy leaders say Trump's coolness won't hurt. Carbon-free power and climate change may not be selling points for renewable energy under the Trump administration. But business leaders are betting that "Made in the USA" will resonate with a president committed to an "America first" energy agenda. Executives representing clean energy business and lobbying groups told an audience yesterday… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049002 Trump will accept climate change — Tom Brokaw. Television journalist Tom Brokaw believes that President Trump could soon begin to change his mind about climate change. Trump has so far remained skeptical about the scientific consensus behind climate change, going so far as to call it a Chinese-invented hoax. But Brokaw thinks that Trump is going to get a different perspective on the issue from the military. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/26/stories/1060048999 Exxon's Nod to Climate Change: A Board Member Who's an Expert on It. Naming atmospheric scientist Susan Avery to its board of directors may signal the oil giant will begin to take climate risks seriously. ExxonMobil has elected to its board of directors a prominent expert in atmospheric science, a move that some see as a sign the company is beginning to increase climate change considerations in its business plan. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26012017/exxons-nod-climate-change-board-member-who-studied-it?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=461e66377e-InsideClimate_News12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-461e66377e-327494049 DROUGHT Half the state has escaped the drought, feds say. Nearly half of California has escaped the drought, according to a federal estimate released Thursday. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 48.6 percent of the state is now drought free. That was up from 42.5 percent a week ago. All of Northern California is drought free, the estimate said, including the Sacramento area. Two weeks of rain and snow have helped ease drought conditions, adding to one of the wettest winters in years. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article128876884.html#storylink=cpy Folsom Lake less than half full after recent rains. Residents ask: Why so dry? Northern California is on track to break rainfall records. Water has gushed through a weir into the Yolo Bypass floodplain at levels not seen in more than a decade. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is nearly double historical averages. But you wouldn’t know the region has experienced an exceptionally wet winter looking at the steep, dry shores ringing the Sacramento region’s … http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article128691044.html#storylink=cpy State gets deluge but still faces hotter, drier future. Rain deluged California over the past two weeks, coming so heavily that it triggered flooding, mudslides, power outages and crumbling cliffs. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) declared a disaster area in 49 counties. The Golden State winter overall has been wet, with most reservoirs at or above historical averages. It sounds like good news for a state that has endured a historic drought. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060049032/search?keyword=california FUELS Irish lawmakers vote to divest from fossil fuels. Ireland could become the first country in the world to fully divest its sovereign wealth fund from fossil fuels, after a parliamentary vote on Thursday. Lawmakers split 90 to 53 in favour of ditching coal, oil and gas holdings from the €8 billion (US$9bn) Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/01/26/irish-lawmakers-vote-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=942ae2935a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-942ae2935a-327747457 Canadian oil patch hopeful about Keystone XL. Published: Thursday, January 26, 2017 President Trump's attempt to expedite the Keystone XL pipeline angered opponents of the project. But the move pleased at least one key party: the Canadian oil patch. The battered Canadian oil industry reacted to Trump's directive with renewed hope for a friendly relationship with the incoming administration. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/26/stories/1060048985 FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) FCA in ‘intense’ talks with feds over diesel engines. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is in “pretty intense discussions” with federal regulators over claims that the automaker has been using emissions-cheating devices in its diesel-powered Ram 1500 pickup and Jeep Grand Cherokee models, according to CEO Sergio Marchionne. He said the talks are “proceeding well,” and the company hopes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency… http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2017/01/26/fca-earnings/97074556/ GREEN ENERGY Home of World’s Biggest Wind Turbine Maker Bypasses Trump Sphere. Denmark’s minister in charge of energy policy plans to head to the U.S. this year to talk to state representatives in an effort to promote wind energy despite open declarations of hostility toward the technology from President Donald Trump. Lars Christian Lilleholt, energy minister in Denmark’s minority center-right coalition… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-24/denmark-to-seek-an-end-to-subsidies-for-offshore-wind-energy?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=3445e5aed4-Clean_Economy_Wire12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-3445e5aed4-327494049 N.Y. utility gives green light to largest project in U.S. A New York utility yesterday approved the largest-ever offshore wind project in America, and officials said it shouldn't add much more than a dollar to customers' monthly bills. The Long Island Power Authority, a public utility that reports to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), gave the green light to a 90-megawatt project off the South Fork of Long Island. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049007 Wind executive opens grid consulting group. One of Washington's top advocates for wind energy is ending a 12-year career at the American Wind Energy Association to launch a new consulting firm dedicated to building a more robust electricity grid. Rob Gramlich, AWEA's senior vice president of government and public affairs, said yesterday he views the grid as one of the greatest challenges facing the energy sector going forward. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049010 MISCELLANEOUS Trump Prepares Orders Aiming at Global Funding and Treaties. The Trump administration is preparing executive orders that would clear the way to drastically reduce the United States’ role in the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as begin a process to review and potentially abrogate certain forms of multilateral treaties. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/us/politics/united-nations-trump-administration.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=942ae2935a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-942ae2935a-327747457 The EPA just delayed 30 environmental regulations created under Obama — here's what that means. The Environmental Protection Agency published paperwork Wednesday to delay 30 environmental regulations created under the Obama administration until March 21. All 30 regulations were written into the Federal Register before President Donald Trump took office and were due to go into effect before March 21. (Writing a regulation into the Federal Register is a step on the way to making it enforceable.) http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/The-EPA-just-delayed-30-environmental-regulations-10884013.php EPA Pick Pruitt Abandoned Environmental Protections in Oklahoma, Lawyers Say. Legal experts say Scott Pruitt did not pursue enforcement of environmental laws in favor of industries that were also among his biggest political donors. Environmental lawyers from Oklahoma joined the chorus of those pressuring U.S. senators to reject President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25012017/scott-pruitt-epa-oklahoma-environment-oil-gas?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=461e66377e-InsideClimate_News12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-461e66377e-327494049 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Agency releases Obama admin's environmental justice plan. The Department of Energy today released its environmental justice strategy for 2017 to help protect vulnerable populations from agency actions. The plan is dated January 2017 and signed by former Secretary Ernest Moniz. It's unclear how much weight it will have under the new administration. "The U.S. Department of Energy is a leader among… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/26/stories/1060049056 OPINIONS The fledgling Trump administration has effectively declared war on environmental protection. On Tuesday, President Trump signed executive orders that took the first steps toward reversing two Obama administration rulings against oil pipeline projects. One of those rulings, by the State Department, rejected the application for the Keystone XL pipeline that would carry oil from the tar sands of Alberta to refineries and shipping points in the United States. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-environment-battle-20170124-story.html BLOGS Trump infrastructure priority plan includes transmission, wind, energy storage. Dive Brief: •A 50-item list of infrastructure priorities compiled by the Trump administration and released by McClatchy and the Kansas City Star includes provisions for transmission expansion, wind and energy storage, among other power sector projects. •It is not clear if the $137 billion wish list is a draft or final version, the outlets reported… http://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-infrastructure-priority-plan-includes-transmission-wind-energy-stor/434754/ SunShot $1 per Watt Solar Cost Goal: Mission Accomplished, Years Ahead of Schedule. U.S. utility fixed-tilt system pricing is below $1.00 per watt. How crucial was the DOE in reaching this milestone? With the advent of $1.00-per-watt (DC) pricing for utility fixed-tilt PV systems, the solar industry has crushed the SunShot Program's $1.00-per-watt goal for 2020 three years early. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Sunshot-1-Per-Watt-Solar-Cost-Goal-Mission-Accomplished-Years-Ahead-of-S?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=3445e5aed4-Clean_Economy_Wire12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-3445e5aed4-327494049 Here's what you need to know about California's climate change deal. California Gov. Jerry Brown offered an energetic rebuke to the Trump administration’s "alternative facts" and "blatant attacks on science" in his State of the State address. The solidly blue state voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton, prompting Brown to reflect on California’s place in a broader national context in a speech traditionally… http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/jan/26/jerry-brown/heres-what-you-need-know-about-californias-paris-a/ It is 30 seconds closer to midnight. Over the course of 2016, the global security landscape darkened as the international community failed to come effectively to grips with humanity's most pressing existential threats, nuclear weapons and climate change. The United States and Russia—which together possess more than 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons—remained at odds in a variety of theaters… http://thebulletin.org/it-30-seconds-closer-midnight10431 States Expected To Continue Course Toward Clean Energy Future. In Wyoming, Republican Gov. Matt Mead is counting on a state-funded research center set to open this year to find a way to produce energy from coal without releasing carbon dioxide into the environment. In Kansas, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is eyeing new wind farms to bring jobs and economic growth. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/states-expected-to-continue-course-toward-clean-energy_us_588a106be4b06558f8e94e91 Calls For Senators Feinstein and Harris to Reject Trump’s Climate Denier Cabinet. Two weeks ago, a sign-wielding crowd of 150 people gathered together in front of the downtown Federal Building to deliver an urgent message to California’s two Senators: reject four nominations made by President Trump to key cabinet-level level posts. Why? Because all four of these men deny the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change. http://sandiegofreepress.org/2017/01/san-diego-350-calls-senators-feinstein-harris-reject-trumps-climate-denier-cabinet/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Jan 2017 15:28:56 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 27, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 27, 2017. 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 Exxon fought $10 carbon tax in Mass. Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson and officials at Exxon Mobil Corp. have repeatedly said they support a carbon tax to rein in greenhouse gas emissions. But Exxon in 2016 opposed two carbon tax bills in the Massachusetts Legislature, according to lobbying records. On the company's behalf, William Coyne, a Boston-based lobbyist, indicated on a disclosure… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049095 AIR POLLUTION Beijing smog inspectors on frontlines of war on pollution. Tougher law enforcement has reduced the number of environmental offenders in Beijing in recent years, but more companies need to adapt to the emissions standards in China's capital, its environmental inspection squad says. Graphic on air pollution in Beijing tmsnrt.rs/2hVMPCb. Beijing has been on the frontlines of a "war against pollution"… http://in.reuters.com/article/china-pollution-inspection-idINKBN15B0JD Air district will seek voluntary emissions cuts from ports, rail yards and warehouses. Proposed clean-air plan relies on industry cooperation, not rules. Southern California’s air quality agency is poised to approve a 15-year air cleanup plan that contains no emissions limits for the ports, rail yards or warehouse complexes that attract large numbers of ships, locomotives and big rig trucks. http://www.pe.com/articles/air-824144-district-pollution.html Guadalupe celebrates electrifying clean air milestone. A casual lunch conversation resulted in an electrifying idea that could reduce air pollution and put the city of Guadalupe on the electric vehicle charging map. On Thursday morning, Guadalupe leaders, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and others gathered to dedicate the first electric vehicle charging station in Guadalupe. http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/guadalupe-celebrates-electrifying-clean-air-milestone/article_886c12c1-42cc-5385-a2b9-7d303d711843.html Why do some states require emissions testing? Getting your car checked for excessive emissions has been a part of the American driving experience since 1966, when California launched the first vehicle emissions testing program. However, emissions testing has never been required for everyone. As of 2017, 32 states have some form of emissions testing, but most require testing only in specific regions. Other states have no emissions testing at all. http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/25/why-do-some-states-require-emissions-testing/ CLIMATE CHANGE British lawmakers urge May to tackle Trump on climate change. British lawmakers have written to Prime Minister Theresa May, urging her to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump on his views on climate change when the two leaders meet on Friday. Trump has dismissed climate change as a "hoax" and vowed during his presidential campaign to pull the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-trump-britain-climatechange-idUSKBN15B009 Trump Wants to Downplay Global Warming. Louisiana Won’t Let Him. “Mother Nature is threatening to kick our people out.” On a recent morning in Baton Rouge, a thousand miles from where Senate Democrats were jousting with Donald Trump’s nominee to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about whether humans are warming the planet… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-26/trump-wants-to-downplay-global-warming-louisiana-won-t-let-him Top download from any federal site right now is Park Service report on climate change. The events of the past week have been worrying to advocates of government action on climate change, with the removal of climate priorities from the White House website, the order to freeze all Environmental Protection Agency contracts and the inauguration of a president who said he is “not a big believer”… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/01/27/the-top-download-from-any-federal-site-right-now-is-a-park-service-report-on-climate-change/?utm_term=.ef902e4c37cd What Trump Can and Can’t Do to Dismantle Obama’s Climate Rules. President Trump campaigned on sweeping promises to eliminate former President Barack Obama’s major environmental regulations and “get rid of” the Environmental Protection Agency. On Tuesday, Mr. Trump offered a down payment on those promises, with memorandums clearing the path to construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/us/politics/donald-trump-climate-epa.html?ref=energy-environment&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9cb1377e52-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9cb1377e52-327747457 As Climate Change Accelerates, Floating Cities Look Like Less of a Pipe Dream. You might call it a Noah’s Ark for an era of melting polar ice sheets. An audacious plan to respond to climate change by building a city of floating islands in the South Pacific is moving forward, with the government of French Polynesia agreeing to consider hosting the islands in a tropical lagoon. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/world/australia/climate-change-floating-islands.html?_r=0 Doomsday clock changed partially due to climate change. The Doomsday clock changed partially due to climate change. Now, there's a way for folks to participate in the emission reduction plan for California, too. http://www.abc10.com/weather/doomsday-clock-changed-partially-due-to-climate-change/393872941 Canadian scientists offer support to muzzled US counterparts. For nine years under Canada’s previous government, science suffered harsh restrictions. Now US scientists may be facing a similar fate. Canadian scientists – who were muzzled for nearly a decade by the country’s previous Conservative government… https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jan/27/canadian-scientists-lend-support-to-muzzled-us-counterparts?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9cb1377e52-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9cb1377e52-327747457 Agency awaiting Pruitt plans to give climate awards. U.S. EPA will likely be led soon by a climate skeptic, but it's still planning to give out climate leadership awards to businesses and professionals at a Chicago ceremony later this winter. The agency is listed as the headline sponsor of a voluntary awards program to be held as part of the three-day Climate Leadership Conference on March 1-3. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049088 DROUGHT Nearly half of California is out of the drought. The latest winter storms were a big boost for California — for the first time since January 2014, no part of the state is in the worst category of drought, just 2 percent of the state is now in extreme drought, and almost 50 percent is no longer categorized as being in drought. That’s according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly report… http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2017/01/26/54675/nearly-half-of-california-is-out-of-the-drought/ FUELS U.S. biofuels credits drop as EPA delay uncertainty grips market. Prices of paper credits used to meet U.S. biofuels standards dropped to over one-year lows on Wednesday, extending the previous day's slide on news of a government freeze that heightened uncertainty over the program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in a notice this week that the federal agency is delaying implementation of 30 regulations finalized recently by the Obama administration. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biofuels-idUSKBN1592GO TransCanada Submits New Application To Build Keystone XL Pipeline. The company that wants to build the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline says it has submitted a new permit application to the U.S. State Department. The TransCanada announcement came just two days after President Trump took executive actions to speed the approval process for both the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/26/511892321/transcanada-submits-new-application-to-build-keystone-xl-pipeline?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9cb1377e52-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9cb1377e52-327747457 Ford CEO urged Trump to ease fuel economy standards. Ford Motor Co. CEO Mark Fields yesterday said he is hopeful President Trump will soften fuel economy rules after meeting with automakers this week. Fields told the president he wants a "balance" between reducing carbon emissions — "which we're all for" — and jobs and affordability for customers, he said to investors in an earnings call yesterday. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049126 Emissions mitigation coalition fears BLM rule rollback. A group of companies with a financial stake in the Obama administration's strategy to reduce emissions on public lands are sounding the alarm on President Trump's likely attempt to walk back the Bureau of Land Management's methane rule. GOP lawmakers appear poised to strike down the BLM action to curb natural gas flaring, venting and leakage… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049084 Irish parliament votes to divest from fossil fuels. Lawmakers split 90 to 53 in favour of ditching coal, oil and gas holdings from the €8 billion (US$9bn) Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. The bill, brought by independent representative Thomas Pringle, is expected to pass into law in the next few months after consideration by the finance committee. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/01/26/irish-lawmakers-vote-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ Efficiency, not EVs, will make biggest dent in oil use — BP. Fuel efficiency will make a bigger dent in global oil consumption than electric cars as demand for transportation goes up, according to oil major BP PLC. In its latest forecast for international energy markets, the world's sixth-largest oil and gas company projected this week that the global gross domestic product would almost double over the next 20 years, but energy demand would only increase by 30 percent. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049098 VEHICLES Environmentalists challenge Metro leaders to buy all electric buses to curb climate change. Unbowed by proposals coming out of the White House to weaken climate-change initiatives, environmental and labor groups Thursday asked transportation leaders to double down on green energy policies by switching to zero-emission electric buses. http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170126/NEWS/170129544 Westminster council to become first to charge extra to park diesel cars. In trial aimed at cutting air pollution, diesel motorists parking in Marylebone will pay an additional 50%, or £2.45 extra an hour. Westminster will become the first council in the UK to charge drivers of diesel cars extra money to park as town halls across London battle air pollution. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/27/westminster-council-first-charge-extra-park-diesel-cars-air-pollution-emissions VW RECALL Volkswagen set to plead guilty in U.S. diesel emissions case. Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) is set to plead guilty on Feb. 24 in Detroit to three felony counts as part of a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to resolve an excess diesel emissions investigation, a court filing shows. As part of a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. regulators, the German automaker has agreed to sweeping reforms, new audits and oversight by an independent monitor for three years to resolve diesel emissions cheating investigations. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN15A29J VW Executive, Hired to Help Overhaul Carmaker’s Culture, Is to Leave. Volkswagen’s head of compliance — an outsider hired to help revamp the German carmaker after its diesel deception — is to leave her job barely a year after joining the company. The unexpected departure of the executive, Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, raises concerns about the automaker’s willingness to change ingrained practices… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/business/volkswagen-germany-compliance-hohmann-dennhardt-diesel.html?mabReward=CTM&recp=1&moduleDetail=recommendations-1&action=click&contentCollection=Politics®ion=Footer&module=WhatsNext&version=WhatsNext&contentID=WhatsNext&src=recg&pgtype=article German prosecutors widen Volkswagen emissions probe. Prosecutors in Germany are expanding their probe into Volkswagen's scandal over diesel cars that cheated on emissions tests, increasing the number of suspects and saying they have evidence former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn may have known of the cheating earlier than he has claimed. The announcement raises the legal stakes for the former head of Germany's largest automaker. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-emissions-20170127-story.html GREEN ENERGY Elon Musk Has Trump’s Ear, and Wall Street Takes Note. The election of Donald Trump and the accompanying rehabilitation of fossil fuels should have been, by all rights, devastating for Tesla Motors. Tesla is the top maker of all-electric autos, and it completed its merger with SolarCity, a leading manufacturer of solar energy panels, days after the presidential election. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/business/elon-musk-donald-trump-wall-street.html?emc=edit_ca_20170127&nl=california-today&nlid=72714203&te=1&_r=0 Trump names Obama nominee as temporary top energy regulator. President Trump has named Cheryl LaFleur, a Democratic nominee, to be the acting chairwoman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the board announced Thursday. “It is an honor to again be asked to serve as Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and I thank President Trump for the opportunity,” LaFleur said in a statement. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316291-trump-names-obama-nominee-as-temporary-top-energy-regulator?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9cb1377e52-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9cb1377e52-327747457 IKEA to snap up 88MW Canada wind farm. Swedish furniture giant IKEA has struck an agreement with Canadian firms TransAlta and Teck Resources to buy an 88MW onshore wind farm in Alberta, Canada. The deal, announced this week, will see IKEA buy TransAlta's 51 per cent stake in the Wintering Hills wind farm for around CAD$61m and Teck Resource's 49 per cent stake for CAD$58.6m … http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3003446/ikea-to-snap-up-88mw-canada-wind-farm?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=da5c50357a-Clean_Economy_Wire12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-da5c50357a-327494049 MHI Vestas Unveils New 9 Megawatt Wind Turbine. MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has unveiled its new 9 megawatt wind turbine which, in testing at the company’s Østerild broke the energy generation record over a 24 hour period. The continued development of offshore wind turbines continues apace, with the unveiling of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind’s latest offering. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/01/27/mhi-vestas-unveils-new-9-mw-wind-turbine/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=da5c50357a-Clean_Economy_Wire12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-da5c50357a-327494049 ePURE: More ambition needed to decarbonize EU transport. Europe needs a realistic mix of renewable energy solutions—including low-emission options such as sustainably produced European ethanol—If it wants to achieve its goal of decarbonizing EU transport, according to speakers at a debate Wednesday. Experts from the ethanol industry and the energy sector agreed at the POLITICO conference--“Decarbonizing Europe’s transport sector:… http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14104/epure-more-ambition-needed-to-decarbonize-eu-transport US DOD to award $55M for advanced drop-in biofuels production; 10M gallons/year. The US Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) has issued a funding opportunity (FOA-RQKM-2017-0006) for up to $55 million to design, retrofit, construct, operate, validate and qualify domestic, commercial-scale, an integrated biorefinery(s) capable of producing bio-equivalent fuels suitable… http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/01/20170125-dod.html USGC releases corn, sorghum harvest quality reports. The U.S. Grains Council recently published the first two of its annual reports on corn and sorghum harvest quality, reporting that U.S. farmers produced an estimated 387 million metric tons (15.24 billion bushels) of corn in 2016, along with 12 million metric tons of sorghum. The USGC’s Corn Harvest Quality report includes information on corn use, ending stocks and a future outlook. http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14106/usgc-releases-corn-sorghum-harvest-quality-reports Nev. to gain 200 MW of solar energy. NV Energy and Apple Inc. plan to build 200 megawatts of solar energy in Nevada by early 2019, the companies announced Wednesday. The project, which will supply renewable energy for Apple's data center in Reno, will build on NV Energy's existing 491 MW of universal solar resources in Nevada. NV Energy CEO Paul Caudill said in a statement that the project… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049066 Sierra Club aims to retire 28 GW of coal generation in 2017. The federal government's alleged "war on coal" may have ended Jan. 20, but for the Sierra Club, the nation's largest environmental group, the fight continues. The group has set an ambitious goal for 2017 to negotiate the retirements of 28 gigawatts of coal-fired electric generation capacity by 2030 or sooner. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049072 MISCELLANEOUS No, California's environmental laws probably won't block Trump's border wall. With California’s political leaders in full resistance mode over President Trump’s executive order to build a wall on the Mexican border, Senate leader Kevin de León, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and others have floated an idea to try to stop it: the state’s famously stringent environmental laws. “If there’s severe environmental impacts on our border, we’re going to seriously look into it,”… http://www.latimes.com/politics/ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Climate regulator appoints environmental justice official. California's air and climate change agency yesterday announced a high-level appointment aimed at incorporating disadvantaged residents into its policies. The state Air Resources Board named Veronica Eady, a longtime environmental justice lawyer, as the agency's first executive officer for environmental justice. The state has faced opposition to its economywide cap-and-trade program from groups representing low-income residents and people of color… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/27/stories/1060049097 OPINIONS Human nature makes it easier to deny climate change than to confront it. At one point in the Senate hearing to confirm Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders asked the nominee to share his personal views about climate change. Pruitt, a longtime ally of the oil industry and bane of the EPA, repeatedly evaded the question, saying policy and law, not his personal views, are what will be important as he carries out his duties. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-deny-climate-20170126-story.html Where California is behind on climate change, and why Trump won’t help. California is leading the way on adapting to climate change, with sweeping laws and ambitious goals set by Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase clean energy. But on one important measure, it’s behind some other states. Between 2000 and 2014, 32 states besides California grew their economies… http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/foon-rhee/article129073264.html#storylink=cpy Biofuels can solve ag crisis. Agriculture is suffering, and it’s only a matter of time before we all feel the repercussions. If we don’t fight, if we allow this to happen, this crisis will not only affect Iowa farmers but will cause a ripple effect throughout the Midwest, our urban cities and our entire nation. Plummeting farm income, falling land values and depressed commodity prices over the last few years threaten to undo the prosperity of the previous decade. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/2017/01/26/biofuels-can-solve-ag-crisis/97089366/ No, a BMW 7 Series is not kinder to the atmosphere than a Tesla. A closer look at how much energy an EV uses. An attorney from Philadelphia, Power Line reader Martin Karo, wants you to know that Tesla drivers are smug, fact-averse liberals whose cars are worse for the planet than their gas-burning counterparts. It's something people feel the need to do from time to time, and it doesn't seem to be from a place of genuine concern for the environment. http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/27/tesla-versus-bmw-7-series-emissions-co2-ev-gas/ BLOGS Chinese Scientist Blasts Trump’s Climate-Change Talk. A top Chinese climate scientist says it’s urgent that everyone makes sacrifices to fight global warming. A top Chinese climate scientist said it would be “foolhardy” of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the global climate-change agreement known as the Paris accords. A global-warming skeptic, Mr. Trump has vowed to cancel the accord… http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2017/01/27/0127cpollute/ How 21 kids could keep climate websites from going completely dark. Right now, anxiety is sweeping across the scientific community about the Trump administration's efforts to make climate data disappear. However, there are now a very special group of 21 young Americans, ages nine to 20, who are throwing a sizable wrench in the Trump administration's plans. Their lawsuit against the federal government and fossil fuel companies seeks to hold them accountable… http://mashable.com/2017/01/26/youth-climate-lawsuit-trump-website-removals/#AqVhVs0bPiq1 Hawaii’s largest solar park now online. The Hawaiian Energy Companies (HECO) has commissioned the Island’s largest solar park, the 27.6MW Waianae Solar project. The project broke ground in March 2016 with the array coming online mid-this month. It constitutes the largest in operation in Hawaii to date; generating enough clean electricity to power around 11,000 homes annually. http://www.pv-tech.org/news/hawaiis-largest-solar-park-now-online?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=da5c50357a-Clean_Economy_Wire12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-da5c50357a-327494049 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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, 31 Jan 2017 08:07:03 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 30, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 30, 2017. 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 BP Advocates for Putting a Price on Carbon. A key oil and gas company is saying that governments internationally need to put a price on carbon to increase the percentage of renewables, natural gas and energy efficiency. BP’s Chief Executive Bob Dudley said in the company’s “BP Energy Outlook 2035” that even though carbon emissions will grow at a slower rate than in the past, they will still rise overall. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/01/bp-advocates-putting-price-carbon/ AIR POLLUTION Mongolians Demonstrate in Capital Demanding Action on Smog. Thousands of Mongolians stood in frigid weather on Saturday for the second time this winter to demand that the government strengthen its response to the smog that routinely blankets Ulan Bator, the capital. About 7,000 people, many in air masks and gas masks under thick winter hats, braved temperatures below minus 4 Fahrenheit. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/28/world/asia/mongolia-smog-capital-demonstration.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e9bc8c3360-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e9bc8c3360-327747457 Shell Not Revealing Full List of Gases Released in December Martinez Refinery Flares. Electrical engineers inadvertently caused a power outage at the Shell Oil Company’s Martinez refinery last month that led to a loud flaring operation, sending thousands of pounds of toxic gas into the air, prompting a health alert for nearby residents. The refinery workers were troubleshooting a separate problem with an alarm… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/01/30/shell-wont-say-what-gases-its-martinez-refinery-sent-into-the-air-during-outage/ CLIMATE CHANGE In America’s Heartland, Discussing Climate Change Without Saying ‘Climate Change’. Doug Palen, a fourth-generation grain farmer on Kansas’ wind-swept plains, is in the business of understanding the climate. Since 2012, he has choked through the harshest drought to hit the Great Plains in a century, punctuated by freakish snowstorms and suffocating gales of dust. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/28/business/energy-environment/navigating-climate-change-in-americas-heartland.html?ref=energy-environment&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e9bc8c3360-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e9bc8c3360-327747457 As the White House changes course on climate change, California stubbornly presses forward. With cheese and shrimp cocktail piled on their plates, guests strolled the exhibit like patrons at an art gallery, sipping beer and pausing to ponder the displays that lined the room. But instead of paintings or sculptures, they were examining scientific charts about climate change at a state environmental agency. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-climate-resolve-20170129-story.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e9bc8c3360-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e9bc8c3360-327494049 Al Gore puts the CDC's health and climate conference back on track — minus the CDC. n abruptly postponed conference on climate change and its effects on human health is going to take place after all — thanks to Al Gore. But there’s a caveat: The conference’s original sponsor — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — won’t be involved. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Assn.,… http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-health-climate-cdc-gore-20170127-story.html Fearing deletion, Tom Steyer copies Environmental Protection Agency website on climate change. With President Trump in the White House, information about climate change has been disappearing from government websites. Some fear the same thing could happen with the Environmental Protection Agency. Now the advocacy organization run by environmentalist and political donor Tom Steyer is taking steps to preserve the information. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-fearing-deletion-tom-steyer-copies-1485541980-htmlstory.html World leaders ‘goofing off’ amid climate change threat, Jerry Brown says. Gov. Jerry Brown, continuing his broadsides against those “sworn to deny,” accused world leaders Friday of “goofing off” and averting their collective gaze from the existential threats of climate change and nuclear war. Brown noted that the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists a day earlier moved the clock up 30 seconds to 2 1/2-minutes... http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article129186039.html#storylink=cpy Researchers: Abandon Neighborhoods, Avoid Flood Zone to Limit Sea Level Rise. Understanding the sociology and politics around word ‘retreat’ San Francisco is partway through a years-long process of proposing elaborate — and incredibly expensive — engineering fixes to the looming prospect of sea level rise. But the current sketches of a future city buttressed by dikes, levees and seawalls, which could cost tens of billions of dollars over coming decades… http://sfpublicpress.org/news/2017-01/researchers-avoid-flood-zone-to-limit-sea-level-rise Trump Will Withdraw From Global Climate Pact, Transition Official Says. The United States will switch course on climate change and pull out of a global pact to cut emissions, said Myron Ebell, who headed U.S. President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) transition team until his inauguration. Ebell is the director of global warming and international environmental policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a U.S. conservative think tank… http://www.newsweek.com/trump-withdraw-global-climate-pact-transition-official-550272 FUELS Natural Gas Falls as Forecasts Call for Warmer Weather. Expectations of coming cold weather have frequently failed to materialize this winter. Natural-gas prices tumbled Monday as the latest weather forecasts called for warmer temperatures. Natural-gas futures for March delivery fell 12.6 cents, or 3.75%, to $3.232 a million British thermal units on the New York Mercantile Exchange. About half of all U.S. households burn gas for heat… http://www.wsj.com/articles/natural-gas-falls-as-forecasts-call-for-warmer-weather-1485790403 Trump's Promise to Pay for Infrastructure With Fossil Fuel Revenue Rings Hollow. The president and his industry allies argue that a drilling boom will raise billions, but raising money through higher royalties and taxes is not a simple equation. Among the fuzzy pledges President Trump has made in his energy plans, his idea to pay for a $1 trillion public infrastructure program with a bonanza of fossil fuel mining and... https://insideclimatenews.org/news/28012017/trump-infrastructure-fossil-fuel-royalties-drilling-public-land?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9e41019175-InsideClimate_News12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9e41019175-327494049 VEHICLES GM-Honda Joint Venture to Make Fuel Cells in Michigan. The auto makers will split the $85 million cost to fund the operation at an existing GM facility. General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. are ratcheting up their partnership to build fuel cells for use in future vehicles, as the auto industry continues its push into the pricey, emissions-free technology despite barriers to commercial success. http://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-honda-joint-venture-to-make-fuel-cells-in-michigan-1485792001 Toyota Still Biggest Car Maker by Measures that Matter. Volkswagen stole Toyota’s crown, but investors may not care. Car buffs, journalists and economists pay a lot of attention to unit-car statistics, but investors shouldn’t—just look at Volkswagen’s rise to the top of the official league table of manufacturers. Toyota, which overtook General Motors in the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’… http://www.wsj.com/articles/toyota-still-biggest-car-maker-by-measures-that-matter-1485784526 2017 Ram, Jeep diesels should be certified by EPA shortly, company says. Fiat Chrysler may have a plan to address EPA complaints regarding software in its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, according to comments by CEO Sergio Marchionne. The EPA announced earlier this month that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had failed to disclose eight separate software routines that affect the engine's emissions, each of which is a violation of the Clean Air Act. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108598_2017-ram-jeep-diesels-should-be-certified-by-epa-shortly-company-says VW RECALL Germany Names Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn as Suspect. Investigation relates to Volkswagen’s long-running emissions scandal. German prosecutors on Friday named Volkswagen AG’s former chief executive, Martin Winterkorn, as a suspect in a fraud investigation stemming from the auto maker’s emissions-cheating scandal, alleging that Mr. Winterkorn may have known about the issue earlier than he acknowledged. http://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagens-ex-ceo-martin-winterkorn-probed-on-suspicion-of-fraud-1485518259 GREEN ENERGY Where are the trees? Not Paris, new 'Green View Index' finds. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology project that maps trees in the world's major cities is making it easier for city officials and citizens to figure out where more green is needed. The project, called Treepedia, uses Google Street View to create what the MIT team calls the Green View Index. Carlo Ratti, director of MIT's Senseable City Lab, says trees play a critical role in urban environments. http://www.wsj.com/articles/APf0903a7af3664d418e17e5cb6bd83a45 MISCELLANEOUS Allaying concerns, EPA lifts temporary freeze on grants to states. The Environmental Protection Agency has resumed issuing grants following a brief pause that alarmed state regulators, environmental advocates and congressional lawmakers already concerned the Trump administration would rein in the EPA’s reach and scope. But the tight control on how the agency communicates with the public… http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/01/26/allaying-concerns-epa-lifts-temporary-freeze-grants-states/97103198/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e9bc8c3360-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e9bc8c3360-327747457 How Trump’s travel ban could hurt science. Ubadah Sabbagh felt goose bumps rise on his skin Saturday morning as he scrolled through the reports that immigrants from the Middle East — people just like him — were no longer being allowed into the United States. Sabbagh, 23, is a student at Virginia Tech, working on his PhD in neuroscience. He's also a green-card holder, and a citizen of Syria — one of the seven countries named… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/01/29/how-trumps-travel-ban-could-hurt-science/?utm_campaign=e9bc8c3360-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.1814179bc795 OPINIONS In California, ‘Paper or Plastic?’ Is Against the Law. Supermarkets can no longer give out shopping bags, though the claimed benefits are dubious. There’s no such thing as a free bag—at least not anymore in California. Voters in November approved, 53% to 47%, a law outright banning single-use, carry-out plastic bags. Grocery and convenience stores can offer paper or reusable bags, but the law requires them to charge at least 10 cents a pop. http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-california-paper-or-plastic-is-against-the-law-1485560488 Human nature makes it easier to deny climate change than to confront it. A t one point in the Senate hearing to confirm Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders asked the nominee to share his personal views about climate change. Pruitt, a longtime ally of the oil industry and bane of the EPA, repeatedly evaded the question, saying policy and law.. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-deny-climate-20170126-story.html Silencing the EPA will make America unhealthy again. In June 2003, a former lobbyist for the petroleum industry edited climate change out of a report on the environment from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Philip Cooney, who served as chief of staff of George W. Bush’s Council on Environmental Quality after serving as a lawyer for the American Petroleum Institute… http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/column-silencing-the-epa-will-make-america-unhealthy-again/ Are Climate Policies Really an Economic Boon to the San Joaquin Valley? “Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.” – Margaret Peters State climate policies are boosting the San Joaquin Valley’s economy. At least that’s the basic message that the authors of a recent study are trying to convey. On January 19 the Bay Area organization Next 10 released a commissioned report entitled… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/climate-policies-really-economic-boon-san-joaquin-valley/ The Implications of the Paris Climate Deal. Rational people want a clean environment. Usually it has been western, wealthy nations leading the environmental movement with California and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) leading the way. California can afford to clean up their air, water and be concerned about carbon emissions; now that their economies are mature enough since Maslow’s hierarchy… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/implications-paris-climate-deal/ EPA under fire. Environmental agency is dealing with critical issues. The Trump administration has, thankfully, lifted the freeze it imposed on grants administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Oregon, for example, had about $1 million worth of grants in the pipeline. About one-third of the grants were for oversight and assistance for public drinking water systems across the state. http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/35222208-78/epa-under-fire.html.csp BLOGS EPA-Funded Scientists Share Their Concerns About the Trump Era. Four researchers on how their work will be affected. Several news agencies, including Reuters, are reporting that the EPA lifted its freeze on grants and contracts on Friday. At least one of the scientists below, Tamma Carleton, reports that she has already received her normal stipend check. This doesn’t necessarily mean that EPA-funded scientists are in the clear, however. https://psmag.com/epa-funded-scientists-share-their-concerns-about-the-trump-era-597f0cc0d929#.yr8u85knf Plastics scientists using nanomaterials to fight carbon emissions. A project to use nanomaterials to capture carbon dioxide is underway at the Plastics Technology Centre AIMPLAS in Valencia. Project Gramaphon will advance technologies that have successfully reduced industrial carbon emissions by 90 per cent, to reduce costs and increase efficiency gains. http://www.eppm.com/industry-news/plastics-scientists-using-nanomaterials-to-fight-carbon-emis/ A Vulnerable Community Braces for the Impacts of Sea Level Rise. Experts warn that the flooding exacerbated by climate change will disproportionately impact low-lying, low-income communities. In the Wilmington, Delaware neighborhood of Southbridge, residents are determined to build up their flood defenses and to stand their ground. Wilmington, Delaware’s Southbridge neighborhood is an enclave of South Wilmington, a low-lying peninsula separated from the city’s main… http://e360.yale.edu/features/a-vulnerable-community-braces-for-the-impacts-of-sea-level-rise Donald Trump may ditch ‘onerous’ US fuel economy laws. The new US president is indicating a shake-up in emissions and fuel economy regulations. President Donald Trump looks set to pull the plug on plans for “onerous” US fuel economy laws as his administration embarks on its promised ‘business first’ policy drive and seeks to massively reduce the number of regulations in US law. http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/donald-trump-may-ditch-%E2%80%98onerous%E2%80%99-us-fuel-economy-laws California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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, 31 Jan 2017 15:56:54 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for January 31, 2017 From: pbrown@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. AIR POLLUTION Air pollution linked to Alzheimer's disease, study says. USC study on elderly women links particle pollution to brain disease. Research led by USC scientists provides new evidence that exposure to diesel soot and other kinds of fine-particle air pollution may increase our risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published today in the journal Translational Psychiatry, found that elderly women living… http://www.pe.com/articles/study-824424-pollution-alzheimer.html Spare the Air Alert in effect for Wednesday. A Spare the Air Alert is in effect for Wednesday. What are Spare the Air days? Air quality in the Bay Area can be unhealthy at times throughout the year. During the summer months, ozone pollution can become a health problem in the Bay Area. The summertime Spare the Air program notifies residents when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy and urges residents to drive less and… http://abc7news.com/weather/spare-the-air-alert-in-effect-for-wednesday/54306/ CLIMATE CHANGE Storms preview ocean-rise damage to California cities, roads. Ocean rise already is worsening the floods and high tides sweeping California this stormy winter, climate experts say, and this month's damage and deaths highlight that even a state known as a global leader in fighting climate change has yet to tackle some of the hardest work of dealing with it. The critical steps yet to come include starting to decide which low-lying cities, airports and highways… http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE_FLOODING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=7c2f7c99e3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-7c2f7c99e3-327747457 Exclusive: Olympics - Green Paris bid pledges to slash carbon emissions. The Paris 2024 Olympics bid committee is proposing a strong eco-friendly plan that will slash carbon emissions by more than half compared to the last two Games in London and Rio. Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, three days before the third part of their bid book is submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-paris-exclusive-idUSKBN15F10M Storms preview ocean-rise damage to California cities, roads. Ocean rise already is worsening the floods and high tides sweeping California this stormy winter, climate experts say, and this month's damage and deaths highlight that even a state known as a global leader in fighting climate change has yet to tackle some of the hardest work of dealing with it. http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Storms-preview-sea-rise-damage-to-California-10893110.php Inside the Trump administration's power struggle over CO2 regs. Transition officials debated internally about whether the Trump administration should seek a major reversal of U.S. EPA's core authority to regulate greenhouse gases, and it continues today, according to sources. No decision was made about potentially overturning the agency's endangerment finding before President Trump was sworn in… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049261 Climate experts cast doubt on claim of imminent withdrawal. A pronouncement by a key former Trump administration transition team member that the White House may soon unveil plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement was met with skepticism yesterday by climate diplomacy hands on both sides of the aisle. Myron Ebell, who left Trump's U.S. EPA transition team after the inauguration… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049263 Canadian scientists have advice on dealing with Trump administration. As American scientists navigate the tricky process of working under the Trump administration, their Canadian counterparts are offering support. The first week under the new administration has given scientists plenty to be concerned about, with multiple reports of climate change information being purged from… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049237 Carbon capture necessary to meet Paris goal — study. The global climate can survive the United States abandoning the Paris Agreement, but not a world without widespread carbon capture technologies, researchers said this week. One new study found that if nations fail to invest in technology that captures carbon emissions… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049241 Once unthinkable, 'planned retreat' enters the climate dialogue. As sea levels rise, U.S. communities have several strategies to cope with the effects of climate change, the president of the National Academy of Sciences said yesterday. There's triage for high-dollar assets, like airports and military installations and even the Statue of Liberty, Marcia McNutt said. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049240 Fish adapting reproductive cycle to warming. As temperatures in Alaska rise, a small species of fish is responding by switching up its breeding schedule. Scientists studying Lake Aleknagik, in the Bristol Bay area, have found evidence that a fish called the threespine stickleback has adapted its reproductive cycle to changes in the temperature. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049238 DROUGHT Ethiopia faces new drought and seeks urgent aid for 5 million. The carcasses of goats and sheep litter the ground near the airstrip in this remote eastern region of Ethiopia, which is struggling to counter a new drought that authorities say has left 5.6 million people in urgent need of assistance. U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien visited a camp for displaced persons on Saturday, saying that "these people are really struggling… http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-ethiopia-drought-20170128-story.html One month of storms erases big chunk of California’s snow-water deficit. Think of the snow that falls each winter in the Sierra Nevada as something like a paycheck for California’s water supply. The mountain snow melts and flows into downstream reservoirs, helping pay the “bills” for the state’s agricultural, urban and environmental water supply needs through the hot, dry summer and fall. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article129658579.html#storylink=cpy Planning for drought still important, experts say. Though nearly half of California has recovered from a four-year drought, it’s still important for ranchers to plan their irrigation and feeding strategies for when the next water shortage occurs, experts advise. Though 2016-17 turned out to be a wet winter, university and industry experts urge ranchers to continue to plan for drought in how they manage their pastures… http://www.capitalpress.com/California/20170131/planning-for-drought-still-important-experts-say FUELS Valero says record biofuels compliance costs to continue in 2017. Valero Energy Corp on Tuesday signaled that record high costs to comply with the U.S. renewable fuels program will continue this year, after the oil refiner was hit with a ballooning tab for the program in 2016. Valero, the largest independent U.S. oil refiner and the first of the sector to report 2016 results, said it expects its costs to meet annual biofuel blending… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-valero-energy-results-biofuels-idUSKBN15F28S Valero Energy profit beats estimates on higher ethanol margins. Valero Energy Corp (VLO.N), the largest independent U.S. refiner, reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit as higher margins in its ethanol unit more than offset weakness in its refining business. The company reported an operating profit of $126 million in its ethanol business for the fourth quarter, compared to a loss of $13 million a year earlier, helped by lower corn and stronger ethanol prices. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-valero-energy-results-idUSKBN15F1D1 Cathay Pacific to cut emissions with switch to biofuel. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific will switch to biofuels made from landfill rubbish on select long haul flights, reports said Tuesday, in an effort to cut harmful emissions. Cathay flights to Hong Kong from the US, where the new fuel is produced, will use a combination of conventional jet fuel and biofuels starting in 2019… https://www.yahoo.com/news/cathay-pacific-cut-emissions-switch-biofuel-041224952--finance.html What’s at stake if Congress cuts methane regs. ‘Tailings wars’ of the past provide perspective on today’s flaring rules.In the 1880s, farmers on Colorado’s Front Range got fired up about— what else? Water. Their irrigation water came from Clear Creek, a stream that gets its start up on the Continental Divide, then tumbles through mining country before spilling onto the plains west of Denver. http://www.hcn.org/articles/methane-rules-in-danger VEHICLES Tesla Gives the California Power Grid a Battery Boost. Just off a freeway in Southern California, 396 refrigerator-size stacks of Tesla batteries, encased in white metal, have been hastily erected with a new mission: to suck up electricity from the grid during the day and feed it back into the system as needed, especially in the evening. The installation, capable of powering roughly 15,000 homes over four hours, is part of… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/business/energy-environment/battery-storage-tesla-california.html?emc=eta1 FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) FCA nearing agreement with Feds over diesel. If FCA chief Sergio Marchionne's recent statements are anything to go by, the Italian-American automaker isn't far from reaching an agreement on just how it will address the EPA's emissions concerns that affect 140,000 turbodiesel Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram 1500 pickup trucks. A refresher: a couple of weeks ago, the EPA announced that it was seeking an explanation from FCA about why… http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1108638_fca-nearing-agreement-with-feds-over-diesel GREEN ENERGY EU set to meet green energy goal; UK trails: document. The European Union is on track to meet its goal for renewables to supply up 20 percent of its energy by 2020, the EU executive said in a report seen by Reuters, although Britain, Ireland and Luxembourg are lagging behind. In a stock take on the bloc's climate targets, due to be published on Wednesday, the European Commission saw renewables accounting for 16.4 percent of overall consumption in 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-renewables-idUSKBN15F0HI State renewable energy targets 'will be vital to meet emissions goals' RETs are the only policy tool left to shift Australia’s electricity sector away from fossil fuels, RepuTex modelling shows. State-based renewable energy targets are becoming essential drivers of Australia’s carbon reduction framework and, based on current policy settings, will be vital for Australia to meet its 2030 emissions targets… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/30/australia-state-renewable-energy-targets-will-be-vital-to-meet-emissions-goals DPL settlement to close two power plants, shift to green energy. Dayton Power & Light Co. will close two Ohio coal-fired power plants amid a proposed settlement with environmental groups that stipulates the company invest in green energy and economic development in Ohio. The company filed the settlement to its Electric Security Plan at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio late Monday. http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2017/01/31/dpl-settlement-to-close-two-power-plants-shift-to.html World's largest energy storage project opening in San Diego. The largest battery storage project in the world will open in days in San Diego County, part of a surge of Southern California energy storage projects coming online, energy officials said here yesterday. AES Energy Storage installed lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 30 megawatts on property owned by utility San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049291 Energy industry says 'no thanks' to Trump aid. Shopping lists for billions of dollars in potential construction projects that circulated last week raise questions about whether the nation's sprawling energy sector will share in the spoils of an infrastructure plan coming out of Trump's White House. The National Governors Association distributed one list to state governors after the election, and the second came… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/01/31/stories/1060049257 MISCELLANEOUS Emissions rules could cost 1 million jobs, Ford CEO tells Trump: what's behind that number? Among his actions during a whirlwind first week in office, U.S. President Donald Trump met last week with the CEOs of U.S. automakers Fiat Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. He met on two consecutive days with Mark Fields, CEO of Ford, in fact. Fields was part of a group of manufacturing executives who met with the president separately the day before the carmaker CEO gathering. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108629_emissions-rules-could-cost-1-million-jobs-ford-ceo-tells-trump-whats-behind-that-number OPINIONS The E.P.A. Gag Order. Re “Agencies Told to Halt Communications” (news article, Jan. 26): In light of public communications restrictions placed on federal agencies by the Trump administration, including the Environmental Protection Agency gag order, the Society of Environmental Journalists strongly urges the federal government to commit itself to transparency and to provide verifiable… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/opinion/the-epa-gag-order.html?mabReward=CTM&recp=1&module=WelcomeBackModal&contentCollection=Travel®ion=FixedCenter&action=click&src=recg&pgtype=article Transitioning to an Emerging Green Economy. California may not be alone in its efforts to deal with climate change but neither can state officials ignore the need for a smooth transition to a greener economy that would rely on traditional energy sources. That was the message gleaned from the opening sessions of the 10th annual VerdeXchange conference in Los Angeles dedicated to promoting a green economy. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/01/transitioning-emerging-green-economy/ BLOGS Another alarm for scientists: Trump’s pick to guide NOAA transition. President Donald Trump is taking aim at one of the federal government’s main agencies for climate change research – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – and NOAA employees are girding for drastic changes in how they conduct science and report it to the public. Trump has appointed a leading denier of climate change, Kenneth Haapala of the Heartland Institute… http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article129716229.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=7c2f7c99e3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-7c2f7c99e3-327747457#storylink=cpy California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:26:50 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 1, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 1, 2017. 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 POLLUTION EPA greenlights Alaska fine particles plan. U.S. EPA has tentatively approved an Alaska plan for bringing the Fairbanks area into attainment with a key federal standard for fine particle pollution, the latest step in regulators' quest to limit pollution from widely used wood stoves. The proposed rule, required by a consent decree to a lawsuit brought last June by environmental groups, is set for publication in tomorrow's Federal Register. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/01/stories/1060049373 CLIMATE CHANGE 2,300 California scientists write to Trump over climate fears. In response to reports that President Donald Trump would break an international climate agreement, more than 2,300 California scientists have signed an open letter to the White House urging the administration to uphold commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article129876834.html#storylink=cpy Climate ignored as Exxon Mobil takes earnings hit. US supermajor’s profits have halved since last year, on a $2bn write-down of gas assets, but executives still don’t mention climate risk. In a much-repeated quote, Rex Tillerson told Energy Intelligence in 2015: “we don’t do write-downs.” That’s how confident Exxon Mobil’s former CEO was oil and gas reserves would withstand volatility in the market – not to mention the impact of a clean energy transition. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/02/01/climate-ignored-as-exxon-mobil-takes-earnings-hit/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=6c78021d73-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6c78021d73-327747457 Will EPA 'repeal and replace' climate regs, or just repeal? White House press secretary Sean Spicer declined to detail the timing yesterday of President Trump's potential efforts to revoke the Clean Power Plan, a cornerstone of the past administration's climate policies. That comes as Republican sources point to an uncertain timeline about addressing the controversial Obama-era rule… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/01/stories/1060049320 DROUGHT Sierra Nevada snowpack is biggest in 22 years — and more snow is on the way. California Gov. Jerry Brown isn’t likely to amend or rescind the state’s emergency drought declaration until April. After a month of huge blizzards and “atmospheric river” storms, the Sierra Nevada snowpack — source of a third of California’s drinking water — is 177 percent of the historic average, the biggest in more than two decades. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/01/sierra-nevada-snowpack-is-biggest-in-22-years-and-more-is-on-the-way/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES North America’s First Electric School Bus Unveiled In Palo Alto. The Canadian manufacturer of the eLion, the first Type C electric school bus made in North America, plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in California. The eLion electric school bus, the first Type C electric school bus manufactured in North America, was recently unveiled in Palo Alto, CA. https://businessfacilities.com/2017/02/north-americas-first-electric-school-bus-unveiled-in-palo-alto/ http://www.techwire.net/innovation/canadian-electric-bus-manufacturer-plans-to-set-up-shop-in-california.html VEHICLES VW likely to win global sales crown as Toyota growth slows. Volkswagen can in all likelihood claim the title of world's biggest automaker for the first time. Toyota reported Monday that it sold 10.175 million vehicles worldwide in 2016, fewer than Volkswagen's 10.31 million. The only contender left is General Motors Co., which is unlikely to come near VW's number because sales fell last year in the U.S., its second-biggest market. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_JAPAN_TOYOTA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/30/vw-diesel-emissions-scandal-volkswagen-audi-porsche-skoda-toyota After a wild 2016, Tesla Motors has officially changed its name — here's a look back. The automaker had already made the change to its website address, and the switch reflects the company's evolution, from an upstart maker of electric cars to an integrated auto, energy storage, and solar panel company — this last piece coming with the acquisition of SolarCity in 2016. http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-year-in-review-again-2017-2 VW RECALL VW to pay $1.2 billion or more to US owners of big diesels. Volkswagen has agreed to pay at least $1.2 billion in buybacks and compensation to settle claims from U.S. owners of cars with larger diesel engines that the company rigged to cheat on emissions tests. And the German automaker could pay even more - as much as $4 billion - if it can't repair many of the cars in a way that satisfies regulators. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-factbox-idUSKBN15G4XZ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/volkswagen-to-pay-at-least-12-billion-for-bigger-diesels/2017/02/01/21d4b98c-e85c-11e6-903d-9b11ed7d8d2a_story.html?utm_term=.80a580e1e6a7 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/business/bosch-vw-diesel-settlement.html?_r=0 http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article130018864.html http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/vw-emissions-scandal/2017/02/01/vw-spend-fix-buy-back-diesels/97333164/ http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2017/02/01/Volkswagen-to-pay-12B-to-car-owners-in-emissions-scandal/5561485952360/ http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/volkswagen-to-pay-more-than-dollar1-billion-to-owners-of-big-diesels/ar-AAmuj15 http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/volkswagen-1-6-billion-settlement-3-0-liter-diesel-engines-article-1.2961562 Investor Standard Life seeks change at Sports Direct, Volkswagen. Standard Life Investments, the fund arm of insurer Standard Life (SL.L), has concerns about governance at Sports Direct (SPD.L) and Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and will press for more change at the companies, it said in its annual governance report on Wednesday. Mike Ashley's previous role as executive deputy chairman of Sports Direct had been "ill-defined… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-governance-standard-life-idUSKBN15G48P FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) FCA is Working on Getting its 2017 Diesel Models Certified. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel models should be available soon. Earlier this month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was accused of using emissions cheating software on its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engines found in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models. Now, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne has said the automaker… http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/01/fca-is-working-on-getting-its-2017-diesel-models-certified.html GREEN ENERGY States were busy with solar policies in 2016 — study. Nearly every state wrestled with questions of how to incorporate more solar power into their electricity grids in 2016, reflecting solar's dramatic growth nationally and its promise of providing renewable energy to millions of American consumers. But the fluidity of state policies also reveals the disruptive nature of solar as regulators sought ways to bring large amounts of clean energy to market… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/01/stories/1060049322 BLOGS How Gorsuch Could Mean Change For U.S. Energy Sector. Change is in the offing in Washington, especially energy and environmental policies -- and potentially with a new U.S. Supreme Court nominee who may try to nullify existing rulings. But such a revolution requires widespread support, which President Donald Trump does not have — best evidenced by his loss in the popular vote by 3 million and the angst he has already created. http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/02/01/even-trump-is-making-the-oval-office-spin-is-energy-policy-next-with-the-gorsuch-pick/#4a0e24433768 Donald Trump and “Deep Ecology”. Pushing GMOs, Minimizing Environmental Protection. In summarizing environmental issues from the previous year, I would like to say that Donald Trump’s wining of the presidential race was the most significant eco-event of 2016. And all other events, regardless of their apparent importance (from the merger of GMO giants Bayer and Monsanto to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh) pale in comparison when you imagine the possible consequences. http://www.globalresearch.ca/donald-trump-and-deep-ecology-pushing-gmos-minimizing-environmental-protection/5572217 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:21:48 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 2, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 2, 2017. 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 POLLUTION 'Buy clean' bill favors low-emitting contractors. A bill introduced yesterday in the California Legislature aims to direct public funding on infrastructure to companies that practice low-emissions manufacturing. A.B. 262 would require state agencies and universities to take greenhouse gas emissions into account when evaluating infrastructure spending. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049429 EPA takes next step on 'findings of failure' for ozone plans. U.S. EPA is moving ahead with publication of "findings of failure" for 15 states and the District of Columbia that have not turned in full plans for meeting the 2008 ozone air quality standards. The final rule will take effect 30 days after appearing in tomorrow's Federal Register, marking the start of a two-year timetable for the affected jurisdictions… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049457 ALISO CANYON Raucous crowd at public hearing on proposal to allow resumed operations at Aliso Canyon. A hearing by state regulators to gather public input on a proposal to allow Southern California Gas Co. to resume injecting natural gas into the Aliso Canyon public storage facility ended earlier than planned because of calls by hundreds of raucous San Fernando Valley residents to halt the immediate reopening of the storage facility. http://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/ http://www.dailynews.com/business/20170201/public-hearing-on-aliso-canyon-gas-field-cut-short-as-tempers-flare http://abc7.com/news/porter-ranch-residents-pack-hearing-over-aliso-canyon-facility/1733682/ http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049437 CLIMATE CHANGE Faced with U.S. retreat on climate change, EU looks to China. Faced with a U.S. retreat from international efforts to tackle climate change, European Union officials are looking to China, fearing a leadership vacuum will embolden those within the bloc seeking to slow the fight against global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-eu-climatechange-idUSKBN15G5B3?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ae25013f32-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ae25013f32-327747457 ‘Beyond the extreme’: Scientists marvel at ‘increasingly non-natural’ Arctic warmth. The Arctic is so warm and has been this warm for so long that scientists are struggling to explain it and are in disbelief. The climate of the Arctic is known to oscillate wildly, but scientists say this warmth is so extreme that humans surely have their hands in it and may well be changing how it operates. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/02/01/beyond-the-extreme-scientists-marvel-at-increasingly-non-natural-arctic-warmth/?utm_campaign=ae25013f32-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.430da7c386ab This Bay Area Proposal Would Strike a Huge Blow to the Dirtiest Forms of Oil Production. A proposed emissions cap would prevent the area’s refineries from converting dirtier-burning oils into fuel. Will it pass? uring his State of the State address last week, California Governor Jerry Brown defiantly declared, “We cannot fall back and give in to the climate deniers.” Just hours after President Trump announced his intention to resume construction of the Keystone XL… https://www.thenation.com/article/this-bay-area-proposal-would-strike-a-huge-blow-to-the-dirtiest-forms-of-oil-production/ California’s climate policy depends on federal waivers—what if Trump doesn’t grant them? California officials have discerned a chilling signal that the Trump administration may be willing to halt the state’s unique authority to impose its own vehicle emission rules—a move that could undercut its pioneering effort to battle climate change. https://calmatters.org/articles/californias-climate-policy-depends-on-federal-waiverswhat-if-trump-doesnt-grant-them/ 3 Things You Need to Know About the Science Rebellion Against Trump. The new president’s first moves on science spur a Twitter war and prompt a march. The Trump administration was merely minutes old when all references to climate change disappeared from the White House website. Later that day, the National Park Service Twitter account was briefly shutdown because the new president was miffed about a retweet… http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/01/scientists-march-on-washington-national-parks-twitter-war-climate-science-donald-trump/?google_editors_picks=true Oregon far short of greenhouse gas emissions goals, report says. Oregon is not reducing carbon dioxide emissions fast enough to meet its goals for 2020 and beyond, a new report finds. In fact, it's not even close. Those are the findings of a biennial report the Oregon Global Warming Commission will deliver to state lawmakers this week, and they come despite ambitious legislation passed to cut emissions from the electricity and transportation sectors. http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/oregon_wont_hit_greenhouse_gas.html#incart_river_home Green group pushes unconventional climate suit. An unconventional environmental group is heading to federal court with a unique climate lawsuit. The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) on Tuesday filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, arguing that federal jurisdiction over trains carrying coal and oil robs local residents of their… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049399 Climate impacts help Latin America reaffirm global promises. Some Latin American nations are pushing toward a low-carbon future even as the United States threatens to retreat from its global climate commitments. Experts believe many countries in the region, which has experienced damage due to climate change, will stick to the commitments made under the Paris Agreement… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049430 FUELS Consol moves to fully shed coal for natural gas. It was once a jewel in King Coal's crown, but now Consol Energy Inc. is hoping to get out of the business. The company said Monday that it wants to divest its remaining coal mines in Pennsylvania this year so it can focus on the business line that's growing: producing natural gas. While coal majors have gone bankrupt over the last two years… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049424 VEHICLES Tesla drops 'Motors' from name as CEO Musk looks beyond cars. Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA.O) changed its name to "Tesla Inc" as Chief Executive Elon Musk looks to transform the Silicon Valley firm from an electric car maker to a diversified energy products company. In October, Musk unveiled solar-powered roof tiles that eliminate the need for traditional panels and a longer-lasting home battery illustrating the benefits of combining his electric car and battery maker with solar installer SolarCity Corp. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-namechange-idUSKBN15G4SL Google-Parent Alphabet’s Self-Driving Car Testing Far Ahead in California, Reports Show. Alphabet’s Waymo system logged the most miles and deactivated at a lower rate than others. New data on tests of self-driving car technology in California suggest that Alphabet Inc.’s efforts remain ahead of many rivals in the intensifying race to bring fully autonomous vehicles to the roads. https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-parent-alphabets-self-driving-car-testing-far-ahead-in-california-reports-show-1485993092 Tesla Gets Reprieve Under Protectionist Indiana Bill. A bill that would have driven automaker Tesla from doing business in Indiana has been revamped to allow the electric car company to stay. The Indiana House transportation committee amended and approved the bill Thursday. It grandfathers in Tesla but prohibits other major automakers from direct car sales in the future. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/tesla-reprieve-protectionist-indiana-bill-45219579 GREEN ENERGY Saudi Arabia Plans the World’s Cheapest Power With Solar and Wind. Saudi Arabia will award its first tender to build 700 megawatts of solar and wind energy in September, with the cost of power forecast to be the lowest in the world, Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said. OPEC’s biggest oil producer plans to build 300 megawatts of solar plants in the al-Jouf area in northern Saudi Arabia and 400 megawatts of wind projects… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-01/saudis-plan-1st-renewables-bids-with-world-s-lowest-power-cost Solar developer steps up contract dispute with Duke. A California solar developer with more than 2,000 megawatts of projects in the works in North Carolina has filed a regulatory complaint against Duke Energy Corp. for not granting sufficient long-term contracts to buy the power from it. Cypress Creek Renewables LLC already owns and operates 767 MW of solar in North Carolina. The company, one of the nation's largest solar developers… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049401 Energy storage has 'barely penetrated' low-income neighborhoods. Energy storage technologies promise to revolutionize the way electricity is consumed in the United States as more Americans look to batteries that can harness energy from rooftop solar panels and reduce customers' dependence on grid-delivered power. But with residential and small-scale commercial storage systems costing… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049403 MISCELLANEOUS Senate Panel Approves Trump EPA Nominee Scott Pruitt. GOP Chairman suspended rules to approve nominee, who advances to a vote by the full Senate. Senate Republicans voted Thursday to advance President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, the latest nominee of the new administration the GOP is sending to the Senate floor despite near-universal Democratic opposition. https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-panel-approves-trump-epa-nominee-scott-pruitt-1486052220 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/us/politics/scott-pruitt-epa-senate.html?_r=0 Battle over EPA pick is big business. Outside groups are spending millions in the Senate battle over confirming Scott Pruitt, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than $3 million in spending and other actions on both sides are coming from nonprofit organizations that do not have to disclose their donors. http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/317472-battle-over-epa-pick-is-big-business US Republicans launch effort to abolish Environmental Protection Agency with new bill. Today, the American people are drowning in rules and regulations promulgated by unelected bureaucrats’. A bill to “completely abolish” the Environmental Protection Agency has been drafted that would close the main arm of the US Government responsible for fighting climate change by the end of next year. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/environmental-protection-agency-bill-drafted-abolish-matt-gaetz-congress-a7556596.html Republicans target environmental rules protecting parks and limiting methane. Congress begins effort to remove Obama-era protections, including measures to keep people safe when mountaintops are blown off to reach coal. Republicans have begun dismantling Obama-era environmental protections by targeting rules that restrict drilling in national parks, curb the release of methane… https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/01/environment-republicans-congress-climate-methane-parks?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ae25013f32-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ae25013f32-327747457 Trump team scouting for energy, enviro slots. The Trump team is actively looking to fill several key White House energy and environmental slots, according to a source close to the administration. While President Trump has selected his nominees for energy and environmental agencies, he has yet to fill some critical jobs within the White House, including a leader for the Council on Environmental Quality… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/02/stories/1060049467 OPINIONS Is California climate law worsening pollution in communities of color? California’s main tool for fighting climate change is at a crossroads. Gov. Jerry Brown sees the so-called cap-and-trade system of buying and selling pollution permits as key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half by 2030. The California Chamber of Commerce calls it an illegal tax… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/02/68616/is-california-climate-law-worsening-pollution-in-c/ Why Environmentalists Are So Worried About Trump's Supreme Court Pick. Neil Gorsuch is a steadfast foe of the 'Chevron' standard, a pillar of modern regulatory law that matters greatly to climate change advocates. For environmentalists worried about future Supreme Court decisions on climate change, the biggest difference between Donald Trump's nominee to the court and Barack Obama's boils down to one word, Chevron. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01022017/neil-gorsuch-donald-trump-supreme-court-climate-change?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ae25013f32-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ae25013f32-327747457 We’re probably underestimating how quickly electric vehicles will disrupt the oil market. Unpredictably rapid growth happens pretty predictably. Just about every analyst agrees that the electric vehicle market is poised for rapid growth. But how rapid? It’s not an idle question. The rate of EV growth will have huge implications for oil markets, auto markets, and electric utilities. Yet it is maddeningly difficult to predict the future; forecasts for the EV market are all over the place. http://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/2/2/14467748/electric-vehicles-oil-market BLOGS Tesla Has Little To Show In California's Tally Of Autonomous Car Test Data. Tesla is fixated on getting fully self-driving vehicle technology to owners of its electric cars as soon as possible, and rapidly updating the capabilities of the semi-automated Autopilot system it already offers. Yet public road test data filed with California’s Department of Motor Vehicles is limited and unimpressive… http://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2017/02/01/tesla-has-little-to-show-in-californias-tally-of-autonomous-car-test-data/#61af215b30d7 Think States Alone Can’t Handle Sea Level Rise? Ask California. Last March, a paper by a geoscientist named Rob DeConto came out in Nature. And as far as geology papers go, it was a big deal: It outlined a new paradigm for how Antarctic ice sheets are impacted by climate change. As the oceans and atmosphere warm, they don’t just melt the ice from below; they create honking cracks in glaciers that make it easier… https://www.wired.com/2017/02/think-states-alone-cant-handle-sea-level-rise-watch-california/ Anti-Tesla Bill Pops Up In Indiana. Indiana legislators have filed an anti-Tesla bill, prohibiting the sale of Tesla vehicles in the state. It specifically targets an all-electric automaker, but does not list Tesla’s name. Republican Ed Soliday filed the controversial bill, that is obviously anti-Tesla, proven by a list of qualifications that only fit the long-range battery-electric automaker. Specifics apply to automakers that:… http://insideevs.com/anti-tesla-bill-indiana/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:32:57 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 3, 2017. 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 Is California climate law worsening pollution in communities of color? California’s main tool for fighting climate change is at a crossroads. Gov. Jerry Brown sees the so-called cap-and-trade system of buying and selling pollution permits as key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half by 2030. The California Chamber of Commerce calls it an illegal tax… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/02/68616/is-california-climate-law-worsening-pollution-in-c/ 2017 Legislative Preview: Cap-and-trade hits lawmakers’ agenda. Last year brought the momentous passage of the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan. Is the Legislature up for another big energy bill? We’ll find out, as environmentalists and clean-energy advocates push for a cap-and-trade style program for Oregon. A pre-session bill by Sen. Lee Beyer, a Springfield Democrat, would set up a carbon market… http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/02/03/2017-legislative-review-cap-and-trade-hits.html State punts on deciding if cap and trade hurts the poor. A long-awaited report by California officials into the effects of the state's economywide cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases finds more data are needed to tell whether it harms disadvantaged communities. The report, released yesterday by California EPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, aimed to explore the question of whether cap and trade allows emissions… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049511 AIR POLLUTION Foreign flights to slip under the radar of EU emissions limits. International flights in and out of the European Union could be exempted from emissions limits for at least another four years to give the United Nations time to implement a global system to curb pollution from planes. The EU proposed extending the exemption, which was set to end at the start of 2017, on Friday to avoid a repeat of tensions when it tried to include all flights in 2012. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-carbon-aviation-idUSKBN15I1CV Air pollution levels on cruise ships could be dangerously high, warns German study. Is the air on a cruise ship more toxic than the air we breathe on land? A German environmental association, Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), has found that passengers could be inhaling “60 times higher concentrations of harmful air pollutants” than they would in natural air settings. http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/02/03/air-pollution-levels-on-cruise-ships-could-be-dangerously-high-warns-german-study.html SOMETHING IN THE AIR What is toxic air pollution, where in London has the worst smog and why have people been warned to stay indoors? Londoners were warned the air pollution could raise to "high" in parts of the capital for a number of days LONDON is on high alert after a number of severe smog warnings throughout the capital. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan last week issued a warning… https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2655590/toxic-air-pollution-london-smog-stay-indoors/ House scraps methane standards after Senate kills SEC rule. The House today voted to scrap a Bureau of Land Management rule that seeks to curb greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas flaring, venting and leakage on public and tribal lands. The resolution of disapproval, H.J. Res. 36, passed by a 221 to 191 vote. Three Democrats voted for it and 11 Republicans against. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049534 CLIMATE CHANGE House votes to overturn Obama rule on natural gas 'flaring'. The Republican-controlled House voted on Friday to overturn an Obama administration rule that sought to reduce harmful methane emissions into the environment, part of the Democratic president's campaign to combat climate change. Lawmakers voted 221-191 to roll back the Interior Department rule that had clamped down on oil companies that burn off… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_OBAMA_RULES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Republicans Try a New Tack on Climate Change. Not long ago, many Republican officeholders had a simple answer when asked about the changing climate: What changing climate? But the public began to notice the heat waves and the torrential rains and the tidal flooding. So then we had the “I am not a scientist” phase, with one lawmaker after another fending off climate questions with that formula. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/science/climate-change-republicans.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=1a32cd29ff-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-1a32cd29ff-326457957 Fresno State faculty members sign climate change letter to Trump. Nearly three dozen Fresno State faculty members have joined 2,344 California college professors who signed an open letter to President Donald Trump calling for sustained action on climate change. The letter also urged the president to stand by the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the Paris Climate… http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article130348704.html#storylink=cpy Sweden criticises US climate stance as it reveals ambitious carbon emissions law. Prime minister Stefan Löfven calls the Trump administration’s approach worrying as he announces new law binding future governments to a goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. Sweden has criticised the Trump administration’s approach to climate policy as it announced legislation binding future governments to a goal of phasing out greenhouse gas emissions by 2045… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/03/sweden-criticises-us-climate-stance-as-it-reveals-ambitious-carbon-emissions-law Climate Change Causes Fundamental Shifts in the Chemistry of Mountain Soil. New research says the changes will likely displace some plants altogether and dramatically shift the range of others. A warming climate will fundamentally change the chemistry of mountain soils by shifting the balance of nutrients, visibly disrupting fragile, high-elevation ecosystems of grasses, flowers and trees within decades. https://psmag.com/global-warming-is-changing-mountain-soils-8b527fe1b7ec#.778j3avn4 Bush-era climate figure a finalist for No. 2 slot. A leading candidate for the State Department's No. 2 slot is a George W. Bush-era diplomat who played a small role in laying the groundwork for the Paris climate deal. Paula Dobriansky led the U.S. delegation in 2007 to U.N. climate talks in Bali, Indonesia… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049505 'It's a mystery' if Trump Ag pick will address climate. Two weeks into the Trump presidency, farmers, academics and lawmakers remain uncertain about the new administration's view of the Department of Agriculture, in part because its designated chief has questioned climate science. Under the leadership of former Secretary Tom Vilsack, USDA expanded resilience to climate change in farming communities… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049507 Save wetlands or they'll burp carbon, experts say. Coastal wetlands are among the best marine ecosystems to fight climate change, new research confirms. A study published this week in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment compared the carbon sequestration potential of a handful of marine ecosystems and found that mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows have the greatest impact on climate change. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049509 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Truckers Sue CA Again, Claiming Air Filter Puts Public Safety at Risk. A group of Golden State trucking companies and others filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County against the California Air Resources Board for the second time, alleging diesel particulate filters cause truck fires. On February 9, 2016, Kieth Daniels could only watch as his beloved 2009 Peterbilt truck burned. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/Bay-Legal-Truckers-Sue-CA-Again-Claiming-Air-Filter-Puts-Public-Safety-at-Risk-412624733.html#ixzz4XenohE92 http://www.dailyprogress.com/california-truckers-file-lawsuit-against-engine-filter-rule/article_853dce6b-e271-57ac-b6f7-3488f7b9007d.html FUELS Pipeline projects in limbo as energy commissioner departs. Major natural gas pipeline projects along the East Coast and Midwest face uncertainty as the federal agency that oversees the work loses a commissioner and will be unable to decide on projects indefinitely under President Donald Trump. Democrat Norman Bay is stepping down Friday from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, leaving the five-member panel with just two commissioners, one short of the number needed to form a quorum. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_PIPELINE_AGENCY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VEHICLES Clean cars could tank oil prices by 2025 — report. Energy companies and analysts are ramping up their long-term projections for electric vehicles because of falling costs and expanded range — but forecasts still vary widely. The trend speaks to the uncertainty surrounding the technology, which all major automakers have endorsed, despite seeing sales consistently fall below expectations in the short term. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/03/stories/1060049510 GREEN ENERGY For clean energy, a hazy path ahead under Trump. When Oakland-based green business analyst and author Joel Makower wrote up his annual report on the clean energy industry, he had Donald Trump on his mind as he typed the introduction: “It’s hard to imagine a time more hopeful and horrifying for sustainable business.” That sums up the uncertain future facing clean energy executives, investors and environmentalists. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/03/for-clean-energy-a-hazy-path-ahead-under-trump/ MISCELLANEOUS Trump team relaxes EPA restrictions on media and contracts. The Trump administration said Friday it has thawed its temporary freeze on contract and grant approvals at the Environmental Protection Agency, with all $3.9 billion in planned spending moving forward. A media blackout at the agency also appears to have been partially lifted, as a trickle of press releases were issued by the EPA this week. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_EPA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Republicans ax disclosure, emissions rules on energy. U.S. Republicans on Friday repealed a securities disclosure rule aimed at curbing corruption at energy and mining companies and voted to ax emissions limits on drilling operations, part of a push to remove Obama-era regulations on extractive industries. In a 52-47 vote, the Republican-controlled Senate approved a resolution… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-regulations-idUSKBN15I1JF OPINIONS Carbon Tax vs. Cap and Trade. Over the past couple of years there has been a lot of talk about implementing a carbon tax or a cap and trade system. Essentially, these are two sides of the same coin when it comes to combating the amount of CO2 we release into the air, but there are some differences we need to consider before implementing one. A carbon tax is pretty self-explanatory; it’s simply putting a price tag on carbon emissions. http://www.kstatecollegian.com/2017/02/02/carbon-tax-vs-cap-and-trade/ BLOGS Environmentalists Aren't Happy With South Coast AQMD's New Pollution Plan. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is holding a meeting Friday concerning its new pollution reduction plan, which the agency is expected to approve, KPCC reports. What's significant in the proposal is that facilities will, at first, be able to police themselves, so long as their goals fall within certain enforceable standards. http://laist.com/2017/02/03/smog_regulations.php Is Anything Wrong With Natural, Non-Man-Made Climate Change? I recently asked an environmentalist this question: "If we found out that the planet was warming for purely natural reasons, would you be in favor of climate engineering to stop it, because the current temperature and sea level are the right ones for humans?" He seemed appalled. "No, of course not, man," he said. "Thank you," I said. http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2017/02/03/is-anything-wrong-with-natural-non-man-made-climate-change/#784c744c33d7 Republicans Look To Block EPA From Tackling Climate Change. “This is the legislative equivalent of trying to ban fire trucks while your house is burning.” GOP lawmakers have their sights set on stripping the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to take action on climate change. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gary-palmer-bill-epa_us_58949441e4b0406131365066 The Trump administration is already editing the EPA's climate change websites. In his poem "The Hollow Men," T. S. Eliot famously wrote: "This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but a whimper." It seems the Trump administration may be taking a cue from this prose, potentially killing off climate change programs not with the flourish of announcements and speeches but with behind-the-scenes tinkering instead. http://mashable.com/2017/02/03/trump-epa-climate-website-changes/#ft6C75NCXSqi California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:02:47 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 6, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 6, 2017. 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. ARB BUSINESS Applications sought from public schools for statewide pilot project to clean up California’s school buses. $10 million available for zero- and near-zero emission school buses. A new program funded by proceeds from the State’s cap-and-trade program aims to encourage the turnover of California’s school bus fleet to zero-emission and cleaner-burning school buses. The program, known as The Rural School Bus Pilot Project, is a partnership between the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (AQMD)… https://arb.ca.gov/caclimateinvestments The AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (Committee)The AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (Committee) will be meeting on February 14, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (PST) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building, Training Room 5, 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, California 95814 and February 15, 2017 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (PST) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building, Coastal Hearing Room, 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, California 95814. For more information please visit the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee website at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/ejac.htm. Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text - GHG Standards for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities. The California Air Resources Board has posted the 15-day Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text for the Oil and Gas Regulation. All regulatory documents for this rulemaking are available online at the following ARB website: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/oilandgas2016/oilandgas2016.htm The Public Agenda is now available for the February 16, 2017, Board Meeting. https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma021617.pdf CAP AND TRADE Cap and Trade carbon tax starting to show. The provincial government's Cap and Trade program to reduce carbon emissions started on Sun., Jan. 1, 2017, and by Tues., Jan. 3. the increase started to show at local gas stations. Prices were variable by towns, with Chesterville showing the price of 106.9 cents per litre for both gasoline and diesel fuel, but in Russell the price was still 99.6 cents, as it was on Dec. 30. Brockville still showed prices in the 97 to 99 cent range… http://www.agrinewsinteractive.com/fullstory.htm?ArticleID=15450&ShowSection=News AIR POLLUTION LA delays vote on major cleanup plan. Los Angeles air regulators are set to vote next month on a plan to address the region's chronically poor air quality, after postponing a decision last week. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which regulates air pollution in the 17-million-person Los Angeles Basin, is considering a plan that would subject some of the largest sources of pollution… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/06/stories/1060049601 CLIMATE CHANGE Exclusive: Polish 'bluff' in EU climate talks tests bloc's patience. Poland is threatening to challenge a draft European Union climate law in court, EU documents seen by Reuters show, in its latest move to slow an EU campaign against global warming that Warsaw sees as a menace to its coal-powered energy industry. In what Polish diplomats describe as leverage for talks now under way… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-eu-climatechange-exclusive-idUSKBN15I2N7?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=a9f781c6b5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-a9f781c6b5-327747457 Lamar Smith sees liberal cover-up on warming pause. The chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee claimed yesterday he has new evidence showing that scientific research discrediting a purported pause in temperature increases was politically motivated. John Bates, who recently retired from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center, told the Daily Mail newspaper in… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/06/stories/1060049580 DROUGHT California regulators want to extend statewide drought restrictions despite wet winter. Despite an enormous snowpack and more rainfall than California can store in its reservoirs, the state’s drought regulators say the water crisis hasn’t ended. The staff of the State Water Resources Control Board proposed keeping statewide drought emergency controls, which expire Feb. 28, in place for another 270 days. “Some reservoirs remain critically low… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article130562194.html#storylink=cpy Despite rain, Santa Clara Valley Water District wants people to continue to conserve. The Santa Clara Valley Water District has dropped its call for mandatory water restrictions aimed at reducing water use by 20 percent from 2013 levels, but officials are encouraging people to voluntarily conserve. Water companies imposed the mandatory restrictions in response to the drought… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/03/despite-rain-water-district-wants-people-to-continue-to-conserve/ Desalination of aquifers offers drought-weary California new hope. California’s historic drought may be winding down. But water officials across the Golden State are increasingly exploring a hidden but promising way to add to the state’s water supply: removing salt from the billions of gallons of brackish — or distastefully salty — water that lies deep below the Earth’s surface. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/05/desalination-of-salty-aquifers-offers-drought-weary-california-new-hope/ As the snowpack piles up, is California's drought over? No, say experts. New measurements of the Sierra Nevada snowpack show California's snowiest winter in 20 years. But it may be too soon for sweeping policy changes. Though heightened snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada is cause for optimism, reducing water use remains as important as ever, scientists say. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0204/As-the-snowpack-piles-up-is-California-s-drought-over-No-say-experts FUELS G.O.P. Hurries to Slash Oil and Gas Rules, Ending Industries’ 8-Year Wait. The document carried the title “A Roadmap to Repeal,” a concise list of Obama administration environmental regulations that a Koch brothers-backed group was pressing President Trump and Congress to quickly reverse after Inauguration Day. It was a tally of rules that energy industry executives and lobbyists had waged… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/04/us/politics/republicans-oil-gas-regulations.html?smid=tw-share Thousands turn out in downtown L.A. to protest Trump's orders on Keystone, Dakota pipelines. Thousands of people converged on downtown Los Angeles on Sunday to protest the proposed $3.8-billion Dakota Access pipeline, which activists across the country say threatens the water supply and sacred sites of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-dapl-protest-los-angeles-20170205-story.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=a9f781c6b5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-a9f781c6b5-327747457 More funding on deck for some state oil and gas agencies. Energy regulators in the biggest oil-producing states are seeing an uneven recovery as the economic pain of the price bust lingers into its third year.Five states — Texas, North Dakota, Alaska, California and Oklahoma — produce about two-thirds of the U.S. daily crude output, according to the Energy Department. That makes their oil and gas agencies important… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060049560/search?keyword=california GREEN ENERGY Californians are paying billions for power they don't need. We're using less electricity. Some power plants have even shut down. So why do state officials keep approving new ones? The bucolic orchards of Sutter County north of Sacramento had never seen anything like it: a visiting governor and a media swarm — all to christen the first major natural gas power plant in California in more than a decade. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-fi-electricity-capacity/ In the sunny Southwest, the taxman calls solar's name. The only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, goes the old cliche. So it is for the solar industry in the Southwest these days. State lawmakers in New Mexico and Utah are each considering tax credits for residents who install panels on their homes. The debates follow familiar outlines. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/06/stories/1060049554 MISCELLANEOUS LA doctor sounds alarm over effects of Aliso Canyon gas leak. A Porter Ranch physician says a pattern of health symptoms has emerged among the almost 50 patients he’s followed since last year’s Aliso Canyon natural gas leak and he hopes other doctors in the area as well as outside researchers will collaborate with him on a long-term study. http://www.dailynews.com/health/20170205/la-doctor-sounds-alarm-over-effects-of-aliso-canyon-gas-leak Trump: 'California in many ways is out of control'. Declaring California to be “out of control,” President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding to the state if it votes to declare itself a sanctuary state. A state Senate committee on Tuesday approved a bill from State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León that would prohibit state and local law enforcement… http://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-trump-bill-to-make-california-a-1486330796-htmlstory.html http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Trump-calls-California-out-of-control-in-10910183.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article130942769.html Scott Pruitt Is Seen Cutting the E.P.A. With a Scalpel, Not a Cleaver. Scott Pruitt, President Trump’s pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, is drawing up plans to move forward on the president’s campaign promise to “get rid of” the agency he hopes to head. He has a blueprint to repeal climate change rules… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/05/us/politics/scott-pruitt-is-seen-cutting-the-epa-with-a-scalpel-not-a-cleaver.html Climate Scientists Challenge Conservatives' NOAA Suit, Fearing More to Come Under Trump. As researchers strive to keep their unpublished work private, many brace for more anti-science government interference under Donald Trump. Three scientific advocacy groups have filed a legal brief in support of federal climate scientists who are being sued by the conservative organization Judicial Watch. Judicial Watch has sought to force the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16012017/climate-change-noaa-donald-trump-lamar-smith-global-warming-hiatus OPINIONS Shh, scientists hope Trump overlooks major climate report. Its acronym is just obscure enough to be benign, so little-known that even people in the know stumble over the name of the federal program that guides much of the country's climate research. That's exactly what the U.S. Global Change Research Program appears to want right now… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/06/stories/1060049561 In California, scarcer water will mean deeper trouble: Guest commentary. Water, the lifeblood of California, will be where the state experiences the most severe impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, most water agencies have yet to adjust to this “new normal” and are operating on outmoded assumptions and practices that place the state at risk of water shortages and worse. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20170205/in-california-scarcer-water-will-mean-deeper-trouble-guest-commentary BLOGS Climate Change Causes Fundamental Shifts in the Chemistry of Mountain Soil. New research says the changes will likely displace some plants altogether and dramatically shift the range of others. A warming climate will fundamentally change the chemistry of mountain soils by shifting the balance of nutrients, visibly disrupting fragile, high-elevation ecosystems of grasses, flowers and trees within decades. https://psmag.com/global-warming-is-changing-mountain-soils-8b527fe1b7ec#.s6mt1hz64 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:59:15 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 8, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 8, 2017. 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. ARB BUSINESS Workshop on Potential Amendments to Smoke Inspection Programs/Development of a New Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Program. The Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to learn more about potential regulatory changes to ARB’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) and the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP). Staff will discuss the potential reduction of the allowable opacity limit for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, which is currently set at 40 percent. https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1703/msc1703.pd f ARB Fuels Workshop. The California Air Resources Board staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/011117mtgnotice.pdf CAP AND TRADE ‘A Conservative Climate Solution’: Republican Group Calls for Carbon Tax. A group of Republican elder statesmen is calling for a tax on carbon emissions to fight climate change. The group, led by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, with former Secretary of State George P. Shultz and Henry M. Paulson Jr., a former secretary of the Treasury, says that taxing carbon pollution produced by burning fossil fuels… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/07/science/a-conservative-climate-solution-republican-group-calls-for-carbon-tax.html?_r=0 Carbon Prices Rise In California's Cap-And-Trade Program As Legal Certainty Grows. California’s cap-and-trade program, which anchors North America’s largest carbon market, is starting 2017 on a strong note ahead of its first quarterly auction on February 22. The market has generated more than $4 billion in revenue for carbon emission reductions and, despite an uneven performance last year... http://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2017/02/08/carbon-prices-rise-in-californias-cap-and-trade-program-as-legal-certainty-grows/#9cd65d047540 http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/08/stories/1060049726 AIR POLLUTION Macedonian Capital Offers Free Transport to Fight Pollution. Municipal authorities in Macedonia's heavily polluted capital are offering residents free use of public transport to reduce the use of cars. Macedonian health authorities say that the city of around 750,000 is now Europe's most polluted capital, with poor air quality blamed for the premature death of 1,300 people each year. https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/02/07/world/europe/ap-eu-macedonia-pollution.html Study points to link between air pollution and dementia. A new study points to a link between air pollution and dementia. The New York Times said that the research "suggests that air pollution may accelerate brain aging and contribute to the progression of dementia, and women with a specific gene variant are at greater risk than others." Overall, women who live in areas with high concentrations of fine particulate matter -- also known as soot… http://lancasteronline.com/news/national/study-points-to-link-between-air-pollution-and-dementia/article_6aae4b60-ed4c-11e6-acd8-937d8389ddd7.html ALISO CANYON $8.5 million Aliso Canyon gas leak settlement includes $1 million health study. The Southern California Gas Co. has agreed to pay $8.5 million — including $1 million for an independent health study — to settle a lawsuit filed by an air quality agency last year over the nation’s worst natural gas leak at the utility’s Aliso Canyon storage facility, officials announced Wednesday. http://www.dailynews.com/business/20170208/85-million-aliso-canyon-gas-leak-settlement-includes-1-million-health-study Jerry Brown mum on the fate of Aliso Canyon. Feb. 17 will mark exactly one year since the massive gas leak at the Aliso Canyon storage facility was finally plugged. Now, the facility’s operators, Southern California Gas, say the site is ready to go back online. State regulators have put forth an initial recommendation to get the plant up and running again, but not at a capacity as robust as SoCalGas wants. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/ CLIMATE CHANGE GOP-backed measures seek to rein in science used at EPA. Pondering new restrictions on how the Environmental Protection Agency can use scientific data, congressional Republicans are seeking advice from the chemical and fossil fuel industries. House Science, Space and Technology committee chairman Lamar Smith this week accused the Obama administration of relying on faulty and falsified data to… http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_EPA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=0b9cb3afd4-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-0b9cb3afd4-327747457 A Crack in an Antarctic Ice Shelf Grew 17 Miles in the Last Two Months A rapidly advancing crack in Antarctica’s fourth-largest ice shelf has scientists concerned that it is getting close to a full break. The rift has accelerated this year in an area already vulnerable to warming temperatures. Since December, the crack has grown… https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/07/science/earth/antarctic-crack.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=g-artboard%20g-artboard-v3%20&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 Was Data Manipulated in a Widely Cited 2015 Climate Study? In an article that appeared online in The Mail on Sunday, a British tabloid, the journalist David Rose described “astonishing evidence” that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States had “rushed to publish a landmark paper that exaggerated global warming and was timed to influence the historic Paris agreement on climate change.” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/07/science/was-data-manipulated-in-a-widely-cited-2015-climate-study.html http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3fc5d49a349344f1967aadc4950e1a91/major-global-warming-study-again-questioned-again-defended US Panel Warns Trump Change on One China Policy 'Dangerous'. The Trump administration shouldn't abandon long-standing U.S. policy on the status of Taiwan, a prominent panel of China specialists said Tuesday, calling such a move "exceedingly dangerous." https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/02/07/us/politics/ap-us-united-states-china.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/article131242934.html Crunching the numbers of California climate spending. State environmental regulators are working on an updated series of guidelines to send cap-and-trade revenue to low-income neighborhoods, the result of new legislation passed last year. They've been holding meetings around the state in an effort to garner community input. It's one part of an ongoing push-and-pull among lawmakers and… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-crunching-the-numbers-of-california-1486491740-htmlstory.html California’s climate policy depends on federal waivers—what if Trump doesn’t grant them? California officials have discerned a chilling signal that the Trump administration may be willing to halt the state’s unique authority to impose its own vehicle emission rules—a move that could undercut its pioneering effort to battle climate change. The threat arose during the confirmation hearing for Scott Pruitt, Trump’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2017/02/08/californias-climate-policy-depends-federal-waiverswhat-if-trump-doesnt-grant-them/97403404/ Food Security, Forests At Risk Under Trump’s USDA. U.S. food security, forest health, and the ability of farmers to respond to climate change are all at risk if President’s Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture brings climate change skepticism to the agency, agricultural researchers and environmental law experts say. That concern takes root not only in Trump’s own statements scoffing at climate policy… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/food-security-forest-risk-trump-usda-21139?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=0b9cb3afd4-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-0b9cb3afd4-327747457 Trump team being pulled in 2 directions on climate pact. For every conservative who dreams about ripping up the Paris Agreement, there's a company executive who wants to stay in. That's the political choice facing President Trump: Bend to ideological opponents of global climate action, or listen to the capitalists who see a financial angle in the small print. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049647 Warming to have 'severe impacts' on peak electricity demand. Climate change may force utilities in the United States to invest billions of dollars in new power infrastructure to keep air conditioners humming on the hottest of days, according to a new study. Rising average temperatures will increase the number of sweltering summer afternoons, thereby increasing the number of days requiring maximum electricity production as millions of people try to cool off. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049626 5 key players in climate showdown with Trump. California Democratic leaders vow they're ready to take on President Trump in a battle to keep alive the fight against climate change as he rejects the science and embraces fossil fuels. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and legislative leaders come armed with some political clout, at least locally. Democrats hold every statewide office and a two-thirds "supermajority"… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/08/stories/1060049734 Pruitt had a plan for CO2 cuts: Let states decide. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R) may waffle on climate science but he has laid out some specific thoughts on how he would have written federal carbon regulations for coal plants. In 2014, President Trump's pick to lead U.S. EPA came up with a plan he thought would work under his narrow interpretation of the Clean Air Act. " http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049648 Did a changing climate wipe out the giant kangaroo? The landscape of present-day Australia once was home to 500-pound kangaroos, tapirs as big as horses, giant wombat-like creatures and 8-foot turtles. Now new research indicates that climate change could have been the cause of these large species' extinction some 30,000 years ago. According to a study published in the journal Paleobiology, as weather patterns in the region changed, the land started to dry out and affect the animals' food supply. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049629 DROUGHT 'Atmospheric river' slams California again as state decides whether to keep drought restrictions. The “atmospheric river” returned with a vengeance Tuesday to Northern California, where snow piled up in the Sierra Nevada and coastal riverbanks were overwhelmed, flooding rural towns. It’s at least the third major storm series to hit the region since the beginning of the year, building Sierra Nevada snowpack to heights not seen in years. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rain-storm-wind-20170207-story.html Coalition calls for end to California drought emergency. A coalition of state and local leaders is pressing California to lift restrictions on urban water use after the wettest winter for years. Water regulators in Sacramento on Wednesday will decide on a recommendation to extend the drought rules, uncertain if rain and snow will continue through spring. http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article131306134.html#storylink=cpy Why Is the Drought Not Over Yet? Since December storms have been battering Los Angeles. In this first week of the city's traditionally rainiest month, L.A. is more than 7.5 inches above normal rainfall for the entire season — which ends Sept. 30. A normal year gets about 15 inches for the year; we've seen 15.44 inches through yesterday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. And more rain is probable on Friday, forecasters say. http://www.laweekly.com/news/why-is-the-drought-not-over-yet-7903506 State Water Board May Extend Mandatory Rations Despite Recent Rain And Snow. When California Governor Jerry Brown declared that emergency drought regulations were going into effect in April of 2015, ordering residents to cut water use by 25 percent, the Sierra snow pack was at just 5 percent of normal. Now, nearly two years later, aided by strong storms in January, the snow pack is at 182 percent of normal… http://kogo.iheart.com/articles/kogo-local-news-125548/state-water-board-may-extend-mandatory-15543914/#ixzz4Y7zFOVAa DIESEL ACTIVITIES Allison Transmission and Cummins receive certification from California Air Resources Board for model year 2017 H 40/50 EP™ system paired with B6.7 and L9 engines. Allison Transmission Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ALSN) and Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) today announced certification from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for model year 2017 Allison Hybrid H 40 EP™ / H 50 EP™ propulsion systems paired with the Cummins B6.7 and L9 diesel-electric hybrid engines used in transit buses and coaches. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allison-transmission-and-cummins-receive-certification-from-california-air-resources-board-for-model-year-2017-h-4050-ep-system-paired-with-b67-and-l9-engines-300403273.html FUELS As feds roll back methane rule, California pushes ahead with its own. As Congress moves towards scrapping a federal rule regulating methane, California is plowing forward with the nation's strictest rules designed to curb the emissions of the potent greenhouse gas from oil and gas sites – the latest example of the state going it alone on climate change. The rule was one of a suite of environmental regulations passed… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/08/68859/as-feds-roll-back-methane-rule-california-pushes-a/ With Pruitt looming, Calif. prepares to cut truck emissions. California regulators are vowing to push forward with their own fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles at a time when it's unclear if federal car rules will survive the Trump presidency. The long-scheduled and usually uncontroversial state process has taken on new weight after Scott Pruitt, President Trump's pick for U.S. EPA administrator… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049627 VEHICLES Omnitek developing 18L natural gas engine for off-road construction vehicle applications. Omnitek Engineering Corp. will participate in a $1.5-million California Energy Commission grant (GFO-16-506) study with its partner Olson-Ecologic Testing Laboratories to demonstrate its clean natural gas engine technology for off-road heavy duty construction vehicle applications in the greater Los Angeles area. Omnitek Engineering will develop an 18-liter Caterpillar natural gas engine capable of operating on CNG, LNG… http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/02/20170208-omnitek.html VW RECALL VW Launches U.S. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Unit. Volkswagen Group of America on Tuesday announced a U.S. subsidiary that will manage $2 billion in investments in zero emission vehicle infrastructure and awareness programs over a decade as part of a court settlement over its excess diesel emissions. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/02/07/business/07reuters-volkswagen-emissions.html VW will spend billions on EV infrastructure in the U.S. as part of diesel penance. Newly launched subsidiary Electrify America LLC will invest $2 billion on charging stations and EV promotion. As part of its compensation for the diesel crisis, Volkswagen will spend $2 billion in the U.S. on zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure, with the automaker having launched a subsidiary to manage its ZEV infrastructure projects. http://autoweek.com/article/volkswagen/vw-launches-zev-subsidiary-us-part-diesel-penance#ixzz4Y7qylhDr GREEN ENERGY Offshore Wind Moves Into Energy’s Mainstream. When engineers faced resistance from residents in Denmark over plans to build wind turbines on the Nordic country’s flat farmland, they found a better locale: the sea. The offshore wind farm, the world’s first, had just 11 turbines and could power about 3,000 homes. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/07/business/energy-environment/renewables-offshore-wind-green-power-dong.html Lawmaker wants to protect island from wind energy testing. A Maine lawmakers says Monhegan Island would be jeopardized by wind energy testing and should be protected from it. Sen. Dana Dow, a Lincoln Republican, says he has submitted a bill that would prohibit placement of a wind energy test area within 10 miles of the Monhegan Island Lobster Conservation Area. http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article131239164.html Energy costs at record lows thanks to gas, efficiency. The nation's rapid adoption of clean energy technologies, combined with sustained natural gas consumption, sagging oil prices and the widespread deployment of energy efficiency measures, helped U.S. consumers drive down energy costs to record lows in 2016. Where energy spending occurred, it was concentrated in low- or zero-carbon forms of energy that should help the United States… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/08/stories/1060049698 Solar industry continues to be hot. The sun continues to shine on the solar industry. Employment in the solar sector grew by 25 percent last year, with California leading the way with nearly 25,000 new jobs, according to a census published Tuesday by The Solar Foundation. The industry grew at 17 times the pace of the rest of the economy, adding more than 51,000 jobs nationwide. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/07/solar-industry-continues-to-be-hot/ California hits 100,000 solar jobs as industry grows at record pace. The American solar industry now employs more than a quarter of a million people, after a breakneck year that saw employment grow by a record 25 percent — and that growth is expected to continue into 2017, as low-cost solar panels nudge coal and natural gas out of the electricity marketplace. http://www.desertsun.com/story/tech/science/energy/2017/02/07/california-hits-100000-solar-jobs-industry-grows-record-pace/97448780/ USAID says $700M wind farm will help Kenya's development. Africa's largest wind farm, expected to come online later this year, will be remembered as one of the world's most logistically challenging energy developments. But the benefits of the nearly $700 million Lake Turkana Wind Power Project (LTWP) — built near the shore of the world's largest desert lake in Kenya's Rift Valley — should exceed the high costs… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/07/stories/1060049628 MISCELLANEOUS Trump: 'California in many ways is out of control'. Declaring California to be “out of control,” President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding to the state if it votes to declare itself a sanctuary state. A state Senate committee on Tuesday approved a bill from State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León that would prohibit state and local law enforcement… http://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-trump-bill-to-make-california-a-1486330796-htmlstory.html http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Trump-calls-California-out-of-control-in-10910183.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article130942769.html OPINIONS A Conservative Case for Climate Action. CRAZY as it may sound, this is the perfect time to enact a sensible policy to address the dangerous threat of climate change. Before you call us nuts, hear us out. During his eight years in office, President Obama regularly warned of the very real dangers of global warming, but he did not sign any meaningful domestic legislation to address the problem, largely because he and Congress did not see eye to eye. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/08/opinion/a-conservative-case-for-climate-action.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0 State should let emergency drought regulations expire. At a recent workshop to discuss whether the state’s emergency drought regulations should be extended beyond February, two government agencies scheduled to report on drought conditions were noticeably absent because they were busy responding to flooding issues. Apart from this ironic twist, one cannot brush aside this winter’s record rainfall, snowpack and reservoir conditions. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article131164404.html#storylink=cpy BLOGS How a culture clash at NOAA led to a flap over a high-profile warming pause study. A former scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Washington, D.C., made waves this past weekend when he alleged that climate scientist Thomas Karl, the former head of a major NOAA technical center, “failed to disclose critical information” to the agency, journal editors…http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/02/how-culture-clash-noaa-led-flap-over-high-profile-warming-pause-study A Republican group is framing their proposed carbon tax as “environmental insurance,” not a tax. In the past, if there was one thing consistent across the entire Republican Party, it’d be a shared hatred of taxes. That’s what makes a meeting to be held today (Feb. 8) between officials of the US government and a group of Republican policy wonks so interesting. In the meeting, the conservative thinkers… https://qz.com/905688/a-republican-group-making-the-case-for-a-carbon-tax-to-donald-trumps-administration-needs-to-just-look-at-what-happened-in-australia/ China's big, beautiful, green 'vertical forests' will suck up toxic smog. Those aren't just towers—they're enormous, verdant air filters for smog-choked cities. Vertical Forests blanket buildings with trees and plants, to soak up urban air pollution, produce clean oxygen, and boost local biodiversity. Now China—a nation grappling with dangerous smog from coal plants, factories, and vehicles—will get green buildings of its own. http://mashable.com/2017/02/07/china-vertical-forest-smog/#.shVhqyH4kqB California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 14:30:22 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for February 9, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for February 9, 2017. 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. ARB BUSINESS Low Carbon Fuel Standard Discussion Paper and Materials for February 10, 2017 Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Working Meeting. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the discussion paper and additional materials for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Fuel-Specific Working Meeting focusing on Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel on February 10, 2017. The above can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm. CAP AND TRADE How will California battle climate change? A new proposal revs up debate over cap-and-trade program. California lawmakers are moving to reshape the state’s climate change policies by focusing on social justice issues such as alleviating local pollution and creating job opportunities, laying down a marker in conversations about the future of the cap-and-trade program. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-cap-trade-proposal-20170209-story.html Here's what you should know about this year's debate over California's cap-and-trade program. Battles over climate change policies have become an annual fixture at the state Capitol, and this year appears to be no different. Lawmakers are preparing to decide the future of the cap-and-trade program, the centerpiece of California’s battle against global warming. Cap and trade is extremely complex, and so are the politics involved. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-cap-trade-debate-20170209-htmlstory.html Republican Carbon Tax Proposal: Novel Climate Solution or Regulatory Giveaway? A new plan offered by veteran Republican policymakers trades off a price on carbon for de-fanging the EPA on regulating carbon dioxide. A group of eminent establishment Republicans have proposed a grand compromise on climate change policy: a carbon tax, offset by a payout to individuals and families, in exchange for repeal of other regulations on industry. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08022017/carbon-tax-epa-clean-power-plan-climate-change-donald-trump Conservatives Push Carbon Tax to Address Climate Crisis. With President Trump and Republicans in Congress moving swiftly to repeal regulations that slow global warming, a group of prominent conservatives on Wednesday touted a different potential solution — a carbon tax that pays cash dividends to Americans. In a paper titled “The Conservative Case For Carbon Dividends,” op-eds in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/conservatives-push-carbon-tax-to-address-climate-21148 CLIMATE CHANGE Good Luck Killing the EPA. Dismembering the agency requires changing 45 years worth of laws, warns one Republican who ran it. Republicans have been known to threaten this from time to time, with the understanding that it was red meat for ideological or business interests with no real chance of success. “Everybody hates regulation,” said Republican Christine Todd Whitman, a former EPA administrator and New Jersey governor, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-08/good-luck-killing-the-epa EPA Officials Yanked From Alaska Event as Trump Team Weighs In. Just three days before this week’s environment conference in Alaska, the top Environmental Protection Agency official in Anchorage called the organizer with some news: The agency had been instructed by the White House to slash the number of EPA staffers who could attend. https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-02-09/epa-officials-yanked-from-alaska-event-as-trump-team-weighs-in Former EPA head Gina McCarthy: “I don’t know why climate change got to be a religion”. Former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy says she has deep concerns about the agency’s direction under the Trump administration and is urging California and other states to take the lead on slowing climate change. “I think I’m concerned about this administration and their commitment… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/08/former-epa-administrator-i-dont-know-why-climate-change-got-to-be-a-religion/ Obama EPA Head Says Calif. Must Lead Climate Change Action. Less than three weeks out of her job as the nation’s top environmental regulator, former E.P.A. Administrator Gina McCarthy flew to California to discuss environmental action with Democratic lawmakers. McCarthy says, since President Donald Trump and new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt have rejected mainstream climate science… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/02/08/obama-epa-head-says-ca-must-lead-climate-change-action/ http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049800 Were World Leaders Duped Over Manipulated Global Warming Data? The world’s leading source of climate data rushed to publish a landmark paper that exaggerated global warming and was timed to influence the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change reports David Rose. A high-level whistle blower reported that America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) breached… http://canadafreepress.com/article/were-world-leaders-duped-over-manipulated-global-warming-data What climate change action, Republican-style, might look like. A group of prominent conservatives put forward a plan for addressing climate change. In some ways, it's a marker for the future. Climate-change activists keep knocking on President Trump’s door. Only this time, it’s not Al Gore or Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s former Reagan Treasury Secretary James Baker – backed up by a Mitt Romney tweet. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0208/What-climate-change-action-Republican-style-might-look-like Nine Northeastern States Cut Global Warming Pollution. Over the past 12 years, a pollution-trading program has helped states reduce carbon emissions, save money, and create jobs. Dykes: “Pollution reduction and economic growth can go hand-in-hand.” That’s Katie Dykes, the chair of the board of directors of the Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, affectionately known as “Reggie.” http://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2017/02/nine-northeastern-states-cut-global-warming-pollution/ Sea ice levels hit record low. Arctic sea ice levels hit record lows in January, continuing a months long pattern of depleted ice volume that began last October. The sea ice extent was particularly low in the Bering Sea, along Alaska's southwest coast, as well as in the Barents and Kara seas north of Russia and Norway… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049773 Tree-lined suburbs increasingly threatened by climate change. The suburbs evoke images of white picket fences and organized sports, a peaceful escape from big-city living. But new research finds verdant residential communities are increasingly likely to go up in smoke. In an analysis of more than 23 million fires… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049767 DROUGHT California retains drought measures, despite wet weather. Water regulators in California on Wednesday extended what are now largely symbolic conservation measures lingering from the drought after the state has seen one of the wettest winters in years. Regulators decided to retain the measures at least until spring as a precaution against the possible return of dry weather — even as another major storm bears down on the state. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/california-retains-drought-measures-despite-wet-weather/2017/02/08/06a5425c-ee61-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_story.html?utm_term=.1b229cd4cbfc Despite epic rain and snow, California keeps emergency drought restrictions in place. California’s snowpack is at 184% of average for this time of year. Cities from San Francisco to Los Angeles have recorded their highest rain levels in years. Rockslides and flooding hit Northern California. And the spillway of the state’s massive dam at Lake Oroville, once a symbol of the state’s brutal drought when it sat near empty, is actually eroding due to so much runoff from fall and winter rains. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-drought-emergency-regulations-20170208-story.html California extends emergency drought regulations despite heavy rain, snow. The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday voted to keep statewide emergency drought controls in effect, even as most of California sees historic amounts of rain and snow. The drought regulations, which have been greatly relaxed in recent months, will run at least another 270 days. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article131586379.html#storylink=cpy California storms: Drought gone in 53 percent of state, most since 2013. For the first time in four years, more than half of California is no longer classified as being in drought conditions by the federal government — the latest milestone signaling the end of the state’s historic drought. Altogether, 53 percent of California has seen enough precipitation, and its reservoirs and groundwater levels filled so much that it is not in drought… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/09/california-storms-drought-gone-in-more-than-50-percent-of-state-for-first-time-since-2013/ Why the worst drought in U.S. history was a 'climate surprise'. For a while, it seemed as though the big questions about what weather forecasters call the "Great Plains Drought" in the summer of 2012 had been answered. It was the most peculiar and damaging drought in U.S. history. As it parched the earth over U.S. breadbasket states from May through August, it caused $30 billion worth of damage. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049766 DIESEL ACTIVITIES California Pilot Project Pushes Alt-Fuel School Buses. A California program is offering $10 million for purchasing school buses powered by electricity (pictured), renewable diesel, natural gas, or propane. A California program is offering $10 million for purchasing school buses powered by electricity (pictured), renewable diesel, natural gas, or propane. http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/news/719955/california-pilot-project-pushes-alt-fuel-school-buses?utm_campaign=Newsline-Thursday-New-20170209&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Enewsletter FUELS As feds roll back methane rule, California pushes ahead with its own. As Congress moves towards scrapping a federal rule regulating methane, California is plowing forward with the nation's strictest rules designed to curb the emissions of the potent greenhouse gas from oil and gas sites – the latest example of the state going it alone on climate change. The rule was one of a suite of environmental regulations passed in the waning days of the Obama Administration. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/08/68859/as-feds-roll-back-methane-rule-california-pushes-a/ VEHICLES There Are Now More Plug-in Cars For Sale In the US Than Hybrids. Just six years ago when the first major manufacturer plug-in electrified vehicles were experimentally launched, who knew that by now there’d be more plug-ins for sale in the U.S. than more-established regular hybrids? What began with the extended range 2011 Chevy Volt and all-electric 2011 Nissan Leaf… http://www.hybridcars.com/there-are-now-more-plug-in-cars-for-sale-in-the-us-than-hybrids/ Tesla factory getting upgrades as Model 3 electric car approaches. Tesla plans to shut down its California assembly plant for a week to make equipment upgrades for production of its new mass-market electric car in a sign that the vehicle might be on track to hit ambitious production goals. The automaker confirmed that would halt manufacturing temporarily in February to add capacity… http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/02/09/tesla-model-3/97684884/ California goal: eliminate gasoline, diesel light vehicles altogether. What if gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks were simply eliminated altogether from the new vehicles sold in a state? Residents of one state in the U.S. may, eventually, find out. California already leads the nation in promoting zero-emission vehicles, but the Golden State may soon take that policy a step further. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108799_california-goal-eliminate-gasoline-diesel-light-vehicles-altogether Not enough charging points for electric cars; fracking in Scotland economically marginal. While it is good news for the environment that UK sales of electric cars are rising (Report, 7 February) this trend is unlikely to really take off while we have such a disjointed and shortsighted policy regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Boris Johnson sold the London-wide charging network to a French company… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/09/not-enough-charging-points-for-electric-cars-fracking-in-scotland-economically-marginal VW RECALL VW turns on ex-chairman over emissions allegations. Volkswagen signalled it could take legal action against former chairman Ferdinand Piech after a media report said he had informed top directors about potential cheating of diesel emission tests six months before the scandal became public. The report, without citing sources, said Piech raised the issue with then-Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN15O18H VW diesels that can be fixed to meet emissions standards (and those that can't). So far only a relatively small number of settlement vehicles can be modified to meet emissions standards and stay on the road. More than 16 months after Volkswagen's use of illegal "defeat device" software in diesel vehicles was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency… http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0207/VW-diesels-that-can-be-fixed-to-meet-emissions-standards-and-those-that-can-t This Latest Revelation About Dieselgate Is Kind Of Insane. The main issue around Dieselgate for most people is how are all of VW’s cheater cars going to get fixed, but there’s a second question of when VW’s executives found out about the cheat and if there was an internal coverup. New news on that front involves backstabbing, lies and a former ambassador to Israel. http://jalopnik.com/this-latest-revelation-about-dieselgate-is-kind-of-insa-1792145655 Volkswagen has a new subbrand – Electrify America. The Dieselgate scandal is still making ripples across VW’s strategy – at least as far as America is concerned – where the German group has set up a completely new, green subsidiary. As part of the settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the automaker has revealed it has deployed a new subsidiary called Electrify America… http://www.inautonews.com/volkswagen-has-a-new-subbrand-electrify-america GREEN ENERGY Why two American billionaires are betting on renewable energy. According to a couple of American billionaires, the future of the energy grid looks very green. Philip Anschutz, of oil and entertainment industry wealth, is hoping to build what would become America's largest wind farm in Wyoming. What’s more, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, a large player in renewable energy… https://cms.marketplace.org/2017/02/08/world/why-two-american-billionaires-are-betting-renewable-energy Low solar costs could mean end of coal demand by 2020. The demand for coal and oil could peak as soon as 2020, according to a new report. The report, prepared by researchers from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College and the Carbon Tracker Initiative, attributes this trend to the rapid drops in the pricing of renewable energy, specifically solar power and electric vehicles. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049772 Storing power raises energy consumption and emissions — study. Storing solar energy for nighttime use actually increases consumption and emissions, according to new research from the University of Texas, Austin. The finding runs counter to the notion that solar panels are reliable 24-hour power sources only if the energy can be stored. Instead… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049777 Wind expands to country's 4th-largest electricity source. U.S. wind power developers installed nearly 6,500 megawatts of new generation capacity between October and December, marking the industry's second-largest quarterly growth and solidifying wind's position as the nation's No. 1 renewable energy resource, according to data released this morning by the American Wind Energy Association. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049827 MISCELLANEOUS Trump's last answer to a carbon tax? No way! The number of ideas for replacing the Clean Power Plan is beginning to grow. The proposal yesterday by former Secretary of State James Baker and other distinguished Republicans to tax carbon dioxide and return the revenue to Americans in quarterly dividend checks is an ambitious plan that could outperform Obama-era regulations in terms of reducing greenhouse gases. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/09/stories/1060049798 OPINIONS Want ‘climate change consensus’? Let’s form the McChrystal Commission. Imagine, if you will, an August 2017 Post headline: “McChrystal Commission report surprises, energizes and outrages.” The first paragraph reads: “The much-anticipated and closely guarded final report of the McChrystal Commission on Climate Change released Tuesday shook nearly every interest and player in the capital. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/want-climate-change-consensus-lets-form-the-mccrystal-commission/2017/02/09/1f5c346c-ee53-11e6-9973-c5efb7ccfb0d_story.html?utm_term=.9b9aefc0e3fc BLOGS GOP Climate Group Tries to Warm White House to Carbon Tax. The main issue around Dieselgate for most people is how are all of VW’s cheater cars going to get fixed, but there’s a second question of when VW’s executives found out about the cheat and if there was an internal coverup. New news on that front involves backstabbing, lies and a former ambassador to Israel. http://jalopnik.com/this-latest-revelation-about-dieselgate-is-kind-of-insa-1792145655 Something is very, very wrong with the Arctic climate. This Arctic winter has startled even the most even-keeled scientists, with records set for low sea ice extent, high temperatures and other indicators of a climate gone awry. Sea ice has plummeted to record lows and stayed there as pulses of unusually warm air have swept across the region, with the latest one set to reach the North Pole on Thursday. http://mashable.com/2017/02/08/sea-ice-record-low-january/#deKNKflk45qQ California Aims to Buy Clean — and it Starts with Buying American-Made. Sourcing steel, aluminum, & other industrial products from the U.S. can help lower carbon emissions. Environmental advocates, labor unions, Silicon Valley leaders and steel producers are joining forces to support new legislation in California that would add a Buy Clean mandate to state procurement rules. http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/entry/california-aims-to-buy-clean-and-it-starts-with-buying-american-made UK grocer first in Europe to use new trucks fuelled by food waste. A British supermarket has become the first retailer in Europe to use a new type of tank that keeps trucks motoring on fuel made from food waste for 500 miles, almost twice the current average. The longer driving range - capacity had held back earlier green fuel options - could entice more business to turn to low-emission lorries and thereby help fight global warming. http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-uk-grocer-first-in-europe-to-use-new-trucks-fuelled-by-food-waste-2318197 EPA Comes Under the Gun in Congressional Hearing. The hearing also examined a complaint that a former NOAA scientist manipulated data in a high-profile global warming paper. Republicans in the new U.S. Congress unleashed on Tuesday some of their opening salvos against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which they say creates unnecessary and burdensome regulations… https://eos.org/articles/epa-comes-under-the-gun-in-congressional-hearing California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:31:11 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 10, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 10, 2017. 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 BUSINESS PUBLIC WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO INCREASE DEPLOYMENT OF ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES THAT TRANSPORT PASSENGERS TO AND FROM CALIFORNIA AIRPORTS. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, to begin the discussion on how to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation at airports.https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1702/msc1702.pdf PUBLIC WORKSHOPS TO DISCUSS UPDATES TO ARB’S ENFORCEMENT POLICIES. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in public workshop to discuss upcoming updates to CARB’S enforcement policies. CARB’s current penalty policy was adopted in 2011. https://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops PUBLIC WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS A STRATEGY TO INCREASE DEPLOYMENT OF ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES THAT TRANSPORT PASSENGERS TO AND FROM CALIFORNIA AIRPORTS. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, to begin the discussion on how to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation at airports. https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1702/msc1702.pdf CAP AND TRADE Lawmakers Want Change In Governor's Cap-And-Trade Focus. Democrats who represent disadvantaged communities in California are sending a message about the state’s signature climate-change-fighting program: They’re willing to provide the governor votes to continue it, but only with changes. A contingent of California Assembly members and environmental groups… http://www.capradio.org/90082 Assemblymember Garcia Legislation Advances Climate Change Guidelines. Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D- Bell Gardens) and co-authors, Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) introduced legislation to confirm and enhance California’s authority to meet the 2030 climate change target established last year by SB 32 and AB 197.“ http://eastcountytoday.net/assemblymember-garcia-legislation-advances-climate-change-guidelines/ Lawmakers want a GHG market, with or without cap and trade. California lawmakers introduced a bill yesterday to enable the state to keep using market-based methods of controlling greenhouse gases through 2030, setting up a debate over whether the state will keep or modify its landmark cap-and-trade program. A.B. 378 will serve as a vehicle for negotiations over the future of the state's economywide cap-and-trade market, which is facing legal challenges. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/10/stories/1060049867 AIR POLLUTION As Poland Chokes on Smog, Groups Prepare Complaint to EU. TV stations flash pollution alerts. People don masks for their morning jogs. Preschools stop taking children outside to play. As smog across coal-addicted Poland hits crisis levels, four environmental groups announced Friday that they are preparing a complaint to the European Union accusing Poland of violating EU laws meant to control air pollution. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external/search.hosted.ap.org/wireCoreTool/Search?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&query=AIR+POLLUTION OTHER RELATED STORIES http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/groups-prepare-complaint-eu-air-pollution-poland-45398232 http://www.seattlepi.com/news/world/article/Groups-prepare-complaint-to-EU-over-air-pollution-10922901.php https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/02/10/polish-groups-prepare-complaint-to-eu-as-country-chokes-on-smog.html http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-activists-to-complain-to-eu-over-poland-s-choking-air-pollution-2318897 Permit for Chevron Pascagoula Refinery would allow more pollution. It is very difficult to understand what Chevron is asking for in its latest request for a state pollution permit. The wording in the document is prohibitive. Even people in the business had trouble explaining it to the media, before a hearing on the permit Thursday. That was part of the complaint by a group of citizens who live closest… http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article131913754.html#storylink=cpy ALISO CANYON Calif. looks into shutting down Aliso Canyon. California's utility regulator will analyze whether the state should permanently shutter the natural gas storage facility where a record-breaking methane leak occurred. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) yesterday opened an investigation into the feasibility of closing the Aliso Canyon site in Los Angeles County. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/10/stories/1060049860 CLIMATE CHANGE French presidential hopeful Macron courts US climate experts. French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron Friday called on researchers, entrepreneurs and engineers working on climate change in the U.S. to leave for France — in a bid to capitalize on the words of doubt expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump on global warming. In a video posted on his Twitter account, Macron said in English: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_FRANCE_MACRON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.sfgate.com/business/technology/article/French-presidential-hopeful-Macron-backs-US-10922969.php http://www.canada.com/business/fp/french+presidential+hopeful+macron+courts+climate+experts/12887484/story.html Climate change fight will be won or lost in cities, say experts. Cities are on the frontline of the fight against climate change and will play a key role in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a target governments agreed to aim for in the Paris climate change deal, officials and green experts said this week. http://in.reuters.com/article/asia-climatechange-cities-idINL5N1FU787 A Message On Climate Change From Former EPA Head. Lawmakers introduced a new bill Thursday that would focus climate change funding to support low-income communities across California. The bill comes a day after former EPA head Gina McCarthy visited Sacramento with the message that California must lead the way on reducing carbon emissions as the federal government disregards the issue. http://www.capradio.org/news/insight/2017/02/10/insight-021017b/ 1,000 Years Ago, Corn Made This Society Big. Then, A Changing Climate Destroyed Them. About a fifteen minute drive east of St. Louis, Missouri, is a complex of earthen mounds that once supported a pre-historic city of thousands. For a couple hundred years, the city, called Cahokia, and several smaller city-states like it flourished in the Mississippi river valley. But by the time European colonizers set foot on American soil in the 15th century, these cities were already empty. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/02/10/513963490/1-000-years-ago-corn-made-this-society-big-then-a-changing-climate-destroyed-the The Trump administration can’t entirely roll back progress on climate change — here’s why. Environmentalists are not happy with the Trump administration. There are rumors that Trump might withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement on climate change. And Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former CEO of ExxonMobil, is probably unlikely to champion U.S. environmental priorities in his diplomatic agenda. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/02/10/the-trump-administration-cant-entirely-roll-back-progress-on-climate-change-heres-why/?utm_term=.ccffb289b5ae Buying a home in climate change era. Metro Phoenix is a good pick for snowbirds, but there are options to consider before buying a home. With winter storms rocking the East, we are seeing the usual influx of folks looking for homes in our more hospitable climate. But what will climate change mean for prospective home-buyers? Last year was the hottest on record and the warming trend is likely to be a… http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale-contributor/2017/02/10/buying-home-climate-change-era/95625892/ EU must shut all coal plants by 2030 to meet Paris climate pledges, study says. Europe will vastly overshoot its carbon emissions target for coal unless it closes all 300 power stations, says thinktank Climate Analytics. The European Union will “vastly overshoot” its Paris climate pledges unless its coal emissions are completely phased out within 15 years, a stress test of the industry has found. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/09/eu-must-shut-all-coal-plants-by-2030-to-meet-paris-climate-pledges-study-says?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=97d45aa537-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-97d45aa537-327747457 Canada’s Climate Priorities. Renewable Industries Canada's chairman explains how biofuels will help his country meet its GHG reduction goals as part of its Paris climate change commitments in the March EPM Global Scene column. Climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions are genuine priorities for Canada’s federal government. Canada’s ambitious commitments… http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14129/canadaundefineds-climate-priorities Who cares if it's climate change? This guy wants action. Perhaps the first clear sign that the United States is considering serious changes in the way it forecasts extreme weather events came in a meeting here in June 2015. It featured a blunt-spoken Australian meteorologist, Greg Holland, who ticked off the flaws in the current U.S. system. There are serious problems with the nation's climate models… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/10/stories/1060049844 D.C. mayor: No time for politics on climate change. The District of Columbia is sketching out a road map for sustainability under the nose of a hostile Congress and a White House that does not believe in climate change. Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off an agenda-setting workshop as part of the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities program yesterday… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/10/stories/1060049866 DROUGHT Kenya declares drought a national disaster, seeks help. Kenya declared a national disaster on Friday, calling for aid to counter drought that is posing a major risk to people, livestock and wildlife. The Kenya Red Cross has estimated around 2.7 million people are in need of food aid after low rainfall in October and November and the next rainy season not due before April. http://news.trust.org/item/20170210143700-goqzv/ GREEN ENERGY Wall Street’s Love Affair With Energy Heats Up as Rigs Soar. Wall Street is throwing the most money at U.S. energy companies since at least 2000 amid growing confidence that the industry is emerging from the worst downturn in a generation. Energy firms raised $6.64 billion in 13 equity offerings in January, drawn in by a rich combination of oil prices consistently above $50 a barrel… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-09/wall-street-s-love-affair-with-energy-heats-up-as-rigs-roll-out Almost 90% of new power in Europe from renewable sources in 2016. Wind energy overtakes coal as the EU’s second largest form of power capacity but concerns remain over politicians’ enthusiasm for renewables. Renewable energy sources made up nearly nine-tenths of new power added to Europe’s electricity grids last year, in a sign of the continent’s rapid shift away from fossil fuels. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/09/new-energy-europe-renewable-sources-2016 Appliance standards will likely evade Trump's 2-for-1 order. Rules holding appliances like televisions and refrigerators to minimum efficiency standards are likely safe from President Trump's executive order to roll back two regulations for every new rule, analysts say. Trump's Jan. 30 executive order calls for agencies to find at least two regulations to be eliminated for every new regulation they want to put forward. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/10/stories/1060049865 Storing power raises energy consumption and emissions — study. Storing solar energy for nighttime use actually increases consumption and emissions, according to new research from the University of Texas, Austin. The finding runs counter to the notion that solar panels are reliable 24-hour power sources only if the energy can be stored. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060049777 MISCELLANEOUS Motor Mouth: EPA’s demise could be Trump’s stupidest mistake for the auto industry. Lack of oversight could open up multiple emissions standards for states and cities, causing mayhem for manufacturers. You would think the Republican Party would have trouble, well, trumping executive order 13679. You know, the “it’s not a ban on Muslims” proclamation that just happens to only affect, well, Muslims. http://driving.ca/auto-news/news/motor-mouth-epas-demise-could-be-trumps-stupidest-mistake-for-the-auto-industry OPINIONS Bay needs more water – a lot more. San Francisco Bay’s native fish are dying for water. In the past, the Bay was an exceptionally rich environment for wildlife. San Francisco Bay is part of the Bay-Delta estuary, where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean tides. This creates multiple diverse ecosystems that sustain a variety of fish, birds, seals and other mammals… http://www.marinscope.com/mill_valley_herald/opinion/columnists/bay-needs-more-water-a-lot-more/article_f56315ee-eee9-11e6-843b-2792d60cd347.html Fighting Trump’s ‘dirty air’. Anyone who cares about breathing clean air has to be concerned about the advent of an administration in Washington, D.C., that appears intent on rolling back our hard-won progress in reducing emissions. President Trump, his nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Republican leaders in Congress have all declared plans to allow the oil and coal industries to extract… http://capitolweekly.net/california-fighting-trump-air-environmental/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:49:43 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 13, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 13, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Free Professional Wet Cleaning Demonstration Workshop for Dry Cleaners. Bring your toughest or most delicate ‘dry clean only’ garments for a professional wet cleaning demonstration. View the process: no shrinking, no stretching, and no smell. You will also learn about:• Small business assistance and grants up to $17,500. • Professional wet cleaning technologies and methods. • Increasing your profits and reducing regulatory requirements. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-23108818097?aff=es2 Low Carbon Fuel Public Workshop. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) public working meeting on Friday, March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/031717mtgnotice.pdf March 23 and 24, 2017 - Public Meeting Location Change for the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Strategy. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING LOCATION CHANGE March 23 and 24, 2017. NOTICE OF PUBLIC BOARD MEETING, AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON THE REVISED PROPOSED SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT STRATEGY AND REVISED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS PREPARED FOR THE STRATEGY. By notice dated November 28, 2016, the Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) announced the availability of a revised Proposed Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SLCP Strategy) and a revised Draft Environmental Analysis (Revised Draft EA) for public comment as well as a public Board Meeting on the SLCP Strategy and Revised Draft EA . The hearing was originally scheduled to be heard at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. Public Board Meeting: PLEASE BE ADVISED that the location of the public meeting has changed as follows: The Board will hold a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider approving the SLCP Strategy. DATE: March 23 and 24, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: County of Riverside County Administrative Center First Floor Board Chambers 4080 Lemon Street Riverside, California 92501 WEBCAST: http://video.calepa.ca.gov/ This item will be considered at a two day meeting of the Board, which will commence at 9:00 a.m., March 23, 2017 and may continue at 8:30 a.m., on March 24, 2017. This item may not be considered until March 24, 2017. Please consult the agenda for the meeting, which will be available at least 10 days before March 23, 2017, to determine the day on which this item will be considered. CAP AND TRADE Fearing worse, oil industry fights to save cap and trade. In the battle over whether to preserve California's landmark climate change program, an unlikely defender has emerged: an influential trade group for the oil industry. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) doesn't think the state-mandated cap-and-trade system is perfect and is urging changes to it. But the coalition also sees a bigger threat on the horizon. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/13/stories/1060049916 AIR POLLUTION China orders cities on 'pollution highway' to reduce emissions, Beijing braces for smog. Chinese cities that sit on three pollution "highways" have been told to coordinate efforts to reduce emissions, as Beijing and the country's northeast regions brace for another bout of heavy smog this week, state media reported on Monday. There are 20 cities which sit on three western, central and eastern routes on which air-borne pollutants… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-idUSKBN15S024 61 percent of Americans support current ozone standard — poll. More than three-fifths of Americans back U.S. EPA's current air quality standard for ozone, according to the results of an American Lung Association poll released today. The poll, taken last month, found that 61 percent of adult respondents supported leaving the current threshold in place, compared with 27 percent who thought it should be rolled back. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/13/stories/1060049966 CLIMATE CHANGE French presidential hopeful Macron courts US climate experts. French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged researchers, entrepreneurs and engineers working on climate change in the U.S. to leave for France - a bid to capitalize on the doubt expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump about global warming. In a video posted on his Twitter account, Macron said in English: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_FRANCE_MACRON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT EU lawmakers split on carbon reform ahead of vote. Members of the European Parliament remain divided over an overhaul to the carbon market after a debate in the assembly on Monday, EU sources said, setting the stage for a tight vote on the reforms later this week. Lead policymakers spoke in defence of a compromise deal reached between the key parties in December… http://in.reuters.com/article/eu-carbon-idINL8N1FY5KX NASA launched an unprecedented study of Greenland’s melting. Now, the data are coming in. In 2015, in a moment of science communication genius, NASA created a mission called “OMG.” The acronym basically ensured that a new scientific mission — measuring how quickly the Oceans are Melting Greenland — would get maximum press attention. The subject is actually extremely serious. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/02/10/nasa-took-on-an-unprecedented-study-of-greenlands-melting-now-the-data-are-coming-in/?utm_campaign=79c2b88af5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.bf75cf15e86d Rules to cut carbon emissions in Mass. may increase them in New England, critics say. A Baker administration plan to cut harmful greenhouse gases could have the unintended consequence of boosting carbon emissions across the rest of New England, say some environmental advocates and representatives of the energy industry. The plan was designed to comply with a landmark 2016 Supreme Judicial Court decision… http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/02/12/rules-cut-carbon-emissions-mass-may-increase-them-new-england-critics-say/PCgVdBKy1oiE9GsDPyw7DO/story.html?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=79c2b88af5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-79c2b88af5-327747457 The war against air pollution has begun – and it will be fought in cities. “You never see ‘air pollution’ written as the cause on death certificates,” an expert once told me. If it was, she suggested, the enormous toll toxic air takes on the health of billions of the world’s people would prompt a global emergency response. But the winds of change are now blasting the air pollution crisis… https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/13/war-air-pollution-fought-cities Act now before entire species are lost to global warming, say scientists. Climate change is threatening about 700 endangered species and policymakers must act urgently to lessen impact. The impact of climate change on threatened and endangered wildlife has been dramatically underreported, with scientists calling on policymakers to act urgently to slow its effects before entire species are lost for good. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/13/act-before-entire-species-lost-global-warming-say-scientists State utility regulators eye next steps to cut carbon emissions. U.S. EPA's role in regulating carbon emissions will be on the agenda when state utility regulators meet this week in Washington, although it won't be as prominent an issue as in recent years. On Tuesday, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) will feature a panel discussion that will look at options… http://www.eenews.net/interactive/clean_power_plan/column_posts/1060049921 Legal headaches await efforts to ax social cost of carbon. Gutting a controversial method that federal agencies use to weigh climate change damages could come at a high legal price, analysts say. Under the Obama administration, agencies used a metric, known as the social cost of carbon, to estimate the hidden costs of carbon dioxide emissions. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/13/stories/1060049917 Climate change is in the crosshairs of BLM rule repeal. When the Interior Department unveiled a sweeping final plan in September to develop renewable energy across the California desert while protecting species like the Mohave ground squirrel from climate change, many hailed it as setting a new standard in federal land management policy. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/13/stories/1060049918 Under the sea, ecosystems are preparing for climate change. Coral reefs, kelp forests and other marine ecosystems may be tougher than we give them credit for, a new study suggests. While countless scientific reports have documented the ravages of climate change on oceanic life, a survey of the researchers who wrote them provides a silver lining: An overwhelming majority noticed examples of sea life withstanding climate change. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/13/stories/1060049940 DROUGHT See how empty Lake Oroville was during the drought compared to its current dam crisis. With the Oroville Dam spilling over with an avalanche of water, it's amazing to see how quickly this winter's rains filled an area that was, not so long ago, a major symbol of California's drought. In November 2014, the Chronicle went to Lake Oroville to report a story on its near-record lows. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/drought-Oroville-Dam-before-after-photos-lake-10928766.php 'Is Drought Over Yet?': That Might Not Be the Right Question to Ask. In another round of mixed messages during an exceptionally wet winter, California's water board is extending emergency drought regulations until May, the anniversary of its action taking teeth out of conservation enforcement. With the state's permission, during the past year most urban and suburban water districts, including those in the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach… http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Is-Drought-Over-Yet-May-Not-Be-the-Question-to-Ask--413372193.html#ixzz4Ybq4aq50 FUELS Automakers to Trump: Reverse Fuel Efficiency Rules. General Motors, Ford, Toyota and 15 other major automakers have urged President Donald Trump to reverse a decision by the Obama administration to lock in fuel efficiency rules for model years 2022-2025 cars and light trucks. In a letter obtained by Reuters the chief executives of GM, Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, along with the top North American executives at Toyota… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/02/automakers-trump-reverse-fuel-efficiency-rules/ MISCELLANEOUS The Heat is On. Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, on engaging the business community to go greener. As head of the California Air Resources Board for the last decade, Mary Nichols is considered the second most powerful person — after Gov. Jerry Brown — in the state’s wide-reaching efforts to combat climate change. It is an effort state officials have vowed to continue despite the election of President Donald Trump, a climate change denier. http://www.comstocksmag.com/qa/heat GOP bill would gut EPA. A House Republican is sponsoring legislation to do away with large portions of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including environmental justice and greenhouse gas programs. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas) introduced the Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act on Thursday, saying it would save $7.5 billion annually. That would leave the agency with a budget of less than $1 billion. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/318931-gop-bill-would-gut-epa Executive Order, State Laws Seek To Criminalize Protests. If you are a committed climate change advocate, what you are about to read should scare the bejezus out of you. President Trump and his new Attorney General, along with legislatures in several US states, are trying to turn dissent and public protests into criminal acts carrying prison sentences of 5 to 40 years. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/02/13/executive-order-state-laws-seek-criminalize-protests/ OPINIONS With Trump admin, state regulators reclaim control. As the nation's utility regulators gather in Washington this week for their winter policy summit, there's a feeling of liberation among attendees. No longer is there the prospect of overarching federal regulations such as the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan that would have required states to change their electric generation mix to satisfy the rule, usurping what many states see as their traditional role in resource planning. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/318931-gop-bill-would-gut-epa Has this year’s record rain finally ended California’s epic drought? Not really. After praying for rain over five dry years, Californians are now praying for a break. The state is being soaked. Its biggest reservoirs, once at record lows, are at capacity or overflowing from record-setting rain and snow. That includes the Oroville Lake reservoir behind the Oroville Dam, where nearly 200,000 Northern California… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/02/13/has-this-years-record-rain-finally-ended-californias-epic-drought-not-really/?utm_term=.2b4f58ac72f7 Auto executives want Trump to roll back clean air standards. Can California stand in their way? Sensing a kindred spirit in the White House, the auto industry is pressuring President Trump to roll back vehicle efficiency standards, which they imply are too stringent and could cost America jobs. That’s the burden of a letter that went out last week to Trump from the heads of 18 auto manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler. http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-auto-emissions-20170213-story.html To Save The Planet, Give Cows Better Pasture. The other day, in Puerto Rico, I stumbled across one small piece of an agricultural revolution. It didn't look all that revolutionary — just an abandoned sugar plantation where workers are clearing away a mass of grass, bushes and trees in order to create better pasture for cattle. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/02/13/514070632/to-save-the-planet-give-cows-better-pasture Drought was missed opportunity to inspect waterways. My years working for California’s Department of Water Resources taught me that it should be no surprise that the Oroville Dam is in jeopardy. I observed many times that important repair and maintenance was not being done. Why not is anyone’s guess. With the years of drought we have had, inspection of waterways prior to a very wet year is paramount. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article132458494.html#storylink=cpy Eroding spillway is further proof Northern California drought is over. The potential failure of California's Oroville spillway — which caused nearly 200,000 people to flee their homes late Sunday — is further proof that the punishing five-year drought in the northern part of the state is over. Oroville Dam holds back swollen Lake Oroville, which is the state's second-largest reservoir and at 100% capacity because of recent heavy rain and snow. http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/02/13/oroville-dam-california-drought-over/97849730/ BLOGS California Drives U.S. Policies on Auto Emissions—Energy Journal. BIGGEST DRIVER OF CLEANER-CAR RULES IS CALIFORNIA, NOT WASHINGTON. Even if the Trump administration relents on forcing auto makers to build cleaner cars, the sector still has to contend with California. The largest car market in the U.S. has its own rules that require car makers to “sell more zero-emission vehicles powered with batteries,” writes Mike Spector. http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2017/02/13/california-drives-u-s-policies-on-auto-emissions-energy-journal/ CEOs Of GM, Ford, and FCA, Call Again To Review Emission Regulations. Recently, CEOs from a total of 18 automakers delivered a letter to President Trump and the new administration, requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency’s early midterm review of emissions regulations be revoked and a new review reinstated to take place at a later date. http://insideevs.com/ceos-of-gm-ford-and-fca-call-again-to-review-emission-regulations/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:17:35 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 14, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 14, 2017. 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. ARB Business The California Air Resources Board and the AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (Committee) are holding a joint public meeting on February 15, 2017 from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm (PST) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) public working meeting that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS Additional meeting details are included in the notice that is posted here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm CAP AND TRADE LAO Recommends Renewal Of California's Cap-And-Trade Program. Calling it the most cost-effective way for California to fight climate change, a non-partisan fiscal analyst is recommending lawmakers renew the state’s cap-and-trade program. Under the cap-and-trade program, companies buy credits from the state, which permit their emissions. The program is not only set to expire in 2020, it also faces a lawsuit challenging its legitimacy. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/02/14/lao-recommends-renewal-of-californias-cap-and-trade-program/ New Hampshire bills would withdraw state from RGGI, repeal renewables mandate. Dive Brief: •Two proposed bills in New Hampshire would see the state exit a regional cap-and-trade system and end its renewable energy mandate, the Portland Press Herald reports .•HB 592 would end New Hampshire's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a nine-state emissions trading scheme… http://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-hampshire-bills-would-withdraw-state-from-rggi-repeal-renewables-manda/436127/ AIR POLLUTION India’s Air Pollution Rivals China’s as World’s Deadliest. India’s rapidly worsening air pollution is causing about 1.1 million people to die prematurely each year and is now surpassing China’s as the deadliest in the world, a new study of global air pollution shows. The number of premature deaths in China caused by dangerous air particles, known as PM2.5, has stabilized globally in recent years… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/world/asia/indias-air-pollution-rivals-china-as-worlds-deadliest.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ebdf96122f-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ebdf96122f-327747457 Breathless in Bakersfield: is the worst air pollution in the US about to get worse? In California’s Central Valley emissions from oil refineries and agriculture make Bakersfield America’s most air-polluted city. Activists fear the Trump administration could undo small but steady improvements. The bluffs on Panorama Road offer a wide view of the northern half of Bakersfield, which is one of the few major population centres in California’s Central Valley – perhaps the US’ leading agricultural motherlode. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/14/bakersfield-california-bad-air-pollution-us CLIMATE CHANGE El Niño triggered unprecedented erosion across California's coast. l Niño may not have brought much rain to Southern California, but it has taken its toll on the Golden State’s beaches. A new study looking at the waves, water levels and coastal changes at 29 beaches across California, Oregon and Washington has found that the 2015-16 El Niño winter season triggered unprecedented erosion across much of the West Coast. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/ https://www.usgs.gov/news/severe-west-coast-erosion-during-2015-16-el-ni-o Floods, food security and wildlife loss top public's climate change concerns. Nearly two thirds of British adults accept climate change is happening and is primarily due to human activity, according to a major new poll that detects a "discernible shift" in the public's engagement with climate-related risks. The ComRes survey of 2,045 British adults found 64 per cent say climate change is happening… http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3004509/floods-food-security-and-wildlife-loss-top-publics-climate-change-concerns Trudeau, Trump Meeting Sidesteps the Countries' Climate Change Agreements. A year after Justin Trudeau and Barack Obama pledged cooperation on climate goals, Canadian PM's first meeting with President Trump produced no mention of them. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada voiced commitments to work together on a range of issues at a meeting… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/13022017/justin-trudeau-canada-trump-climate-change-agreements Scientists underestimate impact of global warming on wildlife. "We need to greatly improve assessments of the impacts of climate change on species right now," researcher James Watson warned. A recent review of the scientific literature suggests ecologists and conservation groups have underestimated the impact of climate change on wildlife. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/02/13/Scientists-underestimate-impact-of-global-warming-on-wildlife/8611487015621/ Gas issue hospitalizes 6 workers; scores evacuated from Tualatin workplace. Six people were hospitalized and around a hundred more evacuated from a Tualatin workplace due to an issue with oxygen deprivation early Tuesday morning. According to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, workers at Lam Research Corporation - a semi-conductor manufacturing company… http://katu.com/news/local/gas-exposure-hospitalizes-6-workers-scores-evacuated-from-tualatin-building How a changing climate will affect Alaska by the end of the century. By the end of this century, Alaskans may be enjoying tropical evening breezes for about a week each year. That's an increase from the almost zero such nights we currently savor. But it could happen, according to a graduate student who has tightened the grids of computer models to perhaps offer a more detailed glimpse of Alaska's future. https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/science/2017/02/11/hows-how-a-changing-climate-will-affect-alaska-by-the-end-of-the-century/ Oroville Dam: Window into a warmer future — experts. A deluge of repeated rainstorms set the stage for the near-disaster at the Oroville Dam in California, a crisis that foreshadows what the Golden State can expect more of with climate change, several experts said. The situation at Oroville — in Butte County, Calif., northeast of Sacramento — happened after both an infrastructure failure and a weather event… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/14/stories/1060050005 Forget climate. When leaders meet Trump, 'boring is good'. Climate change went from the top of the list to off the page in talks between U.S. and Canadian leaders. The reshuffling was evident yesterday during four hours of meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has made climate action a key part of his administration. Neither leader mentioned the issue during Trudeau's first visit to the Trump White House. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/14/stories/1060050008 VEHICLES Biggest Driver of Cleaner-Car Rules Is California, not Washington. Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Mark Fields used a recent White House breakfast with President Donald Trump to argue for relaxing U.S. car-emissions standards. But Mr. Fields and other auto executives need to travel 2,700 miles west of Washington to find the government officials who are pushing them the most on environmental regulations. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/biggest-driver-of-cleaner-car-rules-is-california-not-washington/ar-AAmQW38 GREEN ENERGY 100% renewables bill gaining support. A bill that would require Massachusetts to meet 100 percent of its energy needs with renewable resources is gaining momentum in the state Legislature, with more than a quarter of the commonwealth's lawmakers backing the bill, according to clean energy advocates. The "100 Percent Renewable Energy Act," introduced last month by three Democratic lawmakers… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/14/stories/1060049988 MISCELLANEOUS U.K. Lobbies Trump Officials to Stay in Paris Climate Deal. The U.K. government is seeking to convince Donald Trump to support the landmark Paris climate deal, touting the economic benefits of clean energy while steering clear of the debate about climate science, according to a person familiar with the discussions. British government representatives stationed in Washington have been… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-14/u-k-said-to-lobby-trump-officials-to-stay-in-paris-climate-deal?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ebdf96122f-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ebdf96122f-327747457 OPINIONS Pay now to fight global warming, or pay more later: Your Say. Letter to the editor: I commend USA TODAY for the editorial “A serious Republican idea on climate change,” on the new conservative proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on fossil carbon. Thankfully, your analysis focused on the merits of the plan rather than the dismissive cynicism found in much of the political press. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/02/13/pay-now-fight-global-warming-pay-later-say/97872228/ Don Paul: What's behind February's extreme warmth? Sharp February warming: Is it weather or climate? Or is it both? To say it’s hard to tell is a scientific understatement. There is the irrefutable footprint of a warming climate when averaged globally. Winters have been warmer, again on average, across the United States for many decades. Note that there are no regions in the lower 48 states that have had mean cooling in that time period since 1970. http://buffalonews.com/2017/02/14/don-paul-whats-behind-februarys-extreme-warmth/ BLOGS Big Oil’s Grip on California. In America’s greenest state, the industry has spent $122 million in the past six years to shape regulation and legislation. It wins more than you think. n the morning of June 21, 2011, a worker named Robert David Taylor was walking through an oil field west of Taft, California, when he noticed a plume of steam coming from the darkened earth. https://www.thenation.com/article/big-oils-grip-on-california/ Corporations like Exxon are using spurious free speech claims to fend off regulation. Why is the attorney general of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, being forced to justify to a Texas judge why and how she is doing her job? In the latest instance of the corporate takeover of the First Amendment — and other constitutional rights — Exxon Mobil, the world’s largest oil and gas corporation… http://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/2/14/14601932/exxon-first-amendment-free-speech-citizens-global-warming California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:08:16 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 15, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 15, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The California Air Resources Board staff has posted a report on credit transfer activity for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This includes recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and trends through January 2017. Monthly: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Weekly: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm CAP AND TRADE DEQ verdict: Cap and trade won't dent Oregon's economy. Cap and trade, set to become a big issue in the unfolding Oregon legislative session, got a warm review from the state's Department of Environmental Quality today. In a 75-page study, the DEQ concluded that cap and trade "offers a flexible, cost-effective mechanism for assuring (greenhouse gas) reductions." http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/02/14/deq-verdict-cap-and-trade-wont-dent-oregons.html?ana=RSS%26s%3Darticle_search&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_portland+%28Portland+Business+Journal%29 Renewable Fuel Standard. The Ontario government is committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 15% by 2020, 27% by 2030 and 80% by 2050 relative to 1990 levels. These reductions are legislated in the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (“Ministry”) new Climate Change Mitigation and Low Carbon Economy Act (“Act”). Under the Act, funds raised from Ontario’s cap and trade program… http://www.siskinds.com/envirolaw/renewable-fuel-standard/?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=View-Original AIR POLLUTION European commission issues 'final warning' to UK over air pollution breaches. UK is one of five countries persistently contravening legal nitrogen dioxide levels with pollution from factories and vehicles. Britain has been sent a final warning to comply with EU air pollution limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or face a case at the European court of justice. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/15/european-commission-issues-final-warning-to-uk-over-air-pollution-breaches ALISO CANYON LA leader fights to boost Porter Ranch health study, says gas leak settlement ‘ignores’ community. Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander on Tuesday demanded that air quality regulars increase the amount of money for a health study included in the $8.5 million settlement of a lawsuit filed against Southern California Gas Co. over a massive methane leak at its Aliso Canyon storage facility above Porter Ranch. http://www.dailynews.com/health/20170214/la-leader-fights-to-boost-porter-ranch-health-study-says-gas-leak-settlement-ignores-community CLIMATE CHANGE Sea ice around Antarctica hits record low, preliminary U.S. data show. Sea ice around Antarctica has shrunk to the smallest annual extent on record after years of resisting a trend of man-made global warming, preliminary U.S. satellite data showed on Tuesday. Ice floating around the frozen continent usually melts to its smallest for the year around the end of February, the southern hemisphere summer, before expanding again as the autumn chill sets in. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-antarctica-ice-idUSKBN15T2SH?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b2c9dd1ba3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b2c9dd1ba3-327494049 Scientists have just detected a major change to the Earth’s oceans linked to a warming climate. A large research synthesis, published in one of the world’s most influential scientific journals, has detected a decline in the amount of dissolved oxygen in oceans around the world — a long-predicted result of climate change that could have severe consequences for marine organisms if it continues. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/02/15/its-official-the-oceans-are-losing-oxygen-posing-growing-threats-to-marine-life/?utm_term=.0053112c5151 Oroville Is a Warning for California Dams, as Climate Change Adds Stress. The St. Francis Dam was a proud symbol of California’s engineering might and elaborate water system — until just before midnight on March 12, 1928, when it collapsed, killing more than 400 people in a devastating wall of water. Ever since, the state has had a reputation of diligent inspections as it has built the largest network of major public dams in the nation. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/us/oroville-dam-climate-change-california.html?smid=tw-share&_r=1&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b2c9dd1ba3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b2c9dd1ba3-327494049 Trump's vow to scrap the Paris climate change accord faces skepticism from corporations, GOP moderates. Trashing the Paris Agreement made for a great campaign prop at Donald Trump’s rallies, where the climate change accord was portrayed as a product of the out-of-touch, insufferable elites that Trump pledged to sweep from power. Now the landmark agreement, signed under President Obama, is fast becoming a nuisance for President Trump’s White House. http://www.latimes.com/politics/ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dropped 2.2% in 2015, EPA Says. Greenhouse gas emissions in the US declined by 2.2 percent between 2014 and 2015, according to EPA data, which finds the nation produced 6,586.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015. In its annual draft greenhouse gas report, the EPA said total emissions of climate change-causing gases decreased in 2015 after increasing slightly in 2014 (0.9 percent) and 2013 (2.2 percent). https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/02/greenhouse-gas-emissions-dropped-2-2-2015-epa-says/ http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/319537-epa-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-declined-in-2015?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b2c9dd1ba3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b2c9dd1ba3-327494049 MEPs approve overhaul of EU carbon emissions trading scheme. European parliament accused of failing in its commitment to Paris climate deal with compromise measures to reduce emissions. An overhaul of a trading scheme to cut carbon emissions by European industries has been approved in a knife-edge vote by MEPs, although environmental campaigners have been quick to denounce the legislation for not going far enough. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/15/meps-approve-overhaul-of-eu-carbon-emissions-trading-scheme-european-parliament-paris-climate-deal Climate change panel urges delay in Oregon forest policy decisions. The equivalent of about 9.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide are stored in Oregon's forests, which is roughly 150 times more than the state's annual emissions. The Oregon Global Warming Commission is studying how climate change and human intervention affect forest carbon storage. http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/345211-225302-climate-change-panel-urges-delay-in-oregon-forest-policy-decisions Utilities see demise of climate rule, still cut CO2. Electric companies continue to plan to reduce carbon emissions, even as U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan seems doomed under the Trump administration. That was the message from conservative regulators, a power provider that spans red and blue states, a Fortune 100 business, and an investment analyst speaking to state electricity regulators at a meeting in… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/15/stories/1060050088 Would erasing national monuments unravel climate protections? When President Obama proclaimed 5,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean off the New England coast a national monument, the threat of climate change played a key role in his reasoning. Now Republicans are planning to pare back the 1906 Antiquities Act that gives the president and Congress unilateral power to preserve… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/15/stories/1060050055 Possible science adviser called climate science a 'cult' The front-runner to be President Trump's science adviser once called climate scientists a "glassy-eyed cult." William Happer, a physicist at Princeton University, met with Trump last month and has expressed interest in the job. Happer's views of climate change advocates have many observers worried. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/15/stories/1060050108 DROUGHT State water board opts to extend drought regulations. The California State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously last week to extend statewide emergency drought regulations, despite historic amounts of rainfall across the state this rain year. The current regulations, scheduled to expire on Feb. 28, were extended an additional 270 days, to Nov. 5. http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/news/article_c0807d28-f310-11e6-b7f6-1f96a514cf62.html FUELS EPA working on GOP-ordered study of drilling. EPA is preparing another study on the effects of oil and gas drilling, but this one was ordered by a Republican Congress. Congress included the money — $3 million — in the omnibus spending bill passed in December 2015. Congress ordered that the study focus on drilling in the Appalachian Basin, which includes the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/15/stories/1060050044 FUEL CELL BUSES/VEHICLES Greening the commute: AC Transit to nearly double hydrogen fuel cell fleet. AC Transit will be nearly doubling its hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet thanks largely to an $8.5 million grant from the California Air Resources Board, agency officials said Tuesday. AC Transit will receive 10 new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses as part of its participation in the nascent Fuel Cell Electric Bus Commercialization Consortium… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/14/greening-the-commute-ac-transit-to-nearly-double-hydrogen-fuel-cell-fleet/ http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/02/14/greening-the-commute-ac-transit-to-nearly-double-hydrogen-fuel-cell-fleet/ http://www.metro-magazine.com/sustainability/news/720025/consortium-forming-to-deploy-20-fuel-cell-electric-buses http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/hydrogen/2017/02/cte-launches-fcebcc-fuel-cell-bus-project/ http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/ballard-to-help-bring-new-fuel-cell-buses-to-california/8531298/ http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/new-flyer-provides-20-buses-for-california-green-transit-project-while-ballard-chips-in-fuel-cells-185040/ https://www.gasworld.com/ballard-in-consortium-to-deploy-20-fuel-cell-buses/2012270.article https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/california-climate-investments-provides-funding-to-deploy-20-new-flyer-fuel-cell-electric-transit-bu VEHICLES Electric car boom spurs investor scramble for cobalt. Investors are buying up physical cobalt anticipating that shortages of the metal, a key component of lithium-ion batteries used in electrical cars, will spur prices to their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis. Prices for cobalt metal have climbed nearly 50 percent since September to five-year peaks around $19 a lb. as stricter emissions controls… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cobalt-demand-investors-idUSKBN15T1VR Why Toyota Only Sold One Prius in China Last December. If you’re reading this in China and you bought a Prius in December, congratulations -- you were the only one. While Toyota Motor Corp.’s iconic gas-electric hybrid car continues to sell in other markets almost two decades after the first one was sold in Japan in late 1997, Chinese consumers have never warmed to the Prius, a mainstay of the U.S. green-car movement. This past year, sales almost completely flatlined, even as China’s cities continue to battle smog issues. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-15/toyota-sold-one-prius-in-china-in-december-as-demand-disappears In America's Heartland, A Power Company Leads Charge For Electric Cars. In the world of electric cars, there's a chicken-and-egg problem: More people might buy electric vehicles, or EVs, if they were confident there would always be a charger nearby. And businesses might install more chargers if there were more EVs on the road. Now, utilities are stepping forward to solve this problem, and not just in California or the Northeast. http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/02/14/514517425/in-americas-heartland-a-power-company-leads-charge-for-electric-cars 18 electric vehicle charging stations installed at LAX parking structure 7. Los Angeles International Airport officials announced Tuesday that 18 “level 2” electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in Parking Structure 7. LAX now has a total of 81 level 2 charging stations, with another eight chargers at the LAX FlyAway bus terminal in Van Nuys. http://www.dailybreeze.com/environment-and-nature/20170214/18-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-installed-at-lax-parking-structure-7 The fascinating evolution of the electric car. The potential of electric cars seems to be higher now than ever before. Traditional automakers including General Motors, Volkswagen, Daimler AG, and others are all investing heavily in electric vehicles. And Tesla, of course, has built its entire business off of battery powered cars. But electric automobiles are nothing new. http://www.businessinsider.com/electric-car-history-2017-2 New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Unveiled in San Diego County. There are new places where residents can charge an electric vehicle, the mayor and other local leaders announced Wednesday. Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the new stations are part of the Climate Action Plan adopted in December to slash greenhouse gas emission by 2035. Part of that effort includes unveiling new charging stations like the one in Ocean Beach and other areas. http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/New-Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Stations-Unveiled-in-San-Diego-County-413867633.html#ixzz4Yn34YQFt Smart to become electric car brand in US, Canada. Smart is about to become an electric car brand, at least as far as the United States and Canada are concerned. The head of the Smart and Mercedes-Benz brands in the U.S., Dietmar Exler, confirmed in a letter sent to dealerships on February 13 that Smart will no longer offer models… http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028880_smart-to-become-electric-car-brand-in-us-canada European electric and plug-in hybrid sales for Jan-Dec 2016. The Renault Zoe closed out 2016 as the best-selling electric car in Europe. While the Nissan Leaf continues to lead in worldwide sales, the smaller electric car from Nissan's alliance partner has remained on top in its home market. These consistent performances have cemented the Renault-Nissan Alliance's position as the world leader in battery-electric cars. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108893_european-electric-and-plug-in-hybrid-sales-for-jan-dec-2016 GREEN ENERGY A Texas-sized debate over wind farms and military readiness. Since the mid-1960s, pilots at Sheppard Air Force Base have made supersonic training flights over the Texas Red River Valley, a region sufficiently remote that mostly cattle ranchers and oil riggers caught sight of the small planes known as "white rockets" as they streaked across the horizon. But North Texas has changed over a half-century. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/15/stories/1060050066 MISCELLANEOUS Grant funding for water efficiency projects. The Resource Conservation District of Tehama County is hosting a series of technical workshops to help agricultural landowners apply for the CDFA’s 2017 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program — SWEEP — grant funding. To serve as a guide, the following project types are eligible for funding and address the required greenhouse gas emissions… http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/lifestyle/20170215/grant-funding-for-water-efficiency-projects EPA Veterans Mobilize to Defend Agency's Work, Bracing for Trump's Impact. Former employees of the Environmental Protection Agency, who typically steer clear of politics, have begun advocating to support the work in Trump's crosshairs. Retired and former employees of the Environmental Protection Agency are banding together in rare activism to defend colleagues still working for the agency… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/14022017/epa-climate-change-policies-scott-pruitt-donald-trump-whistleblower?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b2c9dd1ba3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b2c9dd1ba3-327494049 Utilities vote to close Navajo coal plant at end of 2019. The utilities that own the Navajo Generating Station coal-fired power plant near Page are tired of overpaying for power and decided Monday to close the plant when their lease expires at the end of 2019. To run that long, the utility owners need to work out an arrangement with the Navajo Nation, which owns the land, to decommission the plant after the lease expires. http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/energy/2017/02/13/utilities-vote-close-navajo-generating-station-coal-plant-2019/97866668/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=b2c9dd1ba3-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-b2c9dd1ba3-327494049 OPINIONS When Canadian Scientists Were Muzzled by Their Government. Less than a month into the Trump presidency, and the forecast for science seems ominous. Scientists at federal agencies have been hit with gag orders preventing them from communicating their findings, or in some cases, attending scientific conferences. Social media accounts and websites have been censored, and at least one agency was asked to identify personnel who worked on climate policies. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/opinion/when-canadian-scientists-were-muzzled-by-their-government.html?_r=0 Tesla and California are driving electric car industry. It was nearly a year ago when Elon Musk, basking in the adulation of several dozen screaming fans, took the stage in Southern California to unveil his company’s newest electric car, the sleek Tesla Model 3 sedan. “You will not be able to buy a better car for $35,000,” he promised, “even with no options.” It was a bold assertion coming from an entrepreneur whose company leads a still-fledgling industry with consistently sluggish sales. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article132522749.html#storylink=cpy More water, but still more controls. California’s water regulators just can’t give up their control of our lawn watering and shower times, despite a federal analysis showing that most of the state is no longer in drought. Even as Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for 50 counties last month due to flooding, erosion and mud flows, and the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is nearly twice average levels… http://www.ocregister.com/articles/most-744024-california-watering.html BLOGS US judge greenlights initial $1.2bn VW consumer settlement deal for 3-liter engines. The deal offers financial, as well as buy-back and trade-in, compensation for owners of some 78,000 Volkswagens affected by the Dieselgate scandal. The German carmaker has now settled most of its US consumer claims. German carmaker Volkswagen struck a landmark compensation deal Tuesday after a… http://www.dw.com/en/us-judge-greenlights-initial-12bn-vw-consumer-settlement-deal-for-3-liter-engines/a-37553361 Will blazing a low-carbon path pay off for California? President Trump has made it clear he intends to dismantle the Obama administration’s policies for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. But California Governor Jerry Brown has declared that his state – which would be the sixth-largest economy in the world if it was an independent nation – will not waver from its decade-long push to fight climate change. http://theconversation.com/will-blazing-a-low-carbon-path-pay-off-for-california-72168 In high sierras, remnants of ice age tell a tale of future climate. Aaron Putnam sits stop a boulder high in the Sierras of central California, banging away with hammer and chisel to chip out a sample of ice age history. Each hunk of rock is a piece of a vast puzzle: How did our climate system behave the last time it warmed up like it's doing today? Dressed in a baseball cap, protective goggles, gray hiking slacks… https://phys.org/news/2017-02-high-sierras-remnants-ice-age.html 'The blob' of abnormal conditions boosted Western US ozone levels. An unusually warm patch of seawater off the West Coast in late 2014 and 2015, nicknamed "the blob," had cascading effects up and down the coast. Its sphere of influence was centered on the marine environment but extended to weather on land. A University of Washington Bothell study now shows that this strong offshore pattern also influenced air quality. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170215101438.htm Tesla: Market Cap Rises To 88 Percent Of Ford’s $49 Billion. Ford stock has fallen 23 percent from 2015-2017, and now sits at $12.65 per share. Tesla stock is on the rise, approaching an all time high, at about $281 right now. This accounts for a market share of $43 billion for the electric startup, compared to Ford’s $49 billion. Tesla made a little over 80,000 cars last year and has sold about 191,000 vehicles to date. http://insideevs.com/tesla-market-cap-rises-88-percent-fords-49-billion/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 14:56:06 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 16, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 16, 2017. 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. ARB BUSINESS Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The California Air Resources Board staff has posted a report on credit transfer activity for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This includes recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and trends through January 2017. Monthly: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Weekly: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm March 23 and 24, 2017 - Public Meeting Location Change for the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Strategy. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING LOCATION CHANGE March 23 and 24, 2017. NOTICE OF PUBLIC BOARD MEETING, AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON THE REVISED PROPOSED SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT STRATEGY AND REVISED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS PREPARED FOR THE STRATEGY. By notice dated November 28, 2016, the Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) announced the availability of a revised Proposed Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SLCP Strategy) and a revised Draft Environmental Analysis (Revised Draft EA) for public comment as well as a public Board Meeting on the SLCP Strategy and Revised Draft EA . The hearing was originally scheduled to be heard at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. Public Board Meeting: PLEASE BE ADVISED that the location of the public meeting has changed as follows: The Board will hold a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider approving the SLCP Strategy. DATE: March 23 and 24, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: County of Riverside County Administrative Center First Floor Board Chambers 4080 Lemon Street Riverside, California 92501 WEBCAST: http://video.calepa.ca.gov/ This item will be considered at a two day meeting of the Board, which will commence at 9:00 a.m., March 23, 2017 and may continue at 8:30 a.m., on March 24, 2017. This item may not be considered until March 24, 2017. Please consult the agenda for the meeting, which will be available at least 10 days before March 23, 2017, to determine the day on which this item will be considered. CAP AND TRADE Associated Oregon Industries says cap-and-trade report too light on detail. A day after environmentalists celebrated its positive analysis; a state study analyzing cap-and-trade drew fire from a leading Oregon business group. The Oregon Department of Environment Quality's greenhouse gas emissions report "offers very little detail,” Associated Oregon Industries said in a statement Wednesday. http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/02/16/associated-oregon-industries-says-cap-and-trade.html https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/02/oregons-environmental-regulator-suggests-cap-trade-program/ http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-deq-says-cap-and-trade-could-reduce-carbon-emissions-at-lower-costs/ AIR POLLUTION Smoke and mirrors: Beijing battles to control smog message. In its 'war' on hazardous air pollution, China's government has a dilemma: it needs to be open about air quality data to hold polluters to account, but worries that too much bad news from alternative, independent sources could stoke public unrest. Beijing has greatly improved how it collects data, made more of it available to the public and cracked down on misreporting… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-censorship-idUSKBN15U2UY Greenpeace Links Beijing’s Air Pollution Surge to Steel Factories. Despite promises to cut steel overcapacity, China actually brought more steel production online last year, resulting in a surge in air pollution in northern China, especially around Beijing, according to a report released this week by Greenpeace East Asia. The growth in operating capacity was more than twice the total steelmaking capacity of Britain, the report said. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/world/asia/beijing-air-pollution-china-steel-production.html?_r=0 How can the UK reduce air pollution? Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from sources including factories and vehicles, particularly diesel engines, and is linked to an increased risk of respiratory problems. Why was the UK given a warning? Under EU law, when air pollution limits are breached member states must implement air quality plans to bring the levels back down. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38990192 Millions of premature births could be linked to air pollution, study finds. Premature births across 183 countries may be associated with fine particulate matter, a common air pollutant, with Africa and Asia especially affected. Air pollution could be a contributing factor in millions of premature births around the world each year, a new report has found. Nearly 15 million babies are born annually before reaching 37 weeks gestation. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/16/premature-births-air-pollution-maternal-health-who-study 'You can taste it in the air': your stories of life in polluted cities. Readers shared their experiences of living in cities affected by air pollution – from the curse of the ‘Delhi chest’ in India’s capital to celebrating blue sky in Shanghai. “The air pollution problem in Poland is beyond any western standards. Despite poor conditions, Poland has done nothing to reduce used car imports, promote renewable energy… https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/16/taste-air-pollution-smog-your-stories-life-polluted-cities Where the wind blows: how China's dirty air becomes Hong Kong's problem. Last month there were 300,000 doctor’s visits in Hong Kong linked to smog – much of which wafts over from mainland China. But in a busy town obsessed with money, will it take a direct economic hit to wake people to the danger? t the age of three, Margaux Giraudon developed something akin to a smoker’s cough. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/feb/16/hong-kong-death-trap-dirty-air-pollution-china CLIMATE CHANGE Scientists have just detected a major change to the Earth’s oceans linked to a warming climate. A large research synthesis, published in one of the world’s most influential scientific journals, has detected a decline in the amount of dissolved oxygen in oceans around the world — a long-predicted result of climate change that could have severe consequences for marine organisms if it continues. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/02/15/its-official-the-oceans-are-losing-oxygen-posing-growing-threats-to-marine-life/?utm_term=.9fc467503d4e George Washington would recognize today’s Mount Vernon garden, but not the weather. Many aspects of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in the 21st century would be familiar to its creator, who was born 285 years ago Wednesday. The mansion, for years painted bright white, is now daubed in the subdued greenish-beige hue that the first president would have known. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/george-washington-would-recognize-todays-mount-vernon-garden-but-not-the-weather/2017/02/14/8538a71a-ea58-11e6-bf6f-301b6b443624_story.html?utm_term=.4ce5db2fcd18 Disappearing Seagrass Protects Against Pathogens, Even Climate Change, Scientists Find. Every continent save Antarctica is ringed by vast stretches of seagrass, underwater prairies that together cover an area roughly equal to California. Seagrass meadows, among the most endangered ecosystems on Earth, play an outsize role in the health of the oceans. They shelter important fish species, filter pollutants from seawater, and lock up huge amounts of atmosphere-warming carbon. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/science/seagrass-coral-reefs-pathogens-global-warming.html Worst erosion in 150 years tears 180 feet from SF's Ocean Beach. Scientists: El Niño hit West Coast with highest wave energies ever recorded. Erosion damaged miles of beaches along the West Coast more severely than ever during the powerful El Niño event that hit the Pacific a year ago, and scientists warn that even heavier erosion could hit shorelines in coming years as sea levels rise and threaten coastal communities. http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Scientists-detect-severe-beach-erosion-along-10930013.php HP Pledges 25% Emissions Reduction by 2025. HP has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its global operations by 25 percent by 2025, compared to 2015. The IT giant says it will reduce its climate impacts through a three-phase approach: first, optimizing energy efficiency in its operations and buildings. The other two phases focus on shifting toward less GHG-intensive energy sources… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/02/hp-pledges-25-emissions-reduction-2025/ Antarctic sea ice shrinks to smallest ever extent. Data contradicts climate change sceptics, who have pointed to earlier increases in areas of sea ice to support their views. Sea ice around Antarctica has shrunk to the smallest annual extent on record after years of resisting a trend of manmade global warming, preliminary US satellite data has shown. Ice floating around the frozen continent usually melts to its… https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/14/antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-smallest-ever-extent 'Draconian' Trump gag on scientists could affect legislation, experts warn. ‘Oppressive’ approach to federal agency communications could result in misinformation on climate change, former presidential science advisers said. Two former US science advisers have warned against restrictions on scientists’ freedom to speak out on contentious issues like climate change… https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/16/science-advisers-climate-change-trump-gag-rule-john-holdren World's oceans losing oxygen, threatening marine life: study. Oceanic oxygen could decrease by 7 per cent by 2100. The oxygen content in the world's oceans has decreased by more than two per cent in the last 50 years and could decrease by seven per cent by 2100, a new study shows. The study, conducted out of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Keil, Germany, is being called the the first in-depth study of global ocean oxygen content, examining how global warming is impacting oceanic oxygen and why it is a concern. http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/nature-ocean-oxygen-decline-1.3985933 VEHICLES San Diego boosts charging stations for electric vehicles. It’s getting increasingly easier to find a place to recharge an electric vehicle in this county, with hundreds of sites where people can power up their cars and trucks. Officials announced Wednesday that the city of San Diego, for its part, has now built 68 charging ports at 15 locations — including nine spots that were established since 2014 thanks to a $500,000 grant from the California Energy Commission. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-charging-stations-20170215-story.html GREEN ENERGY Solar topped new energy production in 2016. New solar installations in the U.S. almost doubled last year, becoming the top new energy source in the country for the first time. The U.S. added about 14,600 megawatts of capacity in new solar energy installations in 2016, about twice as much as the previous year, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/15/solar-topped-new-energy-production-in-2016/ Wind growth stays strong despite cooling demand in China. Global wind energy capacity maintained its 15-year growth trajectory in 2016, with 54,600 megawatts of new electricity generation coming online in more than three dozen countries. But a softening of China's wind power market resulted in a 14 percent decline in year-over-year capacity additions from 2015, when new wind farms added 63,600 MW to the global grid. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/16/stories/1060050147 MISCELLANEOUS EPA staff told to prepare for Trump executive orders: sources. Staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have been told that President Donald Trump is preparing a handful of executive orders to reshape the agency, to be signed once a new administrator is confirmed, two sources who attended the meeting told Reuters on Wednesday. A senior EPA official who had been briefed by members of the Trump administration mentioned the executive orders… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-epa-idUSKBN15U2MW?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=5479b2bf7c-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-5479b2bf7c-327747457 Trump signs law rolling back disclosure rule for energy and mining companies. President Trump signed a measure Tuesday that could presage the most aggressive assault on government regulations since President Reagan. The bill cancels out a Securities and Exchange Commission regulation that would have required oil and gas and mining companies to disclose in detail the payments… https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/trump-signs-law-rolling-back-disclosure-rule-for-energy-and-mining-companies/2017/02/14/ccd93e90-f2cd-11e6-b9c9-e83fce42fb61_story.html?utm_campaign=5479b2bf7c-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.4050e9bf1db0 The countdown is on. Pruitt to make a 'negative' entrance. Scott Pruitt could be on the ground at U.S. EPA as early as tomorrow, with the Senate set to confirm his nomination as the agency's administrator tomorrow afternoon. The Republican Oklahoma attorney general, who has challenged numerous EPA regulations in court, is expected to work quickly toward reversing major rules established by the Obama administration. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/16/stories/1060050167 OPINIONS Why a low-carbon fuel standard is good for transportation and California. The op-ed “Markets point to leaning more on cap and trade” (Viewpoints, Feb. 1) mischaracterized the aim and effectiveness of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program. The conclusions should be scrapped, not the fuel standard. Since 2011, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard has exceeded its policy targets. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article132719244.html#storylink=cpy San Diego County offers tips to help clear the air of pollution. We can’t live without it. It literally surrounds us. But we can’t see it and most of us never think about it. It’s our air. We all share it and we all need to protect it, because pollution – from chemical vapors to tiny particles of matter – can make people sick and hurt the environment. http://myvalleynews.com/homeandgarden/san-diego-county-offers-tips-help-clear-air-pollution/ The Guardian view on pollution: a new Clean Air Act is overdue. Editorial No one can escape filth in the atmosphere. Even conservatives must see that it blights all our lives and requires a collective political remedy. A problem that cannot be seen is one that politicians will generally choose to ignore. That natural human tendency is dangerously short-sighted. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/16/the-guardian-view-on-pollution-a-new-clean-air-act-is-overdue Based On A Theory About Global Warming, Republicans Are Risking Their Majority. If the Republican Party has an economic policy “brand,” it’s historically been one defined by tax cuts. At least in modern times. Thanks to Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, and modern thinkers like Steve Forbes and Larry Kudlow, the Republican Party is known for its focus on reducing penalties placed on work and investment. http://www.forbes.com/sites/johntamny/2017/02/16/based-on-a-theory-about-global-warming-republicans-are-risking-their-majority/#658b82c91be1 BLOGS Hyundai IONIQ Electric Becomes ACEEE’s Greenest Vehicle In U.S. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) presents an annual Greenest list, along with an award for the Greenest vehicle. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric not only took home the award this year, but it is also the best scoring vehicle in the history of the ACEEE list. http://insideevs.com/hyundai-ioniq-electric-becomes-aceees-greenest-vehicle-u-s/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:12:32 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below for the following two items: Public Meeting to Consider the 2016 Ozone Sip for Ventura County and to Consider the Ozone SIP for San Diego County. DATE: March 23 and 24, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: County of Riverside County Administrative Center 1st Floor Board Chambers 4080 Lemon Street Riverside, CA 92501 Interested members of the public may present comments orally or in writing at the meeting and may provide comments by postal mail or by electronic submittal before the meeting. To be considered by the Board, written comments not physically submitted at the meeting, must be received no later than 5:00 pm, March 20, 2017 and addressed to the following: Postal mail: Clerk of the Board, Air Resources Board 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic Submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php To provide your comments before the Board meeting and to view the Notices listed below please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php 1) Notice of Public Meeting to Consider the 2016 Ozone SIP for Ventura County Further inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to Austin Hicks, Air Pollution Specialist, South Coast Air Quality Planning Section at (916) 322-8279 or Carol Sutkus, Manager of the South Coast Air Quality Planning Section at (916) 322-1229. The report may also be obtained from ARB’s website at https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/planarea/vensip.htm 2) Notice of Public Meeting to Consider the Ozone SIP for San Diego County Further inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to Monica Lewis, Air Pollution Specialist, South Coast Air Quality Planning Section at (916) 324-2716 or Carol Sutkus, Manager of the South Coast Air Quality Planning Section at (916) 322-1229. The report may also be obtained from ARB’s website at https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/planarea/sansip.htm The Air Resources Board has posted an Errata for the proposed Regulation for Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities. On February 3, 2017, the Air Resources Board released a “Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text and Availability of Additional Documents and/or Information” for the proposed Regulation for Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities. The deadline for public comment on the modified text and additional documents is February 21, 2017. PLEASE BE ADVISED that Attachment 2, the additional documents to the Notice of Public Availability of Modified Text and Availability of Additional Documents and/or Information, has a few minor errors, as described below. The errors are located on page 4 of the “Revised Emission and Cost Estimates for the Leak Detection and Repair Provision” document, which is posted at the following website: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/oilandgas2016/oilandgas2016.htm 1. In Table 2, the costs in the Set Up Cost column should have been multiplied by a cost recovery factor of 0.23, reflecting that the these costs are amortized over five years, because stakeholders commented that it is anticipated that LDAR vendors will change every five years, thereby requiring a new set up cost. The remaining values in Table 2 are correct. 2. The Set Up Cost calculation equation now correctly shows the cost recovery factor of 0.23, along with an explanation of why this cost is amortized. This errata, including the attachment which illustrates the corrections and the complete notice of public availability of modified text and availability of additional documents and/or information are available on ARB’s website at the following address: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/oilandgas2016/oilandgas2016.htm Any questions regarding these corrections should be directed to Jim Nyarady, Manager, Oil & Gas Section, at (916) 322-8273 CAP AND TRADE State leaning toward cap-and-trade extension. Cap and trade is still gathering momentum as the state's preferred policy to reduce emissions despite anti-poverty groups' best efforts to stymie it. Activists who oppose cap and trade for its potential to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions while allowing emissions at individual facilities to increase have mounted a fierce battle… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050243 AIR POLLUTION Oakland warehouse fire: Air quality district to investigate charred debris dump. Saying he had “extreme concerns” over the mysterious dumping of charred debris from December’s fatal Ghost Ship fire in an open field, the Bay Area’s top air quality regulator said Thursday he will launch an investigation to check for asbestos and other contaminants. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/17/oakland-warehouse-fire-air-quality-district-to-investigate-charred-debris-dump/ Global Pressures to Fix Climate Change Push Demand for Air Quality Control Systems. Global pressures to fix climate change are prompting industrial and manufacturing facilities to implement air quality systems to comply with clean air standards. The demand is escalating further because economies are expanding and the resulting increase in housing and construction, all of which use iron and steel. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/02/global-pressures-fix-climate-change-push-demand-air-quality-control-systems/ London to tax old cars to combat air pollution. Motorists in London who own old polluting vehicles are to be hit with a new charge from October, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Friday, two days after the EU ordered Britain to cut air pollution. "The context is this: over 9,000 Londoners die each year because of low quality air," Khan told the BBC after announcing the new "Toxic Charge". https://www.yahoo.com/news/london-tax-old-cars-combat-air-pollution-105840840.html https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2888048/pollution-cars-fined-toxicity-charge/ CLIMATE CHANGE New supercomputer aids climate research in top coal state. A new supercomputer in the top coal-mining state has begun critical climate-change research with support from even some global warming doubters, but scientists worry President Donald Trump could cut funding for such programs. The $30 million, house-sized supercomputer named Cheyenne belongs to a federally funded research center. It got to work a few weeks ago crunching numbers for several ambitious projects, from modeling air currents at wind farms to figuring out how to better predict weather months to years in advance. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CLIMATE_SUPERCOMPUTER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Climate change is threatening to push a crowded capital toward a breaking point. On bad days, you can smell the stench from a mile away, drifting over a nowhere sprawl of highways and office parks. When the Grand Canal was completed, at the end of the 1800s, it was Mexico City’s Brooklyn Bridge, a major feat of engineering and a symbol of civic pride: 29 miles long… https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/17/world/americas/mexico-city-sinking.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fearth&action=click&contentCollection=earth®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront Will This Climate Change Supercomputer Survive? A new supercomputer in the top coal-mining state has begun critical climate-change research with support from even some global warming doubters, but scientists worry President Donald Trump could cut funding for such programs. The $30 million, house-sized supercomputer named Cheyenne belongs to a federally funded research center. http://www.agweb.com/article/will-this-climate-change-supercomputer-survive-naa-associated-press/ Scientists keep an eye out for another El Niño. There's a chance that an El Niño event could form this year, according to scientists. El Niño events — characterized by warm weather and stormy conditions over the Pacific Ocean — generally take place every two to seven years. Normally, a warm event is followed by a cooler La Niña event. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050219 Obama's lame-duck EPA signed last-minute climate waivers. U.S. EPA signed off on five environmental waivers for California in the waning days of the Obama administration, clearing the decks for any short-term clash over climate change policies between the state and President Trump's administration. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050240 Lawmakers eye shifting climate research from NASA. Lawmakers are remaking NASA in order to leave parts of the agency's earth science program untouched but remove its climate change research. It's still unclear exactly how lawmakers plan to transform NASA's mission, but Republicans and Trump administration officials have said they want the agency to focus on deep-space missions and away from climate change research… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050245 Highway agency drops mentions of climate change. The Federal Highway Administration has replaced the term "climate change" with "resilience" in some of its bureaucracy. A team working to prepare the country's roads for global warming and to reduce vehicle emissions, previously called the "Sustainable Transport and Climate Change" group, adopted the name… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050242 Moody's: Rest of world may pick up U.S. slack on emissions. Nations are still on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, despite promises from the Trump administration to roll back American environmental policies, Moody's Investors Service said. In a report published yesterday, analysts at the ratings agency said the United States will likely set less ambitious… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/17/stories/1060050238 DROUGHT Brazil races against time to save drought-hit city, dying crops. The shrunken carcasses of cows lie in scorched fields outside the city of Campina Grande in northeast Brazil, and hungry goats search for food on the cracked-earth floor of the Boqueirao reservoir that serves the desperate town. After five years of drought, farmer Edivaldo Brito says he cannot remember when the Boqueirão reservoir was last full. But he has never seen it this empty. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-drought-idUSKBN15W1HP Record drought + record rain = toppled trees. How do you know if your tree is in trouble? At Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium last weekend, hikers walked their dogs along the popular hiking trail, unconcerned by a recently toppled tree. But with more winter storms predicted, and news of a 100-year-old pine tree falling on a house and car in Pasadena on Tuesday, it’s hard for homeowners to be equally nonchalant. http://www.latimes.com/home/la-hm-fallen-trees-20170215-story.html FUELS EPA Nominee Pruitt Ordered to Produce Documents About Fossil Fuel Ties. An Oklahoma judge, responding to a suit by an advocacy group, has ordered Scott Pruitt to turn over records, although the deadline is after his likely confirmation. An Oklahoma judge on Thursday ordered the state's attorney general, Scott Pruitt, to quickly release thousands of pages of documents after years of delay. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16022017/epa-scott-pruitt-oklahoma-judge-oil-gas?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=a2c2f35560-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-a2c2f35560-327747457 MISCELLANEOUS Pruitt OK'd as EPA chief over environmentalists' objections. Over the strong objections of environmental groups, the Senate confirmed Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, giving President Donald Trump an eager partner to fulfill his campaign pledge to increase the use of planet-warming fossil fuels. In six years as Oklahoma's attorney general, Pruitt filed 14 lawsuits challenging EPA regulations… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SENATE_TRUMP_CABINET?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.sfgate.com/local/politics/article/Senate-will-vote-on-EPA-nominee-won-t-see-10940832.php https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/us/politics/scott-pruitt-environmental-protection-agency.html?mtrref=undefined http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/The-Latest-Senate-confirms-Mulvaney-as-budget-10937418.php CalEPA Task Force Steps Up Enforcement In West Oakland. West Oakland can expect increased enforcement of trucking emissions, backyard businesses and stormwater runoff in the next few months as a new environmental justice task force gets to work, according to representatives of the state Environmental Protection Agency. Representatives of CalEPA met with residents at the West Oakland Senior Center… http://hoodline.com/2017/02/calepa-task-force-steps-up-enforcement-in-west-oakland OPINIONS The bipartisan solution to climate change. In the four years that I’ve worked daily to promote solutions to climate change, I’ve experienced more ups and downs than I could possibly count. I’m not going to lie — election day was definitely a low point. How do we build toward prudent, workable policy solutions when the new president is also climate denier-in-chief? http://www.ocregister.com/articles/four-744320-climate-years.html California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:14:51 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 22, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 22, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Wet Cleaning Demonstration California Air Resources Board is collaborating with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and California Cleaners Association in holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Turlock. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: Carr's Cleaners, 500 E. Main Street, Turlock, CA 95380. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-23108818097?aff=es2 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on http://www.eventbrite.com. For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm LCFS Workshop on inclusion of jet fuels The California Air Resources Board will hold a working meeting on the subject of including jet fuel under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/031717mtgnotice.pdf CAP AND TRADE Lawmakers use threat of Trump to pitch carbon taxes. Michael Barrett, a Democratic Massachusetts state senator, reckons that few of his colleagues had ever heard of a state carbon fee when he first proposed it in 2013. Today, he has 62 co-sponsors. Not only that, Senate leadership has made the proposal a priority for the coming legislative session. Barrett is hardly alone. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/22/stories/1060050383 AIR POLLUTION Ex-air quality workers say district illegally lowered fines for polluters. Two former Bay Area Air Quality Management District employees say district managers destroyed records showing that major polluters were given big breaks in the fines they should have received. In a claim to be filed Wednesday with the district and the state, a precursor to a potential lawsuit in Superior Court… http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Ex-air-quality-workers-say-district-illegally-10949383.php Oakland warehouse fire: City says open dump site is ‘secure’. Calling an open-air dump site filled with charred debris from December’s fatal Ghost Ship fire “a secure facility,” a spokesman now says the city is responsible for the dumping of materials there. The dump site, next to a city soccer field off Oakport Street, is being investigated by regional air-quality regulators who told this news organization last week… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/22/oakland-warehouse-fire-city-says-open-dump-site-is-secure/ Bay Area Might Adopt World’s First Regional Oil-Refinery Emissions Caps Gov. Brown's administration poised to take official position on proposal, which could stop Canadian tar sands from coming into local refineries. But that position is uncertain. On May 17, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will consider a proposal that would make the San Francisco Bay Area the world's first region to place limits on oil refineries' overall greenhouse-gas and particulate-matter emissions. http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/web/Content?oid=5307846 Environmental groups want the governor to veto wood-burning bill. Clean air activists want Gov. Gary Herbert to veto a bill that would prevent the state from regulating wood smoke used to cook food. Representatives of both HEAL Utah and Breathe Utah are opposed to HB65, which has already passed the House and Senate. The bill would require the state Division of Air Quality (DAQ) to permit wood burning… http://www.sltrib.com/news/4968179-155/environmental-groups-want-the-governor-to CLIMATE CHANGE How an Interoffice Spat Erupted Into a Climate-Change Furor. A few weeks ago, on an obscure climate-change blog, a retired government scientist named John Bates blasted his former boss on an esoteric point having to do with archiving temperature data. It was little more than lingering workplace bad blood, said Dr. Bates’s former co-workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/20/business/energy-environment/climate-change-dispute-john-bates.html?_r=0 For Islanders In Lake Superior, Warmer Winters Mean They Can't Drive. For Michael Childers, ice makes getting around a little easier. When it's thick enough, the ice on Lake Superior creates a makeshift road between Bayfield, Wis., and Madeline Island, the small resort island where Childers and about 250 others live year-round. But for the second year in a row, warmer winters… http://www.npr.org/2017/02/22/516437877/for-islanders-in-lake-superior-warmer-winters-mean-they-cant-drive?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=09cbee804b-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-09cbee804b-327747457 Panel defeats bill allowing alternative science theories. South Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday defeated a bill that would have allowed teachers to address strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories like evolution and climate change. The House Education Committee voted to send the bill to the 41st day, effectively killing the proposal, on an 11-4 vote. The decision came after almost an hour and a half of testimony. http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/22/panel-defeats-bill-allowing-alternative-science-theories/98242068/ Climate change harms hot spots of ocean life. A new study finds that the six ocean hot spots that teem with the biggest mix of species are also among those getting hit hardest by global warming and industrial fishing. An international team looked at more than 2,100 species of fish, seabirds, plankton and marine mammals to calculate Earth’s six “hot spots” of marine biodiversity… http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/environment/2017/02/22/climate-change-harms-hot-spots-ocean-life/98261886/ http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/In-hot-water-Climate-change-harms-hot-spots-of-ocean-life-414523863.html Oil Industry, in Court, Claims Ignorance about CO2. Industry attorney tells judge he "does not know" what atmospheric CO2 levels are, even though data from scientists worldwide are crystal clear. The lead attorney for U.S. manufacturers and oil and gas companies on a climate change lawsuit didn't know the answer to a measurement fact when asked in court two weeks ago, court papers show. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/oil-industry-in-court-claims-ignorance-about-co2/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=09cbee804b-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-09cbee804b-327747457 Climate scientists face harassment, threats and fears of 'McCarthyist attacks'. Researchers will have to deal with attacks from a range of powerful foes in the coming years – and for many, it has already started. A little less than seven years ago, the climate scientist Michael Mann ambled into his office at Penn State University with a wedge of mail tucked under his arm. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/22/climate-change-science-attacks-threats-trump The guilt of record warmth in Chicago — climate change? While enjoying Tuesday's warm weather in Chicago, Yashira Massey couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. In a plaza near NBC Tower, the 33-year-old from the Austin neighborhood ate a burrito bowl between doctors' appointments, watching as her 20-month-old daughter, Sophiya, ran about without a coat. Massey said she's fearful of what the record-breaking warmth means for the future… http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-warm-weather-met-0222-20170222-story.html Killer whales are ‘terrorizing’ narwhal as melting Arctic ice gives them easier access to prey. A study has concluded that the increased presence of killer whales in Arctic waters is intimidating narwhal into drastically changing their behaviour. It’s another symptom of how climate change is remaking the delicate northern environment. http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/killer-whales-are-terrorizing-narwhal-as-melting-arctic-ice-gives-them-easier-access-to-prey Small ponds provide large amounts of emissions. Scientists have identified an unlikely contributor to climate change: small ponds. A new study has found that these ponds, which play a surprisingly large role in the planet's carbon cycle, lose the ability to absorb carbon dioxide as temperatures increase. Instead, they begin spitting out methane. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/22/stories/1060050380 Senate leader cites climate in call for infrastructure spending. California's Senate leader yesterday cited climate change in announcing a push for more spending to shore up the state's crumbling flood management infrastructure. California Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León said the recent rain and snowstorms buffeting the state, coming immediately after a five-year drought, were the result of climate change. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/22/stories/1060050391 DIESEL ACTIVITIES CARB, Highway Patrol to Conduct Emissions Inspections by Calif. Port. In its latest announcement, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) says it will be working alongside the California Highway Patrol to conduct inspections on heavy-duty trucks traveling in and around the Port of Oakland. According to the agency, this effort is part of CARB’s ongoing enforcement campaign to ensure that clean air requirements are understood and that big rigs… http://ngtnews.com/carb-highway-patrol-to-conduct-emissions-inspections-by-port-of-oakland VEHICLES Auto Makers Ask EPA’s Pruitt to Reverse Fuel-Economy, Emissions Decision. Companies seek to take advantage of President Donald Trump’s pledge to roll back regulations. Auto makers asked the Environmental Protection Agency to undo the Obama administration’s decision to lock in future stringent fuel-economy and emissions standards, as the companies seek to take advantage of President Donald Trump’s pledge to roll back regulations. https://www.wsj.com/articles/auto-makers-ask-epas-pruitt-to-reverse-fuel-economy-emissions-decision-1487738674 http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/320681-automakers-ask-epa-head-to-withdraw-obama-decision-on-emissions http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/22/stories/1060050394 VW RECALL Volkswagen boss says firm in Europe 'misled nobody' over emissions. MPs on transport select committee attack Paul Willis for failing to give straight answers as he says there is ‘no legal basis’ for compensation claims. MPs have reacted with incredulity after the boss of Volkswagen told them the company in Europe had done nothing wrong and “misled nobody”, despite having agreed a multibillion-dollar settlement in the US… https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/feb/21/volkswagen-boss-says-company-misled-nobody-over-emissions-rigging-scandal GREEN ENERGY Solar startup sheds light on political donors. Attention, political donors: We know about your solar panels. Or at least a California technology company does. By combining the records of the Federal Election Commission with satellite data, it claims to have discovered exactly who among America's Democratic and Republican donors have solar panels on the roof. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/02/22/stories/1060050371 MISCELLANEOUS Worst flooding in 100 years hits San Jose, forcing 14,000 to evacuate. San Jose was hit by what officials described as the worst flooding in 100 years as the Coyote Creek, which runs through the heart of the city, overflowed, inundating neighborhoods and forcing thousands to flee. About 14,000 residents in large swath of central San Jose were under mandatory evacuations orders. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-jose-floods-20170222-story.html Governor Brown announces CalEPA appointments. Christiana Tiedemann, 59, of Berkeley, has been appointed deputy secretary for law enforcement and counsel at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Tiedemann has served as supervising deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 1989. Christine Hironaka, 29, of San Francisco, has been appointed deputy secretary for legislative affairs at the California Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=19691 OPINIONS If we can't even raise the measly gas tax, things don't look good with climate change. To the editor: This headline might as well be, “Why fixing climate change won’t be easy.” (“'This is the worst I have seen': California's roads are in dire shape, says former Caltrans director,” Feb. 12) The inability of American or even progressive California legislators to raise the measly, unchanged-in-a-quarter-century gasoline tax even by pennies is appalling when we consider that this is a tax on http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-gas-tax-fixing-roads-20170221-story.html The Challenges of Replacing HFC Refrigerants with Low-Global-Warming-Potential Fluids. Many modern-day refrigerants are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have attracted attention recently as being a potent greenhouse gas. HFC’s are widely used in air conditioning systems and their usage is anticipated to rise, with their negative impact on global warming also being predicted to increase. http://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=633 BLOGS Climate change tied to nation's infrastructure needs. In what’s become a troublingly common occurrence, the combination of extreme weather and crumbling infrastructure threatened the residents of another American community in California not long ago. Extensive rainfall in Northern California damaged the spillway of the Oroville Dam – the nation’s tallest – and threatened numerous communities below the dam with massive flooding. http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/320630-climate-change-tied-to-nations-infrastructure-needs More than 500 Leaders Call for Doubling Strength of America’s Best Regional Climate and Clean Air Program. 546 health professionals, businesses, academics, elected officials, conservation, consumer and environmental groups and community leaders from nine states in the Northeast called on their Governors to strengthen the nation’s best regional climate and clean air program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). http://www.environmentamerica.org/news/ame/more-500-leaders-call-doubling-strength-america%E2%80%99s-best-regional-climate-and-clean-air Red State Rural America Is Acting On Climate Change – Without Calling It Climate. President Donald Trump has the environmental community understandably concerned. He and members of his Cabinet have questioned the established science of climate change, and his choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has sued the EPA many times and regularly sided with the fossil fuel industry. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/red-state-rural-america-is-acting-on-climate-change_us_58ad95aee4b0d818c4f0a3fa The state water board missed the mark. The state water board has egg—or should I say mud—all over its collective face. Earlier this month, board members refused to lift the drought restrictions on Californians. By keeping them in place until the traditional review time in April, they ignored pleas from water agencies to eliminate the restrictions now. Board members refused to lift the restrictions despite January rains… http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/blogs/p/2017/02/21/the-state-water-board-missed-the-mark What Your TV Meteorologist Likely Thinks Of Climate Change. I am a scientist so I need data. When a controversial topic comes up, I usually look for what the data says. Last week, an article in the Boston Globe examined the topic of climate change and broadcast meteorologists. While the article addressed some key points, I noticed that the headline suggested that "many meteorologists" question climate change science. http://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/02/22/what-your-tv-meteorologist-likely-thinks-of-climate-change/#c1087736a0c8 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 13:37:17 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 23, 2017. 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 BUSINESS One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Wet Cleaning Demonstration California Air Resources Board is collaborating with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and California Cleaners Association in holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Turlock. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: Carr's Cleaners, 500 E. Main Street, Turlock, CA 95380. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-23108818097?aff=es2 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on http://www.eventbrite.com. For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm LCFS Workshop on inclusion of jet fuels The California Air Resources Board will hold a working meeting on the subject of including jet fuel under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/031717mtgnotice.pdf AIR POLLUTION Fearing President Trump's next steps, California lawmakers review their options under Clean Air Act. In a sign of uneasiness over President Trump's environmental agenda, state lawmakers hosted a hearing Wednesday to discuss how California's air quality policies rely on federal regulations. Although the state is allowed to pursue stricter rules than federal standards under the nearly five-decade-old Clean Air Act… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-clean-air-act-waiver-1487791925-htmlstory.html Air Quality Advocates Worry EPA Waivers At Risk. Some people are afraid California's ability to create its own environmental policies may soon suffer a major setback. The Environmental Protection Agency's new chief, Scott Pruitt, has not committed to continuing the state's waiver authority. At the state Capitol Wednesday, air quality advocates talked about how the waivers have made… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/02/23/air-quality-advocates-worry-epa-waivers-at-risk/ EPA extends comment deadline for Texas haze plan. Yielding to requests from power producers and a state regulatory agency, U.S. EPA is adding another 60 days to the public comment period on a proposed regional haze plan for Texas that would affect 14 coal- and gas-fired plants. The extension, set for publication in tomorrow's Federal Register, means the comment deadline will now be May 5. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050472 CLIMATE CHANGE U.S. Energy Regulator Still Advancing Obama-Era Climate Guidance. In what appeared to be a belated adoption of an Obama-era directive, the U.S. energy agency responsible for approving multibillion-dollar natural gas pipeline projects has directed companies to start disclosing potential climate change impacts. On Wednesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission posted a new manual on environmental reporting… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-22/u-s-energy-agency-moves-forward-with-obama-era-climate-guidance Aerosol study could help unravel climate mysteries. A group of Australian scientists are trying to solve a climate mystery: the impact of aerosols. Their focus is on studying aerosol composition and concentration in Antarctica. Aerosols, which are composed of clumps of molecules, can sometimes cause a cooling effect. However, scientists don't know enough about them to accurately model how that cooling impact could influence… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050427 Conservatives predict 'real war' with environmentalists. People who question the science of climate change today told conservative activists they were looking forward to using their bigger platform during the Trump administration to roll back U.S. EPA regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, a panel of prominent global warming skeptics… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050477 DROUGHT Only 17 percent of California still in drought, monitor says. After weeks of pounding rains, overtopped levees and a near-catastrophe at the state’s second largest dam, most Californians probably believe the drought is over. Scientists with the federal government more or less agree. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that just 17 percent of California is still suffering from the drought. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article134474714.html#storylink=cpy DIESEL ACTIVITIES Port of Oakland: Big-rig smog checks reflect change in trucking industry. For trucking companies at the Port of Oakland, the hardest part is mostly over — if they’re still in business, that is. A significant push that started in 2009 to transform smog-spewing diesel engines to ones that burn cleaner and capture pollutants before they enter the atmosphere has largely been completed. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/22/emissions-standards-prompt-change-in-trucking-industry-at-port-of-oakland/ http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/02/22/emissions-standards-prompt-change-in-trucking-industry-at-port-of-oakland/ http://hoodline.com/2017/02/calepa-task-force-conducts-surprise-truck-inspections-at-port-of-oakland FUELS Exxon Caves to Oil Crash With Historic Global Reserves Cut. Exxon Mobil Corp. disclosed the deepest reserves cut in its modern history as prolonged routs in oil and natural gas markets erased the value of a $16 billion oil-sands investment and other North American assets. The equivalent of about 3.3 billion barrels of untapped crude was removed from the so-called proved reserves category in Exxon’s books… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-22/exxon-takes-historic-cut-to-oil-reserves-amid-crude-market-rout http://www.reuters.com/article/us-exxon-mobil-reserves-idUSKBN1612Y9 Propel Fuels serves largest US E85 market in California. Propel Fuels, the nation’s leading retailer of E85 Flex Fuel, welcomed the 2017 National Ethanol Conference to California, America’s largest E85 market. Having cracked the code to high volume E85 sales, Propel sells more than 500 percent above the national average through innovation in fuel brand and consumer engagement. http://www.ethanolproducer.com/articles/14177/propel-fuels-serves-largest-us-e85-market-in-california The U.S. is transitioning into a natural gas exporter. The United States is on track to become a net exporter of gas next year, driven largely by the growth of liquefied natural gas exports, according to the U.S. Energy Department. The U.S. started exporting LNG last year, courtesy of Houston-based Cheniere Energy, and the country is increasingly piping more natural gas to Mexico while, simultaneously… http://fuelfix.com/blog/2017/02/22/the-u-s-is-transitioning-as-a-natural-gas-exporter/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=5658d91851-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-5658d91851-327747457 Dairy industry rejects 'command and control' methane regs Renewable methane advocates are hoping a looming collision with California's greenhouse gas goals will give the nascent industry a kick in the pants. California has had an economywide carbon cap since 2006 but is just now tackling the biggest sources of methane, a gas that is one of the most potent contributors to global warming. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050448 Industry groups debate responsibility for key RFS mandate. The Trump administration will soon give its first firm indication of where it stands on a key element of the federal renewable fuel standard, and industry groups are jostling to be heard. Yesterday was the deadline for public comments on a proposal U.S. EPA previously rejected to change who's responsible… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050463 VEHICLES Tesla Is Burning Through Cash. Elon Musk is burning through cash and may need to raise more soon to produce the mass-market electric sedan Tesla Inc. is banking on to reach the mainstream consumer. A capital raise would provide more cushion to the smallest and youngest publicly held U.S. automaker, which has huge expenditures planned ahead of introducing the Model 3 sedan in July. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-23/tesla-capital-raise-seen-near-as-musk-burns-through-cash-coffers UCI is first college in nation to convert to all-electric bus fleet. The University of California, Irvine is poised to be the first college campus in the nation to convert its buses to an all-electric fleet. The student-funded and -operated Anteater Express shuttle service is acquiring 20 buses from BYD (Build Your Dreams) for $15 million. The vehicles are being built at the company’s Lancaster plant to roll onto campus… https://news.uci.edu/faculty/big-wheels-in-motion/ Utilities paying EV drivers 'climate credits' Electric vehicle drivers in California have started earning money through a state program aimed at cutting the greenhouse gas emissions generated by gasoline and diesel. Utilities are sending checks and giving rebates to EV owners who plug in. Utilities are using funds generated by selling environmental credits accumulated through California's low-carbon fuels standard (LCFS) system. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050446 Musk talked electric car subsidies with Trump. Elon Musk "briefly" defended electric vehicle incentives and regulations to President Trump, he said yesterday. The Tesla Inc. CEO, who advises Trump on technology and manufacturing, said he urged the administration to get rid of all subsidies if it was considering eliminating incentives for electric vehicles, like the $7,500 tax credit. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/23/stories/1060050449 GREEN ENERGY SolarCity’s Ties to Foreclosure Cases Raise Questions on Vetting Policies. SolarCity, the nation’s leading installer of rooftop solar panels and a renewable energy darling, has pitched its value to investors on a simple premise: Once customers sign up to lease a system, they will make payments to the company month after month for at least 20 years. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/business/solarcity-foreclosure-cases.html?_r=0 OPINIONS Guest Voices: Time to stand up for action to fight climate change. Tuesday’s climate change rally in San Diego could not have been more timely. We all need to stand up and speak out against President Donald Trump and his plans to back away from the vital progress we’re making to fight this global scourge that threatens our kids. And we need to be heard on the American jobs — 3 million and counting… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-guest-voices-nrdc-20170222-story.html BLOGS Climate Change: An Islander’s Experience. I am a proud Pacific Islander. Over the years, I have witnessed and stood alongside many of my fellow islanders and leaders, combating climate change and its impacts on the islands. Though the percentage of people in the U.S. who believe that climate change is real and human-caused is rising, it still only amounts to around half. http://sandiegofreepress.org/2017/02/climate-change-an-islanders-experience/ Policy Perspectives for Governments and Public Agencies on Volkswagen’s Settlement Funds and Electric Vehicle Investment. CSE’s clean transportation team offers planning considerations for automaker’s distribution of funds through the Environmental Mitigation Trust and Electrify America to promote electric vehicles and deploy charging infrastructure. As part of Volkswagen’s $14.7 billion federal settlement for the use of illegal smog check defeat devices in its 2009-15 diesel cars… http://energycenter.org/blog/policy-perspectives-governments-and-public-agencies-volkswagen%E2%80%99s-settlement-funds-and-electric California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 13:13:03 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 24, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 24, 2017. 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 BUSINESS One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf AIR POLLUTION Air pollution affects preterm birthrates globally, study finds. A pregnant woman's exposure to air pollution has adverse effects on her fetus, according to a new international study, with prolonged exposure associated with nearly 1 in 5 premature births globally. The study, published recently in the journal Environment International, is the first global estimate of preterm births associated with pollution caused by fine particulate matter. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/02/21/outdoor-pollution-affects-preterm-birth-rates-study-shows/?utm_term=.98eef99b4e5a https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/24/revealed-thousands-of-children-toxic-air-london-nitrogen-dioxide Start-Up Develops Particle Filter That Turns Pollution Into Ink. An Indian start-up company has devised a way to collect harmful pollution generated by vehicles, and it then turns it into something that humanity can use. Their idea is to make ink from soot and carbon residue, while also preventing harmful pollutants from entering the air. They have a successful Kickstarter campaign, and the plan… https://www.autoevolution.com/news/start-up-develops-particle-filter-that-turns-pollution-into-ink-115698.html CLIMATE CHANGE Idaho lawmakers delay science standards decision. Idaho lawmakers have postponed a decision on whether to include references to climate change in the state's proposed science standards. The standards haven't been updated since 2001 and have been criticized as vague. The House Education Committee sparked controversy by removing references to climate change and human impact on the environment from the proposed standards. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/ID_SCIENCE_STANDARDS_CLIMATE_CHANGE_IDOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT The U.S. is Poised to Set a Record-Setting Record. California's biblical deluge has occupied many a meteorologists’ mind this February. But another notable story is unfolding across the eastern U.S. Unseasonable warmth has kickstarted spring up to a month early in the Southeast, cut into already paltry Great Lakes ice cover and created skiing conditions more reminiscent of April in the Northeast. http://www.climatecentral.org/news/record-high-temperature-february-21186?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=6e82061c9a-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-6e82061c9a-327747457 Climate Change: Warming Temperatures Could Kill Deep Ocean Life-Forms By 2100. Over 70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, and it amounts to about 99 percent of all living space on the planet. Both the water itself, as well as the ocean floor, is teeming with life, and many of its forms are still unknown to humankind. http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-warming-temperatures-could-kill-deep-ocean-life-forms-2100-2497147 DROUGHT California Today: On Catalina, the Drought Is Far From Over. Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Here’s the sign-up.) For many Californians, the drought now feels long gone. According to the latest figures from the United States Drought Monitor, about 17 percent of the state remains under “moderate drought” conditions or worse. This time last year, it was about 95 percent. But not everyone is rejoicing. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/us/california-today-catalina-island-drought.html?_r=1 Did the drought contribute to severe flooding in San Jose? Officials search for answers. For five long, drought-plagued winters, Mother Nature refused to refill Coyote Creek. Foliage filled its dry bed, and without regular rains, the vegetation remained in the creek rather than being flushed out to sea. Then an epic winter of rain hit Northern California, and the dry creek suddenly became wet again. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-san-jose-flooding-why-20170223-story.html Most of California is out of the drought. A year ago, some Californians thought this day would never come. But, after being battered by weeks of record-setting rain, the vast majority of the state is out of drought. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, less than 20% of the state faces any drought conditions and no place in California faces “extreme” or “exceptional” drought. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-drought-gone-20170223-story.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article134506439.html http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/California-drought-levels-lowest-since-2011-10954402.php http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170223/normal-never-better-at-new-melones-last-major-reservoir-to-recover-from-drought DIESEL ACTIVITIES Air pollution: NGT raps oil firms over data on diesel trucks. The National Green Tribunal has rapped public sector oil companies for not submitting status report on their 10-year old diesel trucks used for transporting petrol or petroleum products. | 1 Comments Air pollution: NGT raps oil firms over data on diesel trucks The National Green Tribunal has rapped public sector oil companies for not submitting status report… http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/air-pollution-ngt-raps-oil-firms-over-datadiesel-trucks_8553561.html?utm_source=ref_article VEHICLES Even in Trump’s America, California could decide how cleanly your car runs. President Trump has called environmental regulations “out of control.” Many automakers might welcome relief from them. But the state of California will likely have the final word. The nation’s most populous state has long been a bastion of liberal policymaking, and recent actions, such the legalization of marijuana, suggest it’s moving even farther left. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/02/23/even-in-trumps-america-california-could-decide-how-clean-your-car-runs/?utm_term=.37d24916ac01 GREEN ENERGY The EU’s renewable energy policy is making global warming worse. Countries in the EU, including the UK, are throwing away money by subsidizing the burning of wood for energy, according to an independent report. While burning some forms of wood waste can indeed reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in practice the growing use of wood energy in the EU is increasing rather than reducing emissions… https://www.newscientist.com/article/2122115-the-eus-renewable-energy-policy-is-making-global-warming-worse/ MISCELLANEOUS Lawmakers move to freeze federal regs at pre-Trump levels. California state lawmakers yesterday introduced a package of bills aimed at defending federal and state environmental regulations against President Trump's administration. The three bills are aimed at preserving current federal environmental laws on the state level, preventing public land transfers and protecting federal whistleblowers. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/24/stories/1060050513 Rare element turns CO2 into fuel using sunlight. Scientists have figured out a way to use tiny particles of a rare element to turn a greenhouse gas into fuel. In nanometer-scale particles, researchers found that the transition metal rhodium can break carbon dioxide apart and reassemble it into methane in a process powered by ultraviolet light. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/24/stories/1060050507 OPINIONS Oroville Dam shows urgent need for climate adaptation. The crisis at Oroville Dam should be a wake-up call to those making infrastructure decisions today that will affect Californians for many years to come. A centerpiece of the massive State Water Project, which provides water to 25 million Californians, has proved highly vulnerable to the kind of heavy winter rains we’ll see more often under climate change. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article134683439.html#storylink=cpy BLOGS Freaky February Heat Waves Trigger More Chills Over Climate Change. A bonkers February with stretches of extremely high temperatures mixed periodically with plunging mercury is the latest chilling warning about global warming. Single-day record highs as well as multiple-day heat waves broke more than 248 month-to-date records for February in spots across the nation, according to the National Center for Environmental Information. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/february-heat-waves_us_58afbb53e4b0780bac2808f7 To get ahead, corporate America must account for climate change. Scott Pruitt’s confirmation last week as chief of the Environmental Protection Agency was a setback for environmentalists and scientists who waged a fierce campaign against the nominee. As Oklahoma's attorney general, Pruitt led or took part in 14 lawsuits that sought to block EPA regulations and policies intended to tackle climate change. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/320973-to-stay-competitive-corporate-america-must-account-for-climate-change California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 16:21:08 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 27, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 27, 2017. 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 BUSINESS CARB Business The California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff has posted the slide presentation for the February 28, 2017, public workshop on potential regulatory changes to the CARB’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) and the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP), and on plans to develop a comprehensive inspection and maintenance (I/M) program for heavy-duty (HD) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds for implementation in the post-2020 timeframe. The public workshop presentation can be accessed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdim/hdim.htm . The public workshop will be held at the following location and time: Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: South Coast Air Quality Management District SCAQMD), Auditorium 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, California 91765 This workshop will be webcast for those unable to attend in person. To access the webcast the day of the workshop, please visit the SCAQMD website at: http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/webcasts March 1, 2017: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed 15-Day Changes to the Small Off-Road Engine Evaporative Emissions Regulations. The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) invites you to participate in a public workshop to learn about proposed 15-day changes to the ARB small off-road engine (SORE) evaporative emissions regulation amendments presented to the Board in November 2016. http://o7.arb.ca.gov/bbscal/uploads/2017/11371-soremarch2017workshopnotice.pdf One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf CLIMATE CHANGE Aggressive cuts to Obama-era green rules to start soon: EPA head. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration will begin rolling back Obama-era environmental regulations in an "aggressive way" as soon as next week, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said on Saturday - adding he understood why some Americans want to see his agency eliminated completely. "I think there are some regulations that in the near-term need to be rolled back in a very aggressive way. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-epa-idUSKBN1640S9 Environmental Groups Say California’s Climate Program Hasn’t Helped Them. In the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, residential streets dead-end at oil refineries. Diesel trucks crawl through, carrying containers from nearby ports. Longtime resident Magali Sanchez Hall says the pollution from all that has taken a toll, right on the street where she lives. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/02/25/environmental-groups-say-californias-climate-program-hasnt-helped-them/ Amazon Deforestation, Once. Tamed, Comes Roaring Back. A decade after the “Save the Rainforest” movement captured the world’s imagination, Cargill and other food giants are pushing deeper into the wilderness. A few months ago, a representative from Cargill traveled to this remote colony in Bolivia’s eastern lowlands in the southernmost reaches of the vast Amazon River basin with an enticing offer. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/business/energy-environment/deforestation-brazil-bolivia-south-america.html Scott Pruitt vows to slash climate and water pollution regulations at CPAC. Head of the EPA told the conservative audience they would be ‘justified’ in believing the environmental regulator should be completely disbanded. Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has vowed to roll back flagship regulations that tackle climate change and water pollution… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/25/scott-pruitt-epa-cpac-climate-change-pollution-regulation Skeptics cheer new influence over climate research. On a balmy February day with the cherry blossoms abloom in Washington, climate change skeptics at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference hailed the newfound and unexpected power they now have over science in the nation's capital. Outside the Maryland convention center, scientists fretted over the high-temperature records… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/27/stories/1060050590 Brown: Billions needed for repairs, climate protection. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Friday pitched spending tens of billions of dollars to upgrade and protect state infrastructure, which he said increasingly is burdened by climate change. California is grappling with how to move forward following a near-catastrophe at Oroville Dam and breaks in several levees after repeated heavy rainstorms. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/02/27/stories/1060050591 DROUGHT Yes, California's drought is all but over, and the dramatically revived Cachuma Lake proves it. Heading into February, things were looking grim here in the rugged hills north of Santa Barbara. While much of California was emerging from five years of drought, this giant reservoir had dwindled to a weedy channel at just 7% of capacity and was perilously close to being written off as a regional water supply. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-cachuma-rain-20170225-story.html GREEN ENERGY Coal Industry Casts Itself as a Clean Energy Player. President Trump has questioned the science behind climate change as “a hoax” in positioning himself as a champion of coal. The three largest American coal producers are taking a different tack. Seeking to shore up their struggling industry, the coal producers are voicing greater concern about greenhouse gas emissions. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/26/business/energy-environment/coal-industry-clean-energy.html?_r=1 OPINIONS Red States Address Climate Change by Reframing the Debate. President Donald Trump has the environmental community understandably concerned. He and members of his Cabinet have questioned the established science of climate change, and the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has sued the EPA many times and regularly sided with the fossil fuel industry. http://www.newsweek.com/red-states-address-climate-change-reframing-debate-560021?rx=us Your Turn, NH -- David Worthen: RGGI is good for NH businesses. AS A NASHUA-BASED MANUFACTURER, we know that energy costs are a concern for everyone. That’s why we are committed to energy solutions like energy efficiency and renewable energy. It’s common sense: Investing in projects that make our electricity grid and our businesses more energy efficient decreases the amount of energy we need to purchase and therefore lowers our energy bills. http://www.unionleader.com/article/20170227/LOCALVOICES/170229416#sthash.XwxkTUV5.dpuf BLOGS EPA Chief promises aggressive rollback of Obama regulations. [JURIST] On Saturday the newly confirmed head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [official website] Scott Pruitt [EPA bio] announced that they would be rolling back some Obama era regulations as soon as next week. When speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference [official website] (CPAC) on Saturday, Pruitt took a tone that the previous administration's policies… http://www.jurist.org/paperchase/2017/02/epa-chief-promises-aggressive-rollback-of-obama-regulations.php California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Feb 2017 15:40:05 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for February 28, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for February 28, 2017. 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 BUSINESS March 1, 2017: Public Workshop to Discuss Proposed 15-Day Changes to the Small Off-Road Engine Evaporative Emissions Regulations. The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) invites you to participate in a public workshop to learn about proposed 15-day changes to the ARB small off-road engine (SORE) evaporative emissions regulation amendments presented to the Board in November 2016. http://o7.arb.ca.gov/bbscal/uploads/2017/11371-soremarch2017workshopnotice.pdf One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshop s which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf CAP AND TRADE Preventing Leaks – That Is, the Cap-and-Trade Kind. As engineers shore up storm-damaged dams and levees, there are other kinds of leaks to consider – the kind caused by state climate change law, such as Cap-and-Trade. The Air Resources Board (CARB) plans to amend Cap-and-Trade’s “leakage” rules, and many industries are worried the changes may increase leakage. So what is leakage? It’s when Cap-and-Trade’s compliance costs cause emissions to decrease in California… http://www.davisvanguard.org/2017/02/preventing-leaks-cap-trade-kind/ Sarnia uneasy as cap and trade enters next phase. Sarnia is in the crosshairs of Ontario’s new ‘Cap and Trade’ system and that’s casting a cloud of uncertainty over the entire local economy, officials of all stripes say. Some 24% of Ontario’s industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated locally… http://thesarniajournal.ca/sarnia-uneasy-as-cap-and-trade-enters-next-phase/ AIR POLLUTION Five Months After Incident, Agencies Still Haven’t Pinpointed Source of Vallejo Fumes. Five months after dozens of Vallejo residents sought medical treatment after being overpowered by an unbearable odor that spread over their community, a collection of federal, state and local agencies have failed to follow up on the cause or declined to release results of their investigations. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/02/28/five-months-later-agencies-still-havent-pinpointed-source-of-vallejo-fumes/ Torrance city defends deadly refinery chemical that others want banned. At a time when state lawmakers and air quality regulators are weighing a possible ban on a deadly chemical used at refineries in Torrance and Wilmington, Torrance City Fire Department officials plan to defend the chemical at a public meeting Tuesday evening. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/27/69415/torrance-city-defends-deadly-refinery-chemical-tha/ Rift divides top air quality regulators. A rift has developed between two of the Los Angeles region's most important overseers of air pollution laws, one that might take an act of the state legislature to resolve. In a recent meeting, the head of the board that oversees air quality in the LA basin has accused the majority of an independent hearing board -- one that decides how to enforce local smog and emissions rules… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/02/27/69395/rift-divides-top-air-quality-regulators/ CLIMATE CHANGE With Climate Change, California Is Likely To See More Extreme Flooding. Californians are in shock that after five years of too little water, the problem now is too much. All eyes in California have been on Oroville Dam, where a broken spillway forced major evacuations. But the damage from winter storms has gone beyond the dam in the northern part of the state. Downstream, rivers are running high and levees have been breaching. http://www.npr.org/2017/02/28/517495739/with-climate-change-california-is-likely-to-see-more-extreme-flooding China Causing Climate Change? Myths Surround Country's Role In Causing Energy Problems, More Carbon Emissions. China has long been blamed for its contribution to climate change due to extensive manufacturing and the burning of fossil fuels. But according to new data, China is not only on track to meet its carbon reduction goals – it will likely surpass them by a long shot. http://www.ibtimes.com/china-causing-climate-change-myths-surround-countrys-role-causing-energy-problems-2499048 Idaho Legislature signs off on school science standards that leave out climate change. The Senate Education Committee voted Monday to approve new science standards for Idaho public schools that do not address the human impact on climate change. The vote essentially kicks the question of including climate change down the road a year… http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/education/article135334149.html#storylink=cpy ‘Shell knew’: oil giant's 1991 film warned of climate change danger. Public information film unseen for years shows Shell had clear grasp of global warming 26 years ago but has not acted accordingly since, say critics. The oil giant Shell issued a stark warning of the catastrophic risks of climate change more than a quarter of century ago in a prescient 1991 film that has been rediscovered. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/28/shell-knew-oil-giants-1991-film-warned-climate-change-danger DROUGHT California water supplies to improve for some Central Valley Project customers. Many of the farms and cities that rely on water from the federal government’s Central Valley Project will get their full allotment this year, including many in the Sacramento area, thanks to bountiful supplies of rain and snow this winter throughout California. Others, however, have been put in a wait-and-see mode, a sign that the operators of… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article135467159.html#storylink=cpy Drought-busting snow pushes Lake Tahoe to highest mark since 2006. The drought-busting snow and rain in the mountains around Lake Tahoe have pushed the lake to its highest level in more than a decade. After suffering through five consecutive years of drought, hydrologists say the alpine lake atop the Sierra now has enough water to fill… http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/6720219-181/drought-busting-snow-pushes-lake-tahoe DIESEL ACTIVITIES Volvo concept truck uses hybrid power to cut fuel use, emissions. Because they cover significantly more mileage than the average passenger car, with much worse fuel economy, large commercial trucks are a major source of emissions. Last year, Volvo Trucks aimed to address this issue with a concept truck that demonstrated… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109095_volvo-concept-truck-uses-hybrid-power-to-cut-fuel-use-emissions VW RECALL EU parliament says governments delayed new rules on car emissions. European governments delayed stricter car engine emissions tests by six years and did not do enough to uncover cheating by car manufacturers, a European Parliament report into the dieselgate scandal said on Tuesday. The investigation into Volkswagen's emissions test cheating also blamed… http://www.businessinsider.com/r-eu-parliament-says-governments-delayed-new-rules-on-car-emissions-2017-2 GREEN ENERGY Next up on Trump’s energy list. President Trump is big on keeping the promises he made on the campaign trail. Since taking office, Trump and his top aides have boasted about the White House's commitment to the pledges he made on the stump, many of which involve rolling back Obama administration regulations and expanding domestic energy production. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/02/28/stories/1060050682 MISCELLANEOUS Trump Plans to Begin E.P.A. Rollback With Order on Clean Water. President Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday aimed at rolling back one of former President Barack Obama’s major environmental regulations to protect American waterways, but it will have almost no immediate legal effect, according to two people familiar with the White House plans. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/us/politics/trump-epa-clean-water-climate-change.html?_r=1 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:25:33 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 1, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 1, 2017. 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 BUSINESS One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ . The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION California Weighs Tougher Emissions Rules For Gas-Powered Garden Equipment. Those gas-powered leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and mowers you hear in your neighborhood aren't just annoying — they make a lot of pollution, too. In California, they're about to pass cars as the worst air polluters, spewing out formaldehyde, benzene and particulate matter. http://www.capradio.org/news/npr/story?storyid=517576431 CLIMATE CHANGE Here are 4 ways climate change is messing with our brains — for the worse. We might think of climate change as purely physical: wildfires blazing through forests, rising seas lapping at the doors of coastal homes. But those brutal conditions also affect our mental health, changing how we think and act. http://grist.org/briefly/here-are-4-ways-climate-change-is-messing-with-our-brains-for-the-worse/ VEHICLES California May Push To Eliminate Gas, Diesel Light Vehicles. California is obviously a highly-environmentally-minded place, especially when it comes to vehicles. It has instituted many systems, including one mandating a certain percentage of zero-emissions vehicle sales, which encourage/force automakers to step up their game in newer, greener technology. http://thenewswheel.com/california-may-push-to-eliminate-gas-diesel-light-vehicles/ MISCELLANEOUS White House eyes plan to cut EPA staff by one-fifth, eliminating key programs. The Office of Management and Budget has suggested deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget that would reduce its staff by one-fifth in the first year and eliminate dozens of programs, according to details of a document reviewed by The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/01/white-house-proposes-cutting-epa-staff-by-one-fifth-eliminating-key-programs/?utm_term=.8153462df715 He Will Soon Run a Fifth of the Nation. Meet Ryan Zinke. As a child in this town at the edge of the Continental Divide, Ryan Zinke cut his own trails through alpine forest, swam laps in Whitefish Lake and hiked the snow-packed paths of nearby Glacier National Park. Later, as an Eagle Scout, he traced how railroad oil spilled into the Whitefish River and watched as a single spark set that waterway on fire. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/us/for-interior-montanan-with-deep-roots-and-inconsistent-record.html?_r=1 SF supervisors’ vote to let natural resources plan go forward. It took more than a decade, but the new blueprint for Mount Davidson and Twin Peaks and about 1,000 acres of natural areas in San Francisco will finally move forward after the Board of Supervisors rejected an appeal of the plan on Tuesday. The supervisors voted 9-1 to reject it, after about four hours of public comment… http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-supervisors-vote-to-let-natural-resources-plan-10967505.php OPINIONS Can The Courts Check Trump's Desire To Emasculate EPA? When President Trump said last night that the time has come to put “small thinking behind us,” he may not have fully thought through his comments. During his national address, he spoke of clean air and clean water, for example, while also saying he would rollback the regulations to protect them. That’s the paradox of the whole Trump administration… https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/03/01/can-the-courts-check-trumps-desire-to-emasculate-epa/#44d464317f82 . BLOGS Maps Show Where Americans Care about Climate Change. The updated Yale Climate Opinion maps suggest Americans' opinions on climate change differ sharply from that of the president. If you were wondering how many Americans think coal-fired power plants should cap emissions, how much they worry about climate change or even how often they talk about it, well, there’s a map for that. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/maps-show-where-americans-care-about-climate-change/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 15:30:35 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 2, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 2, 2017. 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 BUSINESS One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. The staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) conducted a public workshop to discuss potential regulatory changes to CARB’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) on February 28, 2017. A recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEcpQ36igsc The slide presentation is available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdim/meetings/opacity_workshop_presentation_02-28-2017.pdf CAP AND TRADE Scant demand for California pollution permits. California saw another three months of weak demand for pollution permits amid persistent uncertainty about the future of the state's cap on carbon emissions, according to state data released Wednesday. California will take in only about $8 million from an auction that could have generated $592 million or more if all permits were sold. http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2017/California-saw-another-three-months-of-weak-demand-for-pollution-permits-amid-persistent-uncertainty-about-the-future-of-the-state-s-cap-on-carbon-emissions/id-f073e4cc3b34433cab9a7e2a1e69e015 California’s cap and trade auction another washout. February’s quarterly auction of carbon dioxide emission allowances under California’s cap and trade program was another financial washout for the state. Results for last week’s auction were posted Wednesday morning, revealing that just 16.5 percent of the 74.8 million metric tons of emission allowances were sold at the floor price of $13.57 per ton. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article135781558.html#storylink=cpy Only a few drips of cash expected from cap-and-trade auction. California's cap-and-trade program limped through another weak auction of pollution permits last month, according to results provided by state regulators Wednesday. Demand for the permits, which are required to release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, has fluctuated over the last year amid questions about the program's long-term viability. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cap-and-trade-1488398264-htmlstory.html Money From Cap-And-Trade Plummets (Again). For the third time in four quarters, California’s most prominent program to fight climate change brought in a fraction of the revenue state officials projected. Under the cap-and-trade program, companies must purchase pollution credits that allow their emissions. But results released Wednesday show the latest quarterly auction of those credits… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/03/01/money-from-cap-and-trade-plummets-(again)/ Carbon Tax? Cap and Trade? Oregon Lawmakers Weigh Options For Reducing Emissions. What’s the best way for Oregon to reduce its contributions to climate change? Supporters and opponents weighed in Wednesday at a legislative hearing on five bills that aim to reduce Oregon’s carbon emissions. Dozens of people lined up at a joint committee hearing to testify in support of taking action to cap carbon emissions… http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-lawmakers-weigh-two-options-for-reducing-carbon-emissions/ Low cap-and-trade auction ahead of Ontario's. A joint Quebec-California cap-and-trade auction has yielded less-than-stellar results, just three weeks ahead of Ontario's first auction and a year before the province plans to link its own system with that market. Ontario is set to hold an auction on March 22 in its new cap-and-trade system, which limits how much pollution companies can emit. http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news-story/7166556-low-cap-and-trade-auction-ahead-of-ontario-s/ 'Anemic' demand for cap-and-trade permits plagues state. California's latest auction of greenhouse gas permits saw low demand, hurting state revenue, according to figures released yesterday. The Feb. 22 auction sold just 16.5 percent of the 75 million allowances put up for auction by California; its trading partner, Quebec; and utilities that receive allowances to sell. The allowances fetched $13.57 per ton, the floor price set by the state. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060050817/search?keyword=california 'They're not going to work for one.' Exxon and a carbon tax? Exxon Mobil Corp. commands attention and gets it. So energy and climate experts naturally took notice last week when CEO Darren Woods said charging a fee on greenhouse gases across the United States is a good idea. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/02/stories/1060050813 AIR POLLUTION L.A. keeps building near freeways, even though living there makes people sick. Are you one of the 2.5 million Southern Californians already living in the pollution zone? 1 dot = 1 person living within 1,000 feet of a freeway in 2010 For more than a decade, California air quality officials have warned against building homes within 500 feet of freeways. and with good reason: People there suffer higher rates of asthma… http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-freeway-pollution/ Freeway pollution: How we reported the story. On Thursday we published a report detailing the home-building near high-pollution zones next to freeways. This is how we reported the story. How we measured housing growth. Under the California Public Records Act, The Times obtained a database of building permits from the City of Los Angeles dating to 2005; the year state air quality regulators began warning… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-freeway-pollution-how-20170227-story.html Regional anti-pollution agency says rainstorms cut down on ‘winter smog’ this year. Southern California’s anti-smog agency said the region breathed a little easier this winter after seeing a sizeable decrease in air pollution. The South Coast Air Quality Management District pointed to rainy weather for the improved air quality — several rain storms cleansed the air… http://www.sgvtribune.com/environment-and-nature/20170301/regional-anti-pollution-agency-says-rainstorms-cut-down-on-winter-smog-this-year Air quality data shows pollution from Torrance refinery far higher than others in Southern California. Over the past four years, the Torrance refinery has released more pollution into the air via unplanned flaring than the six other oil refineries in Southern California combined, according to data just released by the region’s air quality watchdog. The figures put the scale of the air pollution… http://www.dailybreeze.com/environment-and-nature/20170301/air-quality-data-shows-pollution-from-torrance-refinery-far-higher-than-others-in-southern-california Critics seek state probe of Bay Area air district’s alleged destruction of records. An alliance for workers called Wednesday for the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate claims that the Bay Area’s air district destroyed records about industrial pollution. At a public meeting of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board, eight speakers urged board… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/01/critics-seek-state-probe-of-air-districts-alleged-destruction-of-records/ Federal waivers at risk, but California contends state air standards will remain. California policymakers and regulators maintain the state’s stringent environmental standards will be preserved and enforced even if the federal government fails to renew necessary waivers for the state. California received a waiver from the federal administration that allows the state to enact its own emission standards on the automobile sector. https://analytics.icis.com/federal-waivers-at-risk-but-california-contends-state-air-standards-will-remain/ (BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY) CLIMATE CHANGE U.S. Republican Issa joins bipartisan House caucus on climate change. U.S. Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California has joined the Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to fighting climate change, spokesmen for the group and Issa said on Wednesday. The group, founded a year ago by Florida lawmakers looking to slow the effects of global warming… http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL2N1GF009 EU Nears Final Talks on Emissions Trading. System is cornerstone of bloc’s efforts to curb global warming. European Union officials are gearing for final talks on the future shape of the bloc’s emissions-trading system, a cornerstone of the EU’s efforts to curb global warming, after the bloc’s governments agreed Tuesday to accelerate reductions in carbon discharges by industry. https://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-nears-final-talks-on-emissions-trading-1488395593 Antarctica temperature hit 63.5 degrees, sets new record high temperature. The continent of Antarctica officially has a new record high temperature of 63.5 degrees, scientists from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced Wednesday. The record was set on March 24, 2015, at the Argentine Research Base Esperanza, located near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/03/01/antarctica-new-record-high-temperature/98538084/ Why California Is Environmentalists' Trump Card. Unique authority granted to the golden state allows it to have a profound impact on emissions regulations. With Scott Pruitt, a close ally of the oil and gas industry, now confirmed as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, environmentalists are bracing for a broad assault on former President Obama’s green legacy… https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/03/why-california-is-environmentalists-trump-card/518301/ Global warming made Australia's record-breaking, sizzling summer 50 times more likely. Millions of Australians just endured a sizzlingly hot summer, with three blistering heat waves enveloping much of southeastern Australia during January and February sending temperatures soaring as high as 48.2 degrees Celsius, or 118.7 degrees Fahrenheit. http://mashable.com/2017/03/02/australia-record-heat-global-warming/#pJ7_7nWSPEqK Thinning sea ice can weaken glaciers and raise oceans. Thinning sea ice in the Arctic can cause glaciers to break apart and contribute to sea-level rise, according to new research. Thick sea ice helps prevent icebergs from breaking off glaciers, because it places pressure on the land-based mass of snow and ice. But if that sea ice is reduced… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/02/stories/1060050787 DROUGHT Snowpack levels surge in the Sierra Nevada, helping to power California out of drought. lunging the long, metal rod into the snow beneath his feet in the mountain town of Phillips, state snow survey chief Frank Gehrke measured the Sierra Nevada snowpack Wednesday not against California’s recent, historic drought but against its biggest rain years. “It’s in the top two or three, three or four snow accumulations for March,” Gehrke said, standing on a 9-foot-high pillow of fresh powder Wednesday morning. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-snowpack-survey-march-20170301-story.html Rains Ease the Drought — and Boost California’s Power Supply, Too. Even as dam spillways are put to the test and parts of Northern California flood, there’s a silver lining to all the rain, beyond ending the drought. It gives California more hydroelectric power. “In the thick of the drought last year and previous years, the dam levels all over the Northwest actually were low. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/03/01/rains-ease-the-drought-and-boost-californias-power-supply-too/ California Drought Status: Flooding Causes $50 Billion In Damage After State's Wettest Season. Just as California’s long-standing drought was finally almost alleviated, another problem hit the state in its wake. After one of the wettest seasons in recent memory, California officials estimated Wednesday they would need $50 billion to control flooding in the state. http://www.ibtimes.com/california-drought-status-flooding-causes-50-billion-damage-after-states-wettest-2501129 VEHICLES Stop-start cars push battery metal lead into investors' focus. Investors are starting to focus on lead due to the large amounts of the metal in batteries used in increasingly popular stop-start cars produced by automakers aiming to comply with stringent new emissions legislation. In stop-start autos the engine automatically cuts off when a car comes to a stop and restarts as the foot comes off the brake… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lead-batteries-stopstart-analysis-idUSKBN1692HN FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) FCA Warns Investors It Could Face Billions In Fines Over Diesel Emissions Cheats. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has told its shareholders that it may face fines of up to $4.6 billion if federal regulators determine that the company fitted diesel control devices on its vehicles. The Detroit News reports that FCA recently informed investors that it had received subpoenas and information requests from the U.S. Department of Justice, Security and Exchange Commission and a number of states’ attorneys. http://www.carscoops.com/2017/03/fca-warns-investors-it-could-face.html GREEN ENERGY Newly Completed Wind Farm Helps Westar Reach Emissions Milestone. Thanks to the completion of its Western Plains wind farm, Topeka, Kan.-based Westar Energy Inc. is now meeting more than half of the annual electricity needs of its customers with emissions-free power. The 280 MW Western Plains wind farm, located in Ford County and comprising 2.3 MW Siemens turbines, began full operations on March 1. http://nawindpower.com/newly-completed-wind-farm-helps-westar-reach-emissions-free-milestone As wind grows, so does its opposition. Oklahoma wind developers are fresh off a record-setting year. Only Texas installed more wind capacity in 2016, a fact that thrusts the Sooner State's power markets into a sudden transition and is agitating opponents along the way. Wind barely registered in Oklahoma a decade ago, but it now accounts for 20 percent of the state's electricity generation. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/02/stories/1060050773 MISCELLANEOUS Trump poised to lift federal coal ban, other green rules: White House. U.S. President Donald Trump will target a handful of Obama-era green regulations, including a federal coal mining ban and an initiative forcing states to cut carbon emissions, in an executive order as soon as next week, a White House official told Reuters on Wednesday. Trump and his fellow Republicans who control Congress… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-energy-idUSKBN168592?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=e35c47f85d-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-e35c47f85d-327747457 Scientists Identify 208 Natural Minerals That Formed From Human Activity. A team of researchers has identified 208 new natural minerals that couldn't have formed from natural chemical processes, but largely from human activities. The study published in the journal American Mineralogist suggests that the activities of people on… http://www.itechpost.com/articles/89426/20170302/scientists-identify-208-natural-minerals-formed-human-activity.htm OPINIONS What Do We Want From California Climate Policy? When you listen closely to debates over California climate change policy, it becomes clear that the disagreements are along two dimensions: what is the best approach to meeting the state’s goals and what exactly are those goals. I think the differences are increasingly about different goals, rather than about different methods of achieving those goals. http://www.theenergycollective.com/severinborenstein/2399458/want-california-climate-policy AQMD should stand by air-quality plan — and public process: Guest commentary. This Friday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Governing Board will vote on the 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), a comprehensive document that sets the region’s air quality goals for the next four years and determines how the AQMD will attain them. http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20170301/aqmd-should-stand-by-air-quality-plan-and-public-process-guest-commentary BLOGS California-Quebec carbon market participants appear to wait for future auctions and more information. Carbon auction results released today show low demand for California’s carbon allowances in the first carbon auction of 2017, with only 18% of allowances selling. The results say more about the many milestones that are ahead for the cap-and-trade program rather than anything… http://blogs.edf.org/climatetalks/2017/03/01/california-quebec-carbon-market-participants-appear-to-wait-for-future-auctions-and-more-information/ REPORT: CA Utilities Are Leaking Lots of Gas – but There’s a Way to Stop It. A new report confirms with greater accuracy than ever before that California natural gas utilities are letting huge amounts of their product escape into the atmosphere – about 6.6 billion cubic feet in 2015. That’s more than the amount of gas released during last year’s Aliso Canyon disaster… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/03/01/report-ca-utilities-are-leaking-lots-of-gas-but-theres-a-way-to-stop-it/ Air Pollution Particles May Fertilize Oceans, Study Finds. Scientists may have found an upside to air pollution. A new study found that two pollutants coming out of the smokestacks at coal-fired power plants interact to make a kind of fertilizer for ocean-dwelling plankton. That may help increase how much planet-warming carbon dioxide the plankton absorb. The authors didn't study the size of the fertilizer effect. http://www.voanews.com/a/pollution-particles-fertilize-oceans/3745610.html California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 15:54:53 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 3, 2017. 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 BUSINESS On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm. Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION Southern California air quality officials OK cleanup plan. Southern California air quality officials approved a 15-year pollution clean-up plan today with an 11-2 vote. The South Coast Air Quality Management District plan will serve as a blueprint for future regulations designed to meet the federal health standard for ozone, the hallmark pollutant of summer smog, and other pollutants. http://www.pe.com/articles/quality-826722-air-officials.html Smog In Western U.S. Starts Out As Pollution In Asia, Researchers Say. The U.S. is producing less air pollution, but smog levels are still rising in the western U.S. because of pollutants released in Asian countries that then drift over the Pacific Ocean. Researchers say their findings show the importance of a global approach to preserving air quality. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/03/518323094/rise-in-smog-in-western-u-s-is-blamed-on-asias-air-pollution Omega-3 oils could tackle damage caused by air pollution, research shows. Exclusive New research indicates the benefits of eating omega-3 fatty acids, but also that pollution particles can penetrate the lungs into many organs, including testicles. Supplements of healthy fats could be an immediate way of cutting the harm caused to billions around the world by air pollution, according to emerging research. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/03/oil-supplements-could-tackle-harmful-health-effects-of-air-pollution Air Pollution Exposure May Increase Risk of Dementia. Outdoor air pollution, in the form of tiny particles released from power plants and automobiles that seep into our lungs and blood, could nearly double the dementia risk in older women, according to our research. Of the leading causes of death in America, Alzheimer’s disease is the only one that we currently cannot prevent, cure or even stall. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/air-pollution-exposure-may-increase-risk-of-dementia/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=pbsofficial&utm_campaign=nova_next Obama's air chief sees 'first concrete steps' of retreat by Pruitt. The retreat from President Obama's Climate Action Plan formally started yesterday at U.S. EPA, when Administrator Scott Pruitt yanked a request to the oil and gas industry for information on methane emissions. In an interview this morning, former EPA air chief Janet McCabe, who led the charge to crack down on the potent natural gas component… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/03/stories/1060050926 CLIMATE CHANGE UN Climate Chief's Request to Meet Tillerson Goes Unanswered. The top United Nations climate change official continues to wait for a response to her request to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson over whether the U.S. will remain in the landmark Paris environmental accord. Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-02/un-climate-chief-s-request-to-meet-tillerson-goes-unanswered?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ba9cde0542-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ba9cde0542-327747457 What climate change has to do with the price of your lettuce. Unusual weather in the Southwest could cause a nationwide salad shortage later this month. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce): Scientists say the weird weather is probably caused by climate change — which means these sorts of problems are likely to happen again. The shortage, first reported by NPR, is the result of two separate phenomena in Arizona’s Yuma County and California’s Salinas Valley… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/03/03/what-climate-change-has-to-do-with-the-price-of-your-lettuce/?utm_term=.1913d5d3480f Top Trump Advisers Are Split on Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The White House is fiercely divided over President Trump’s campaign promise to “cancel” the Paris agreement, the 2015 accord that binds nearly every country to curb global warming, with more moderate voices maintaining that he should stick with the agreement despite his campaign pledge. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/us/politics/climate-change-trump.html?_r=1&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ba9cde0542-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ba9cde0542-327747457 Antarctic Sea Ice Sets Record Low, Providing Another Mystery for Scientists. Warming at the South Pole hits record high as sea ice shrinks, a departure from its record high only a few years ago. A new record warm temperature for Antarctica was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization as sea ice surrounding the continent has shrunk to a record low. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02032017/antarctic-sea-ice-climate-change-global-warming-arctic?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ba9cde0542-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ba9cde0542-327747457 Greens urge court to reject industry effort to delay ruling. Greens are objecting to what they say is an industry attempt to delay a ruling in the massive litigation over the Obama administration's signature climate rule. At issue: A trio of industry petitioners wants a federal court to add their lawsuits challenging U.S. EPA's denial of administrative petitions to the Clean Power Plan to the litigation over the underlying rule. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/03/stories/1060050917 LA is achieving its climate goals — officials. Los Angeles has cut its greenhouse gas emissions, reduced water use 20 percent per person and installed enough solar to power 12,000 homes, city officials said yesterday. California's biggest city is on track to meet the goals that Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) included in his "Sustainable City pLAn," first released in April 2015. It set a pathway for multiple environmental improvements. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060050896/search?keyword=california DROUGHT An End to California’s Drought Isn’t Cut and Dried. Rain has replenished the state’s reservoirs, but groundwater remains depleted. After four ruinously dry years, California is now swimming in water. But by some measures, the state also remains immersed in its worst drought in 20 years. That strange situation is explained by the fact that there are multiple ways to gauge drought. https://www.wsj.com/articles/an-end-to-californias-drought-isnt-cut-and-dried-1488537007 The drought in Washington, D.C., is now just as bad as California’s. We’re not going to complain that Washington didn’t get any snow this winter. Fine — it’s over. Something we can complain about, though, is that we didn’t get any meaningful precipitation of any type. Specifically, D.C. didn’t get enough rain this winter. Reagan National Airport — D.C.’s official weather-monitoring location… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/03/02/drought-washington-d-c-california/?utm_term=.eda26bd6198c 'Water & Power: A California Heist' probes issues older than the current drought. An end to California’s historic drought may finally be in sight, but it seems that the state’s water crisis is a mere drop in the bucket in relation to the decades of dirty dealings probed in the revealing National Geographic documentary, “Water & Power: A California Heist.” From the Monterey Amendments, a contentious policy that favored… http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-capsule-water-power-california-heist-review-20170302-story.html Rainstorms Wash Away Drought in More than 90 Percent of California. At this time last year, 95 percent of California was in some type of drought during a five-year dry spell. This week's U.S. Drought Monitor report shows more improvement in California, where winter rainstorms and heavy snowfall have washed away drought in more of the state after a five-year dry spell. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/California-Drought-Water-Weather-Rain-Snow-415215033.html#ixzz4aIccxfn5 America's biggest water users – farmers – learn to use less of it. In the Southwest and beyond, irrigation technology and other steps such as planting 'cover crops' to enrich the soil are making a difference. Scottsdale, Ariz.—Kevin Rogers, a fifth-generation farmer near Scottsdale, sees how technology is helping him use less water. Wearing an off-white cowboy hat while driving his silver truck around his farm… http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0303/America-s-biggest-water-users-farmers-learn-to-use-less-of-it Blizzard hits Hawaii as record rainfall poised to end California drought. The blizzard in Hawaii and high levels of precipitation in California contrast sharply with the low snow levels across much of the rest of the country in 2017. It’s been a strange year for weather so far, and a recent series of events has confounded expectations. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a blizzard hit mountaintops on Hawaii’s Big Island. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0303/Blizzard-hits-Hawaii-as-record-rainfall-poised-to-end-California-drought Drought Conditions Out West Are Causing Businesses to Compete for Water. If water is the new oil, what are drought stricken regions to do? What are their water-intensive industries to do? The Christian Science Monitor reports that a proposal in Nevada would send water to other areas through a 250-mile pipeline to feed such urban areas Las Vegas. That, however, would come at the expense of ranchers and farmers. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/03/drought-conditions-west-causing-businesses-compete-water/ FUELS State finds dozens of violations at Banning Ranch oil field. State oil and gas regulators have found dozens of violations at the Newport Banning Ranch oil field that developers want to turn into a large hotel and housing complex. Notices issued by California’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources on Feb. 28 list nearly a dozen pages of violations, including wellhead and pipeline leaks… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-banning-ranch-violations-20170302-story.html Trump's EPA Halts Request for Methane Information From Oil and Gas Producers. One of Scott Pruitt's first orders as administrator is to walk back from an effort to rein in climate-warming methane leaks from the oil and gas industry. In a strong signal of its retreat from climate change action, the Trump administration on Thursday halted an effort to gather data from the oil and gas industry that is needed to rein in… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03032017/scott-pruitt-environmental-protection-agency-methane-greenhouse-gas-climate-change?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ba9cde0542-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ba9cde0542-327747457 Fossil fuel rule faces Senate threat. The Interior Department's changes to fossil fuel royalty calculations face elimination in both chambers of Congress after Senate Republicans yesterday issued a new resolution to kill the controversial rule. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced S.J. Res. 29, to undo the Office of Natural Resources Revenue's new oil, gas and coal valuation standards. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/03/stories/1060050918 VEHICLES A dozen states target clean cars for 'crazy' new fees. Drivers of clean cars could be asked to pay special fees across almost half the country following a flurry of new state bills aimed at funding road improvements. Lawmakers from a dozen primarily red states have introduced bills in the past few weeks to slap additional fees on drivers of electric or hybrid vehicles. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060050867/search?keyword=california VW RECALL Volkswagen fights state AGs to keep emissions cheating suits in federal court. Volkswagen is fighting fiercely to limit additional liability for its emissions cheating scandal. On Tuesday, the company filed a brief in the litigation consolidated in San Francisco federal court, arguing that suits brought by 14 state attorneys general should remain in federal court instead of being transferred back… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-otc-vw-idUSKBN1692TQ VW scandal means early death for 1,200 Europeans — study. Some 1,200 people in Europe will die early because of excess emissions released as a result of Volkswagen AG's evasion of pollution controls on millions of diesel-powered cars, a new study predicts. Those premature deaths will result from increased releases of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from some 2.6 million VW cars sold in Germany between 2008 and 2015 that were outfitted with "defeat devices"… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/03/stories/1060050929 FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Fiat Chrysler says diesel emissions probes are widening. Fiat Chrysler has disclosed that additional federal and state agencies are now investigating its alleged diesel emissions violations. The automaker said in a corporate filing that it has "received various inquiries, subpoenas and requests for information from a number of governmental authorities, including the Department of Justice… http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/03/02/fiat-chrysler-says-diesel-emissions-probes-widening/98652186/ MISCELLANEOUS Seeking aerospace solutions. Saying ‘YES’ to a carbon emission reduction challenge. Buena High seniors to compete in California. Two Buena High School seniors will be traveling to Los Angeles, California to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Adam Skora and Taylor Benning worked together on a Youth, Engineering and Science (YES) project… http://www.svherald.com/free_access/saying-yes-to-a-carbon-emission-reduction-challenge/article_19d158a6-ffa6-11e6-879e-1f975e362334.html O’Donnell reappointed to lead Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement. Assemblymember Speaker Anthony Rendon (D–Lakewood) has renamed Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D–Long Beach) as chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement. O’Donnell’s district includes the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which together represent the two busiest maritime hubs in the United States. http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/?p=33317 Source reveals EPA programs Trump's budget could cut. A wide slew of Environmental Protection Agency programs could be under the knife to meet President Donald Trump's budget proposal requirements, a source told CNN Wednesday night. The source spelled out details of an Office of Management and Budget proposal that would cut the EPA's budget by 24% and reduce its staffing by 20%. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/02/politics/epa-programs-donald-trump-budget/ U.S. Senate confirms Rick Perry as Trump's energy secretary. The U.S. Senate approved the confirmation of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the next secretary of the Department of Energy on Thursday. The U.S. Senate approved the confirmation of Rick Perry as the next secretary of the Department of Energy on Thursday.. https://www.texastribune.org/2017/03/02/perry-clears-confirmation-hurdle-track-us-cabinet/?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=ba9cde0542-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-ba9cde0542-327747457 OPINIONS Bullet train suffers two big setbacks that could be fatal. Late Wednesday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority dispatched a report to the Legislature, crowing about progress in building a statewide bullet train system. It boasted of spending $2.3 billion so far on an initial 119-mile segment in the San Joaquin Valley “that will bring passenger rail service to connect the Central Valley to the Silicon Valley by 2025.” http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/dan-walters/article136098388.html#storylink=cpy In fighting climate change and oil dependence, California needs all its tools. Now more than ever, California’s pioneering energy policies are lights in the darkness for Americans who understand the threat posed by climate change and the urgent need for action. California must continue to curb greenhouse-gas emissions while growing its economy, using all of the tools at its disposal. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article136059388.html#storylink=cpy California must protect environment from Trump's attacks. Clean air and water ought to be nonpartisan issues. Liberal or conservative, rich or poor, no living creature should have to worry that life’s essentials are unsafe. Yet, disappointingly, President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans seem bent on dismantling environmental protections, using jobs as a pretext. It’s a deeply misguided ideological stance with real public health implications. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article136000363.html#storylink=cpy California Lurches For A Carbon Tax After Consecutive Greenhouse Gas Auction Failures. For the fourth time in a row California’s cap-and-trade auction for greenhouse gas emissions fell flat, raising only $8.2 million out of a hoped for $600 million, leaving revenues $1.9 billion short over the past 12 months. California Gov. Jerry Brown has big plans for these cap-and-trade revenues, with about a third… https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckdevore/2017/03/02/california-lurches-for-a-carbon-tax-after-consecutive-greenhouse-gas-auction-failures/#2b41667732e1 BLOGS Do piles of snow in California's Sierras mean the 5-year-drought is over? For the past two years, I've been living in California, and I've been worrying about water almost continuously. Coming from the East Coast, I've seen a drought or two, and I've never been a water waster. (For example, my extra egg- and tea-boiling water has always gone to my plants, not down the drain.) But moving West during a headline-making drought turned me into a true water miser. http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/blogs/snow-california-sierras-drought-might-be-over California’s Wild Climate Will Only Get More Volatile As Temperatures Rise Wetter wets and drier dries are ahead. To understand how climate change is creating a world of extremes, look to California, where the reality of severe drought coupled with intense precipitation threatens millions of residents, a rich ecosystem and the dated infrastructure designed to protect them. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/california-climate-temperature_us_58a49f38e4b03df370dca5cf?5l6o77pl9ynmnp14i California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:31:30 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 6, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 6, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm. Staff at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in workshops on updates to Senate Bill 375 regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). The workshops will be held at the locations and dates below, and will follow the same format and presentation. LOS ANGELES: March 7, 2017 SACRAMENTO: March 9, 2017 (also webcast) FRESNO: March 14, 2017 For more information on these workshops, visit the ARB SB 375 website and see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm . On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm. Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar. Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 7, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 7, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION Polluted environments kill 1.7 million children a year: WHO. A quarter of all global deaths of children under five are due to unhealthy or polluted environments including dirty water and air, second-hand smoke and a lack or adequate hygiene, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. Such unsanitary and polluted environments can lead to fatal cases of diarrhea… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-pollution-who-idUSKBN16D00H Even toxics control successes can leave affected Southern California neighborhoods on edge. With the region’s leading air-quality watchdog facing criticism over a string of high-profile releases of hazardous substances into Southern California neighborhoods, government regulators have eagerly pointed to what they consider an environmental enforcement success… http://www.ocregister.com/articles/hixson-745676-aqmd-state.html Regulators OK plan for smog, soot curbs in Los Angeles Basin. Los Angeles regulators approved a plan last week to address chronically poor air quality for the basin's 17 million residents that includes last-minute moves to tighten rules for airports and end a pollution-trading program. The South Coast Air Quality Management District voted 11-2 on Friday to adopt a plan that would subject rail yards… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/06/stories/1060050999 CLIMATE CHANGE White House proposes steep budget cut to leading climate science agency. The Trump administration is seeking to slash the budget of one of the government’s premier climate science agencies by 17 percent, delivering steep cuts to research funding and satellite programs, according to a four-page budget memo obtained by The Washington Post. The proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/03/white-house-proposes-steep-budget-cut-to-leading-climate-science-agency/?utm_campaign=de551927a5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Inside Climate News&utm_term=.10e79fdaab3d California won't meet its climate change goals without a lot more housing density in its cities. To meet the bold new climate change goals put in place last year, California will work to put millions of electric cars on the road, revolutionize its dairy industry and generate half of all power from solar panels and other renewable sources. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-housing-climate-change-goals-20170306-story.html Obama made big promises to the world. Can Trump spoil them? Months ago, Obama administration officials told the global community not to worry when Donald Trump was elected president. They insisted that the markets — for things like clean power and electric cars — would continue to drive the United States toward its climate commitments. http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060050971 DROUGHT Somalia says 110 dead in last 48 hours due to drought. Some 110 people have died in southern Somalia in the last two days from famine and diarrhea resulting from a drought, the prime minister said on Saturday, as the area braces itself for widespread shortages of food. In February, United Nations children's agency UNICEF said the drought in Somalia could lead to up to 270,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition this year. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-somalia-disaster-idUSKBN16B0MW?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=de551927a5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-de551927a5-327747457 It’s really wet — so why is Santa Barbara still mired in drought? More than four inches of rain pounded the red-tiled roofs of this coastal enclave one day last month. Waves damaged a scenic pier. Historic pine trees fell, crashing into vehicles. The airport closed. The county jail relocated 200 inmates. Residents evacuated three apartment buildings. Six vacation cabins and 15 vehicles were swept down a river in a nearby canyon. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/04/its-really-wet-so-why-is-santa-barbara-still-mired-in-drought/ FUELS Gutted EPA Mileage Rules Will Please Global Petro-States. On Tuesday, March 7th, the Trump administration will reverse the Obama administration’s Final Determination requiring automakers meet an average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, according to Inside EPA. An alliance of manufacturers had urged protection for fuel inefficiency in a letter to Trump EPA administrator Scott Pruitt in February… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/06/gutted-epa-mileage-rules-will-please-global-petro-states/ EPA expected to revisit fuel economy rules. U.S. EPA is expected this week to officially begin reconsidering whether fuel economy rules should be loosened. Automakers have petitioned President Trump and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for relief on standards that they say are increasingly difficult to meet and do not match consumer preferences. The EPA rules are a key part of former President Obama's climate change legacy. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/06/stories/1060050972 Tax credit end boosted profits less than prior years — expert. Last year's looming expiration of a federal tax credit for biodiesel didn't give the industry the boost it usually sees when threatened with the credit's end, and darker days may be on the horizon unless the tax incentive returns. That's the conclusion of a University of Illinois economist who analyzes biofuel markets. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/06/stories/1060050997 HIGH-SPEED RAIL Valley Republicans skeptical of positive High-Speed Rail report. A newly released report says that high-speed rail construction is taking off around Fresno, but Republican lawmakers say the report is not as optimistic as it seems. Massive columns are rising parallel to Highway 99 as the High-Speed Rail project slowly accelerates above Fresno's skyline. http://abc30.com/news/valley-republicans-skeptical-of-positive-of-high-speed-rail-report/1783896/ GREEN ENERGY Know about 'power electronics'? It helps avoid warming. The Department of Energy is investing in tiny electrical components to take big bites out of energy consumption. At the agency's annual Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy showcase floor, amid displays of drones, solar panels and a full-size marine hydrokinetic generator, several grant recipients presented their takes on the semiconductors needed to spur the next… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/06/stories/1060050974 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Confidential Dakota Pipeline Memo: Standing Rock Not a Disadvantaged Community Impacted by Pipeline. Pipeline builder claimed that mostly white Bismarck communities along its original route would have more minorities impacted than one near tribe's reservation. As the Standing Rock Sioux tribe was mounting opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline last spring, the pipeline company told federal officials that its final route skirting the reservation… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/06032017/dakota-access-pipeline-protests-dapl-standing-rock-environmental-assessment-trump?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=de551927a5-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-de551927a5-327747457 'Just racist': EPA cuts will hit black and Hispanic communities the hardest. Planned cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency are set to fall heaviest upon communities of color across the US that already suffer disproportionately from toxic pollution, green groups have warned. Donald Trump’s administration is proposing a 25% reduction in the EPA’s $8.1bn budget… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/03/epa-environment-budget-cuts-pollution-justice-office BLOGS Chevron warns it could face climate change lawsuits with future oil drilling potentially ‘economically infeasible’ Activist lawyers put UK companies on notice that legal action could be ‘on the cards’ as environmentalists say oil industry’s ‘entire business model is predicated on extremely dangerous levels of climate change’. In an industry first, one of the world’s biggest oil companies has warned it could face legal action over climate change. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/chevron-oil-warn-climate-change-lawsuits-drilling-greenhouse-emissions-economically-infeasible-a7609411.html The severe, real-world casualties of Trump's EPA budget cuts. The Trump White House is proposing to decimate funding for federal environmental protection programs – including safeguards for some of our most vulnerable citizens – crippling the agency charged with keeping America’s air and water safe. The federal budget, normally a snoozer with thousands of pages full of tiny print and numbers… https://www.edf.org/blog/2017/03/03/severe-real-world-casualties-trumps-epa-budget-cuts California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 14:40:37 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 7, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS CARB: Electric Trucks to Replace Diesel Freight Vehicles The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that the state of California, the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG), and partners Daylight Transport and BYD will gather together this Friday, March 10, to celebrate the arrival of the first of 27 next-generation, zero-emission electric yard and service trucks. http://ngtnews.com/carb-27-byd-electric-trucks-replace-diesel-freight-vehicles The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) has released the Revised Proposed 2016 State Strategy for the State Implementation Plan (State SIP Strategy). The State SIP Strategy describes CARB’s proposed measures and commitment to achieve the mobile source and consumer products reductions needed to meet federal air quality standards over the next 15 years. The Board will consider adoption of the State SIP Strategy, along with the Final Environmental Analysis (EA) and Response to Comments on the Draft EA, at its March 23-24, 2017 hearing. The Revised Proposed 2016 State SIP Strategy is available at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/2016sip/2016sip.htm . AIR POLLUTION Cities and data: China’s weapons in the battle for clean air Birds fly in and out of the eight-storey "Green Office Building" in Shenzhen, China, because a third of its walls are completely open to the air. It's a clever natural design that enables the building to stay cool without air conditioners. Across town, in a vast campus known as the "Low Carbon Park", mist is sprayed into the air to cool the streets down and remove dust. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-39156496 CLIMATE CHANGE A Threat by Any Other Name Climate change is political. Should planners talk about something else? In the past 50 years, the average temperature in the Great Plains has jumped 1.5 degrees. It’s enough to influence the natural world, and humans along with it: The pollen season for ragweed has expanded by as many as 16 days since the mid-1990s… http://www.slate.com/articles/business/metropolis/2017/03/cities_are_throwing_out_climate_change_in_favor_of_resilience.html http://www.salon.com/2017/03/06/how-to-talk-climate-change-across-the-aisle-focus-on-adaptive-solutions-rather-than-causes_partner/ Climate change impact on Australia may be irreversible, five-yearly report says An independent review of the state of Australia’s environment has found the impacts of climate change are increasing and some of the changes could be irreversible. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/07/climate-change-impact-australia-may-be-irreversible-report Trump set to roll back federal fuel-economy requirements The Trump administration is moving to roll back federal fuel-economy requirements that would have forced automakers to increase significantly the efficiency of new cars and trucks, a key part of former President Barack Obama's strategy to combat global warming.http://www.sacbee.com/news/article136936183.html#storylink=cpy CAP AND TRADE Linking cap-and-trade markets across the Pacific China, the world’s leader in greenhouse gas emissions, is moving ahead with its plan to implement a national emissions trading (or cap-and-trade) system. Meanwhile in Canada, Quebec emitters can already trade with those in California, and Ontario is set to link with these markets in 2018. http://nationalmagazine.ca/Articles/March-2017/Linking-cap-and-trade-markets-across-the-Pacific.aspx VEHICLES Which states follow California's emission and zero-emission vehicle rules? California leads the nation in policies that promote reductions of carbon emissions from road vehicles. It is unique in having a federal waiver that allows it to set its own, stricter emissions standards, along with a zero-emission vehicle mandate that requires automakers reaching certain sales volumes to sell a certain number of cars without tailpipes. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109217_which-states-follow-californias-emission-and-zero-emission-vehicle-rules Ex-Tesla Manager Seeks $4 Billion for Europe's Biggest Battery Plant A former Tesla executive is trying to raise at least $4 billion to build Europe's biggest battery factory in Sweden to meet an expected surge in demand as the region's automakers switch to electric vehicles. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/07/business/07reuters-europe-batteries-gigafactory.html VW What Cities Stand to Gain From Volkswagen’s Multibillion-Dollar Settlement Cities may be able to tap into a new multibillion-dollar fund to accelerate their shared mobility and clean transit programs — but to do it will require a little hotwiring. As part of Volkswagen’s settlement with federal regulators over its diesel emissions scandal, the company has agreed to funnel billions of dollars to states over the next 10 years to promote the adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles (EV) and charging infrastructure. https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/cities-gain-volkswagens-multibillion-dollar-settlement-shared-mobility Stay calm but Volkswagen brand is struggling to find its way: CEO Volkswagen is struggling to plot a course for the future as the German carmaker battles an emissions scandal and attempts to hold off European competition, the company's CEO told CNBC on Monday. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/06/stay-calm-but-volkswagen-brand-is-struggling-to-find-its-way-ceo.html Volkswagen’s Emissions Fraud May Affect Mortality Rate in Europe >From 2008 to 2015, Volkswagen sold 11 million diesel cars worldwide rigged with software that cheated emissions tests by running the full emissions-control system only if the car sensed a test was underway. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/science/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-air-pollution-deaths.html The "Queen of Green" shares explosive knowledge about Merkel Mary Nichols was the driving force in uncovering the VW diesel scandal. Now the California environmental leader testifies. Mary Nichols hasn’t forgotten the meeting with Angela Merkel. In the spring of 2010, the German Chancellor traveled to California at the invitation of then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and met for breakfast in Los Angeles. The discussion was intended to deal with climate change and regulation, according to the director of the California environmental authority CARB. This was a topic in which the Europeans at that time seemed somewhat ahead of the curve. However, the two mighty women did not quite find common ground. http://www.sz-online.de/nachrichten/die-queen-of-green-weiss-brisantes-ueber-merkel-3628750.html (In German) Green Enlightenment She is considered the "Queen of Green", her agency’s staff revealed the diesel scandal. Now the American Mary Nichols brings the enlightenment to Germany. It was supposed to be a casual get-together for scrambled eggs, bagels, and coffee hosted by then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles. But the hosts learned that Angela Merkel is not up for chatting, not even at breakfast. “Before any other issues were discussed, she turned to me and said, ‘Your standards are too strict,’” remembers Mary Nichols, who has been running the California environmental agency CARB for 10 years and was sitting at the table in April 2010. The strict nitrogen oxide limits of the state, the chancellor complained, prevented the German manufacturers from selling diesel cars. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/nahaufnahme-gruene-aufklaererin-1.3407106?reduced=true (In German) Related Articles in German https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/vw-abgasskandal-die-queen-of-green-und-das-brisante-treffen-mit-merkel-ld.149376 https://www.greenpeace-magazin.de/tickerarchiv/die-queen-green-und-das-brisante-treffen-mit-merkel-von-hannes-breustedt-und-sascha GREEN ENERGY 1 In 6 Scottish Renewable Energy Jobs At Risk A new survey of the Scottish renewable energy sector has highlighted fears that a sixth of the country’s workforce will lose their jobs within the next 12 months, says Scottish Renewables, the country’s renewable energy trade body. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/06/one-six-scottish-renewable-energy-jobs-risk/ Amazon Announces Solar Energy Project At Dozens Of Warehouses Amazon on Thursday announced plans to install solar energy panels on 50 of its warehouses around the world over the next four years. The e-retail giant expects to complete installation of the first 15 panel systems in the U.S. this year, which will generate up to 41 megawatts of power. http://www.inddist.com/news/2017/03/amazon-announces-solar-energy-project-dozens-warehouses Amidst Rumors That Trump Will Revoke Clean Power Plan, GE Launches Global Powering Efficiency Center Just as news circulated this week that US President Donald Trump is gearing up to quash the Clean Power Plan and to resuscitate the coal mining industry, General Electric launched a global Powering Efficiency Center of Excellence (COE) … https://www.energymanagertoday.com/ge-launches-global-powering-efficiency-center-0167987/ EU approves Czech plan to subsidize efficient electricity The European Union's executive commission says it has approved a Czech subsidy plan worth 420 million euros ($444 million) for electricity generated through more efficient power plants. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_CZECH_EU?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT MISCELLANEOUS Lin-Manuel Miranda releases climate change-themed playlist Talk about a jack of all trades. Lin-Manuel Miranda is an actor, singer, songwriter, and playwright, and now, the Hamilton scribe can add environmental activist to the list. http://ew.com/music/2017/03/06/lin-manuel-miranda-climate-change-playlist/ OPINIONS A Lesson Trump and the E.P.A. Should Heed In March 1983, President Ronald Reagan asked me to return to Washington to run the Environmental Protection Agency. I had been the E.P.A.’s first administrator, from 1970 to 1973, and over the agency’s first 10 years, it made enormous progress in bringing the country’s worst pollution problems under control despite resistance from polluting industries and their lobbyists. A worried and outraged public had demanded action, and the government responded. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/07/opinion/a-lesson-trump-and-the-epa-should-heed.html?_r=1 Trump, The CPP, EPA, & Renewable Energy Jobs — What To Expect This Week? For many of us, the discontent that has been quietly growing (quickly escalating?) over the future of America’s environmental, climate, and energy policies was set to come to a head this... https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/06/trump-cpp-epa-renewable-energy-jobs-expect-week/ BLOGS Solar energy: Now is the time for India to catch the sun The recent tenders for setting up and operating solar and wind power generation farms show that the price of renewable power is now approaching that from greenfield coal-based power plants in India. It will not take too long for solar photovoltaics to become the cheapest source of power. http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-commentary/solar-energy-now-is-the-time-for-india-to-catch-the-sun/ Only Mass Mobilization Can Save the EPA To defeat President Trump and the Republican Party's attack on the environment, we must come together with fierce resistance, deep organizing, and a bold vision. It’s not yet halfway through Trump’s first 100 days in office and his administration has already shown they’ll go to any length to dismantle the laws and regulations that protect our air, water and climate. http://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/03/06/only-mass-mobilization-can-save-epa California Heads Down a Command-and-Control Blind Alley as Carbon Pricing Falters Although at the federal level the biggest barrier to decarbonizing the economy is a lack of political will, in California, public opinion seems more supportive. In a recent poll, 69 percent of California voters backed policies to cut emissions. Yet the state’s carbon policy is in disarray.https://niskanencenter.org/blog/california-heads-command-control-blind-alley-carbon-pricing-falters/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:29:32 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 8, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 8, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm . Staff at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in workshops on updates to Senate Bill 375 regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). The workshops will be held at the locations and dates below, and will follow the same format and presentation. SACRAMENTO: March 9, 2017 (also webcast) FRESNO: March 14, 2017 For more information on these workshops, visit the ARB SB 375 website and see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm. Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE . One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 9, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 9, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CAP AND TRADE AIR POLLUTION How can Wales tackle air pollution? Air pollution is a "public health crisis" second only to smoking, according to Public Health Wales. Air pollution contributes to 2,000 deaths in Wales each year - that's 6% of all deaths. Research has found children who live on very polluted roads have slower lung development and can be more likely to cough and wheeze, while traffic pollution can also contribute to heart and lung problems in adults. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-39203185 CLIMATE CHANGE EU says to beef up climate diplomacy to save Paris agreement. EU foreign ministers on Monday said the bloc would strengthen diplomacy to promote the fight against climate change in the face of a possible U.S. exit from the Paris agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned on promises to reverse the climate-change initiatives of his predecessor… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-climatechange-trump-idUSKBN16D25H?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=fbfa302bd2-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-fbfa302bd2-327747457 Warming may disrupt four-fifths of world's oceans by 2050: study. Global warming will disrupt four-fifths of the world's oceans by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, threatening fish that are the main source of food for a billion people, scientists said on Tuesday. Curbs on man-made emissions, however, would give marine life more time to adapt to warming conditions or for marine life from algae to cod to shift to cooler waters nearer the poles, they said. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-oceans-idUSKBN16E24S RPT-From Africa to Asia, governments considering 'green' bond sales. A raft of developing countries are considering selling bonds earmarked for environmental projects, potentially accelerating growth in a market seen as crucial to efforts to keep global temperatures in check. France and Poland have in recent months become the first sovereigns to issue 'green' bonds, previously the domain mainly of development banks and companies. http://www.reuters.com/article/emerging-bonds-green-idUSL5N1GK1SZ Trump adviser Peter Thiel questions restricting carbon emissions. Peter Thiel, the technology investor and advisor to President Donald Trump, questioned the global push toward restricting carbon emissions as "group think" while speaking Tuesday at an international energy conference here. "I'm not sure I'm an extreme skeptic of climate change, but I have my doubts about the extreme ways that people… http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Trump-adviser-Peter-Thiel-questions-restricting-10985006.php Australia's summer broke 205 weather records, climate group says. More than 200 weather records were broken during Australia's most recent summer, a climate group has warned. The Climate Council report, titled "Angry Summer", said the season was defined by intense heatwaves and bushfires in eastern Australia but heavy rain and flooding in the west. It showed climate change was being felt across Australia, the researchers said. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-39175668 Pacific states reaffirm climate commitments for Trump era. Eleven years ago, as a Republican president did little to address climate change, the states of California, Oregon and Washington agreed to work together to fight carbon emissions. Yesterday, they agreed to do it again. There was no pressing legal need for the heads of three state utility commissions to sign a memorandum of understanding. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051120 Nominee declines to discuss climate change. The nominee to become the third-highest official at the Department of Justice said yesterday she would enforce environmental regulations but didn't directly answer questions about climate change. Rachel Brand, President Trump's pick to be associate attorney general, said at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051099 It's like a 'divorce' if U.S. ditches climate pact – Stern. The Trump administration would damage the United States' global prestige if it withdraws from the Paris Agreement, Todd Stern, the former special envoy for climate change, warned yesterday. In a post on the Brookings Institution's website, Stern said that exiting from Paris would be "an act of reckless disregard for United States standing in the world’. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051098 Alaskan caribou are adapting to warming. Alaska's iconic caribou herds appear to be surviving changes in the Arctic climate, despite shifts in the time periods during which their food supplies are most plentiful, according to a recent study. The report indicated that Alaska caribou apparently aren't facing what is known as a mismatch, a phenomenon created when caribou give birth… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051096 DROUGHT NASA images reveal impact winter storms have had on drought-ravaged California. It’s a photo that is making farmers, skiers and thirsty people across the Golden state very happy. Satellite photographs from the NASA Earth Observatory show the drastic change this winter’s almost-ceaseless rain and snow have had on the California landscape from 2014 – when the state was suffering through a devastating drought. http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/03/08/nasa-images-reveal-impact-winter-storms-have-had-on-drought-ravaged-california.html FUELS Saudis to take ownership of country's largest refinery. Saudi Aramco will soon assume sole ownership of the United States' largest oil refinery. The Saudi Arabian oil giant will take over the massive Port Arthur Refinery in Texas within the next three months. The move comes as part of an agreement Monday between Saudi Aramco and Royal Dutch Shell PLC to dissolve their joint venture, Motiva Enterprises LLC. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051079 VEHICLES Lamborghini open to considering all-electric supercar: CEO. Lamborghini is open to an all-electric addition to its line-up of luxury sports cars, its chief executive said on Wednesday, evidence that German parent Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) interest in producing zero-emission vehicles could extend to the very top end of its brands. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-autoshow-geneva-lamborghini-strategy-idUSKBN16F296 Enviros steel for battle if Pruitt takes aim at car standards. California environmentalists are preparing for a federal battle over the state's ability to carry out its existing greenhouse gas rules for vehicles. Media outlets reported over the weekend that the Trump administration is considering how to undo a January move by the Obama administration to lock in fuel economy rules for passenger vehicles through 2025. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051121 Former Tesla executives to build battery factory. Two former Tesla Inc. executives are planning to build a $4 billion battery plant in the Nordic region. Peter Carlsson and Paolo Cerruti, who both previously oversaw Tesla's global supply chain, announced yesterday that they hope to start producing lithium-ion batteries by 2020. The two executives are betting that the factory will help them… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051081 VW RECALL EPA auditor to review emissions testing checks after VW case. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency watchdog plans to review whether the agency's internal controls are effective at detecting vehicle emissions fraud, the EPA's Office of Inspector General said. In a memo dated Monday, the inspector general said it will "begin preliminary research to determine… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-emissions-idUSKBN16F231 Merkel Says She Learned About VW Diesel Cheating From the Media. Chancellor Angela Merkel said she learned of Volkswagen AG’s cheating on diesel emissions the day after the U.S. government disclosed it and later told then-CEO Martin Winterkorn that VW had put the German car industry’s reputation at risk. Merkel testified for more than two hours on Wednesday before German lawmakers probing… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-08/merkel-says-she-learned-about-vw-diesel-cheating-from-the-media http://www.timesnow.tv/business-economy/article/angela-merkel-to-face-questioning-in-volkswagen-%E2%80%98dieselgate%E2%80%99-case/57217 FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Fiat Chrysler's merger options dwindle as Volkswagen rejects overtures. Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI) boss Sergio Marchionne's attempts to find a partner were frustrated for a second time in as many days on Wednesday, as Volkswagen (VW) joined General Motors (GM) in dismissing any interest in talks with their smaller rival. Marchionne said on Tuesday that European market leader VW (VOWG_p.DE) would be… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-autoshow-geneva-volkswagen-fiat-chrys-idUSKBN16F14I GREEN ENERGY Big Battery Installations Surge After Gas Leak in California. The biggest natural gas leak in U.S. history led to a boom in large-scale energy-storage systems, the technology that’s long considered the elusive link to integrating solar and wind power into electric grids. U.S. homes and businesses -- primarily utilities -- installed storage systems with 336 megawatt-hours of capacity in 2016… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-07/big-battery-installations-surge-after-gas-leak-in-california MISCELLANEOUS MEDIA ADVISORY: 27 electric trucks coming to Fontana freight yard and two rail yards SAN BERNARDINO - On Friday, the State of California, San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) and partners Daylight Transport and BYD celebrate the arrival of the first of 27 next-generation zero-emission electric yard and service trucks in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Fontana. The trucks were funded by $9 million from the State's climate change-fighting cap-and-trade program. http://www.publicnow.com/view/BC1D0B8CB7D12030BAA50AF45DED1B5B2B45B939 OPINIONS China's 'blue skies' dreams mean red flags for industrial metals: Andy Home. "We will make our skies blue again". That was the rallying call issued by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the start of the country's annual meeting of parliament. Any lingering doubts that air pollution has moved to the very top of Beijing's political agenda should be dispelled. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-ahome-idUSKBN16F1XR OTHER VIEWS: Air pollution around the world takes a staggering toll. Despite calling for clean air and clean water in his first speech to a joint session of Congress last week, President Trump is reportedly aiming to cut the Environmental Protection Agency’s staff by a fifth. Maybe Trump really believes there are enough “superfluous” EPA programs — such as, apparently, those addressing climate change… http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/other-views-air-pollution-around-the-world-takes-a-staggering/article_87f45fa7-0959-579b-a275-e621ef0da7eb.html Editorial: GOP owns Trump attack on the Earth. Republicans are killing the planet. We say that because President Donald Trump was their nominee and they own him – golden locks, who knows what stocks and barrel of childish tweets. Yesterday brought the news that 52,000 square miles of permafrost – an area about six times as large as New Hampshire – in Canada’s Northwest Territories has melted… http://www.concordmonitor.com/Republican-attack-on-the-planet-8531354 BLOGS Dozens of Advocacy Groups Challenge EPA on Factory Farm Pollution. Rural communities demand clean water, not environmental rollbacks. While the Trump administration orders the EPA do less to protect Americans from dirty air and water, and Congress threatens to dismantle the agency altogether, Food & Water Watch and 34 advocacy organizations are demanding that the agency do more to protect communities from factory farms. http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/news/dozens-advocacy-groups-challenge-epa-factory-farm-pollution Future climate change will affect plants and soil differently. A new study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. In drier regions, soil carbon loss decreased but in wetter regions soil carbon loss increased. A new European study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170307100311.htm California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 15:47:02 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 9, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 9, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm Staff at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a workshop on updates to Senate Bill 375 regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). The workshops will be held at the locations and dates below, and will follow the same format and presentation. FRESNO: March 14, 2017 For more information on these workshops, visit the ARB SB 375 website and see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION Exclusive: Norway's Wealth Fund May Blacklist Firms Over Emissions, Corruption Risk. The ethics watchdog for Norway's $900-billion sovereign wealth fund will recommend this year that the fund exclude or put on a watch list several firms in the oil, cement and steel industries for emitting too much greenhouse gas. Carbon emissions are a new criteria for the fund, which was built up from the proceeds of… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-norway-swf-ethics.html CLIMATE CHANGE Shell Sells Nearly All Its Oil Sands Assets in Another Sign of Sector's Woes. Royal Dutch Shell said on Thursday it will sell nearly all of its tar sands assets, the latest sign that operations in the Canadian resource continue to struggle as oil prices remain historically low and energy companies come under increasing pressure to reduce their impacts on climate change. The sale, to Canadian Natural Resources Limited, is one of the biggest in a series of steps by multinational companies to turn away from the tar sands, among the most expensive and carbon-intensive sources of oil. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09032017/shell-canadian-oil-sands-oil-prices-climate-change-exxon Shell Cuts Debt With $7.25 Billion Sale of Canada Oil Sands. Royal Dutch Shell Plc will sell almost all of its production assets in Canada’s oil sands in a $7.25 billion deal that cuts debt and reduces involvement in one of the most environmentally damaging forms of fossil-fuel extraction. All of the company’s oil-sands interests apart from a 10 percent stake in the Athabasca mining project will be sold… https://www.bloombergquint.com/markets/2017/03/09/shell-agrees-to-sell-oil-sands-operations-for-7-25-billion Shell CEO Urges Switch to Clean Energy as Plans Hefty Renewable Spending. The oil and gas industry risks losing public support if progress is not made in the transition to cleaner energy, Royal Dutch Shell Plc Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said on Thursday. The world's second largest publicly-traded oil company plans to increase its investment in renewable energy to $1 billion a year by… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-ceraweek-shell-shell.html EPA Chief: Carbon Dioxide Not Primary Cause of Warming. The new chief of the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday he does not believe that carbon dioxide is a primary contributor to global warming, a statement at odds with mainstream scientific consensus and his own agency. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said measuring the effect of human activity on the climate is "very challenging"… https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/03/09/us/politics/ap-us-pruitt-global-warming.html http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/09/519425866/epa-chief-scott-pruitt-questions-basic-facts-about-climate-change Spring Came Early. Scientists Say Climate Change Is a Culprit. After a mild winter across much of the United States, February brought abnormally high temperatures, especially east of the Rockies. Spring weather arrived more than three weeks earlier than usual in some places, and new research released Wednesday shows a strong link to climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/08/climate/early-spring.html Study: Climate Change Goosed Odds of Freakishly Hot February. A freakishly balmy February broke more than 11,700 local daily records for warmth in the United States, but it didn't quite beat 1954 for the warmest February on record, climate scientists said. The average temperature last month was 41.2 degrees — 7.3 degrees warmer than normal but three-tenths a degree behind the record… https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/03/08/science/ap-us-sci-hot-february.html February's Unusual Heat Has Climate Change Link, Scientists Find. Global warming has made winter swelters like the one experienced in February three times more likely, according to a new rapid analysis. A new rapid analysis has concluded that climate change has made winter swelters like the one experienced this February in the United States at least three times more likely. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08032017/climate-change-scientists-heat-wave-february-global-warming Former GOP chairman: 'Extremely important' to stay in pact. Former Sen. Richard Lugar hopes the Trump administration not only remains within the 2015 Paris climate deal but takes an active role in convincing other countries to do the same. The Indiana Republican and former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman told… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/08/stories/1060051097 'Global climate change' on the chopping block in upcoming budget. The White House has proposed eliminating climate aid as part of draconian budget cuts at the State Department, a source familiar with the funding documents told E&E News. The zeroing out of a "global climate change" funding cut is likely a reference… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/09/stories/1060051170 DROUGHT California Today: Why the State’s Biggest Lake Is Dying. California’s biggest lake, about 350 square miles, is dying. It’s not the first time. The Salton Sea, straddling the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, is the latest incarnation of a body of water that has been drying and refilling over eons with water from the Colorado River. Native Americans once fished and camped on Lake Cahuilla, a prehistoric and larger version. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/09/us/california-todaywhat-should-be-done-about-the-salton-sea.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 FUELS Engie Pulls Out of UK Shale Gas With Assets Sale to Ineos. French energy company Engie has sold its British shale gas interests to petrochemicals firm Ineos for an undisclosed sum, the companies said on Thursday. Engie was one of the first big energy companies to back Britain's nascent shale gas industry when it bought parts of Dart Energy's license’s, a company since then taken over by IGas, in 2013. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-britain-shale-engie-ineos.html 'Clean' coal won't be commercially viable before 2030, energy analysis says. Renewables now the cheapest source of reliable power generation in Australia, RepuTex says. “Clean” coal technologies won’t be commercially viable before 2030 without government subsidy and are fundamentally out of sync with the move towards more flexible power generation, according to the energy market analysis firm RepuTex. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/09/clean-coal-wont-be-commercially-viable-before-2030-energy-analysis-says VEHICLES CIA 'Mission' on Cars Shows Concern About Next-Generation Vehicles. WikiLeaks documents showing the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency considered a "mission" against connected car technology underscores auto industry concern that the science behind the next generation of vehicles could be turned against them. Cyber security is considered key to the rollout of tomorrow's self-driving and today's connected cars… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/08/technology/08reuters-cia-wikileaks-autos.html VW RECALL VW and Tata Agree to Explore Cooperation in India-Sources. Volkswagen has signed an agreement with Tata Motors to explore cooperation in India, company sources close to the matter said, as the German carmaker tries once again to conquer emerging markets. After months of talks, the carmakers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen exchanges about technology... https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-volkswagen-tata-motors.html EPA Auditor to Review Emissions Testing Checks After VW Case. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency watchdog plans to review whether the agency's internal controls are effective at detecting vehicle emissions fraud, the EPA's Office of Inspector General said. In a memo dated Monday, the inspector general said it will "begin preliminary research to determine… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/08/business/08reuters-usa-emissions.html Volkswagen Plans to Scrap Bonuses for Supervisory Board Members. Volkswagen plans to scrap bonus payments for members of its supervisory board, it said on Thursday, the latest sign of belt-tightening as the German carmaker grapples with the cost of its emissions scandal. Supervisory board members have agreed to accept only fixed salaries in future and scrap bonuses, a spokesman said, citing a proposal… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-volkswagen-bonuses.html GREEN ENERGY Greece to Get EBRD Funding for Renewable Energy Drive. Cash-strapped Greece will get more funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) after its board approved up to 300 million euros (260.1 million pounds) to fund renewable energy projects. Greece is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and the EBRD aims to mobilize much-needed investment and financing to help exploit the country's huge potential for renewables, including solar, wind… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/09/business/09reuters-greece-ebrd-funding.html New Mexico's Famed Arena Recognized for Green Features. The University of New Mexico's legendary basketball arena, a mid-century fixture that was modernized as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation a few years ago, is being recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Built in 1966, The Pit is one of college basketball's most famous — and loudest — buildings. https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/03/08/us/ap-us-new-mexico-the-pit.html Tesla powers up pioneering Hawaii solar storage project. Tesla has reportedly completed its first major solar storage project since its $2bn acquisition of SolarCity, underlining the electric vehicle giant's plans to become a major player in the wider clean tech sector. The company said it has brought online the Kapaia solar and storage project in Hawaii, combining a 13MW solar array with… http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3006172/tesla-powers-up-pioneering-hawaii-solar-storage-project After 'impressive' 2016, market poised to triple by 2022. America's solar market is poised to triple over the next six years, according to industry data released this morning. Coming off a record 2016, when developers installed 14.7 GW of new solar photovoltaic capacity, the industry is projected to ride a wave of falling prices and strong consumer demand through the end of the decade, with an average 13 GW of new capacity coming online each year through 2020. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/09/stories/1060051169 MISCELLANEOUS The Senate just voted to overturn another environmental rule — sending it to Trump’s desk. An Obama-era rule aimed at modernizing the management of public lands is one step closer to being repealed. The Senate voted Tuesday to overturn an Interior Department regulation known as the Planning 2.0 rule in a move that critics say hands too much influence to the oil and gas industry… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/08/the-senate-just-voted-to-overturn-another-environmental-rule-sending-it-to-trumps-desk/?utm_term=.b70c291251fe ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Chief Environmental Justice Official at EPA Resigns, With Plea to Pruitt to Protect Vulnerable Communities. Mustafa Ali quits after 24 years, as new administrator prepares deep cuts in programs affecting the poor and minorities. The head of the environmental justice program at the Environmental Protection Agency has stepped down, departing the government with a lengthy letter to Scott Pruitt… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09032017/epa-environmental-justice-mustafa-ali-flint-water-crisis-dakota-access-pipeline-trump-scott-pruitt OPINIONS Don’t Roll Back the Vehicle Fuel Standards. One of the signal achievements of the Obama administration was reaching an agreement with the auto industry to dramatically increase fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, doubling them to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The industry now wants to renege. At its behest, the Trump administration is expected to initiate a rollback. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/08/opinion/dont-roll-back-the-vehicle-fuel-standards.html What's at stake as the GOP moves to slash regulations? For starters, clean air. Amid the Republican backlash against federal scientists who write rules governing everything from movie theater popcorn to offshore oil drilling, stories abound of overburdened businesses, heavy-handed civil servants and crushing paperwork. But another story, one involving a deadly household material… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-regulatory-reform-science-20170309-story.html BLOGS Financial Heavyweights Call For Emissions Disclosure, But Is It Enough? The private sector must play its part in the race to keep a global temperature rise below 2 degrees. The world has changed a lot since CDP began securing climate disclosure from companies fifteen years ago. In 2002, asking a company for data on its carbon emissions was a relatively novel concept… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/financial-heavyweights-call-for-emissions-disclosure_us_58bfe2a3e4b070e55af9e97e Steve Bannon's Weird Journey From Biosphere Champion to Climate Denying Crank. The mysterious conversion of Donald Trump's chief strategist. As climate scientists go, Wally Broecker is famous. The 85-year-old geochemist and Columbia University professor not only coined the term "global warming," but was one of the first researchers to accurately predict how much the Earth's temperature would change… http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/03/steve-bannon-climate-change-project-biosphere California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 13:47:18 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 10, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 10, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm Staff at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a workshop on updates to Senate Bill 375 regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). The workshops will be held at the locations and dates below, and will follow the same format and presentation. FRESNO: March 14, 2017 For more information on these workshops, visit the ARB SB 375 website and see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE One or more workshops/meetings have been scheduled and are now located in ARB's Workshop Calendar Please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/calendar/cur_evnt.php?type=workshops which links to meeting details, including: March 14, 2017: SB 375 Targets Update Workshop March 14, 2017. more info https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION Under Pressure, Air District Says It’s Still Investigating Vallejo Fumes. Facing pressure from state legislators, Vallejo residents and environmentalists, local air regulators are reversing course and now say they are still trying to figure out what caused an unbearable odor that sickened scores of Vallejo residents and prompted a shelter-in-place order last September. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/03/09/bay-area-air-district-baaqmd-says-it-is-still-investigating-vallejo-fumes/ Despite gains, Toronto’s air pollution still causing serious health problems. Toronto Public Health says that levels of major pollutants in the air have become stagnant after years of decline, with traffic emissions being the greatest source. The summer of 2016 was the first in Matthew Beaudry’s young life when fears of air pollution triggering his severe asthma didn’t stop him from playing outside. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/03/10/despite-gains-torontos-air-pollution-still-causing-serious-health-problems.html CLIMATE CHANGE Fearing Trump threat to state emissions law, California lawmakers plan a fight. The Trump administration could move at any time to revoke California’s right to impose stricter auto emissions standards than the federal government does, and the state’s senators are already mounting a fight. Congressional sources are hearing conflicting information on whether and when the Environmental Protection Agency will revoke California’s waiver. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article137539733.html#storylink=cpy EPA chief: Carbon dioxide not primary cause of warming. The new chief of the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday he does not believe that carbon dioxide is a primary contributor to global warming, a statement at odds with mainstream scientific consensus and his own agency. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said measuring the effect of human activity on the climate is "very challenging"… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PRUITT_GLOBAL_WARMING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/09/on-climate-change-scott-pruitt-contradicts-the-epas-own-website/?utm_term=.b5f208325786 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/10/fact-check-scott-pruitt-climate-change-epa/99003010/ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/9/scott-pruitt-turns-epa-away-from-climate-change-ag/ http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/epa-chief-doubts-scientific-consensus-that-carbon-dioxide-is-behind-global-warming/ http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/323312-sanders-rips-pruitt-over-co2-comments http://www.newsweek.com/scott-pruitt-global-warming-epa-carbon-emissions-565984 https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09032017/scott-pruitt-epa-donald-trump-climate-change-denial-co2-global-warming http://www.ibtimes.com/co2-climate-change-human-activity-causes-global-warming-science-shows-epas-scott-2505773 http://time.com/4696658/scott-pruitt-epa-carbon-climate-change/ Statoil to cut greenhouse emissions by a fifth by 2030. Norwegian oil and gas producer Statoil said on Thursday it aims to cut its annual carbon dioxide emissions by about a fifth from current levels by 2030 as part of global efforts to limit climate change. It set a goal of cutting 3 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2030 from its 2017 emissions and also said it planned to reduce emissions per barrel of oil produced… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-statoil-emissions-idUSKBN16G1KC G-20 Poised to Signal Retreat From Climate-Change Funding Pledge. Finance ministers for the U.S., China, Germany and other members of the Group of 20 economies may scale back a robust pledge for their governments to combat climate change, ceding efforts to the private sector. Citing “scarce public resources,” the ministers said they would encourage multilateral development banks to raise… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-09/g-20-document-shows-governments-retreating-from-climate-funding What Slashing the EPA's Budget by One-Quarter Would Really Mean. The agency's funding would fall to its lowest point since the Ford administration, and climate change efforts, some little known, are expected to suffer deeply. The Trump Administration's proposed slashing of the Environmental Protection Agency's budget threatens to reduce the agency's resources to levels not seen since its formative days… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09032017/environmental-protection-agency-scott-pruitt-donald-trump-climate-change Ocean Warming Has Surged Since 1992, Study Says. The world's oceans have warmed at twice the rate of previous decades and the extra heat has reached deeper waters, finds data stretching back to 1960. The rate of ocean warming has nearly doubled since 1992 compared with the previous three decades. And the warming has reached deeper waters, scientists reported Friday. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10032017/global-warming-oceans-climate-change-noaa Earth's oceans are warming 13% faster than thought, and accelerating. Our new study improves estimates of the rate of ocean warming - a critical component of climate change. New research has convincingly quantified how much the Earth has warmed over the past 56 years. Human activities utilize fossil… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/mar/10/earths-oceans-are-warming-13-faster-than-thought-and-accelerating Climate policy must protect children’s rights, UN panel hears. High level panel at the UN Human Rights Council hears that a child rights centred approach to climate change is “overdue”. Governments must do more to protect the human rights of children as they try to tackle climate change, representatives of the UN and its member states have told high-level panel in Geneva this week. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/03/10/climate-policy-must-protect-childrens-rights-un-panel-hears/ Proposed NOAA cuts would disarm coasts facing rising seas, scientists say. A proposed White House budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could put coastal communities throughout the nation at a major disadvantage as they struggle to adapt to threats from sea-level rise, severe storms and other climate-related events, scientists and other experts said. http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/national/proposed-noaa-cuts-would-disarm-coasts-facing-rising-seas-scientists-say-20170310 U.S. void in climate pact helps China be a 'superpower'. A U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement on climate change would damage more than international relations. It would also cede a huge economic opportunity to China and other global competitors, according to a recent high-ranking Energy Department official. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051270/feed National Science Foundation climate research vulnerable to cuts. Democrats say they fear GOP lawmakers will gut the National Science Foundation's climate change research using new legislation passed into law this year. The bipartisan legislation enacted in January established a policy stating that the NSF must consider the intellectual merit of projects… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051272 GHGs dropping as renewables soar. Increased renewable energy generation led to a drop in greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, a new study says. In the last three months of 2016, the country's emissions fell by 3.57 million metric tons. The report states that the reduction — the largest since record-keeping began in 2001 — was a direct result of record-breaking hydropower and wind power… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051238 Bill calls for tapping federal data to boost building codes. Bipartisan House legislation would direct the Commerce Department to gather a "consistent, authoritative set of climate information" to prepare homes and infrastructure for extreme weather. Sponsored by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.), H.R. 1464 attempts to bolster climate resilience by providing data on disaster forecasts and warming-related trends… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051295 DROUGHT When Is a Drought Over? A Wet California Wants to Know. The Hollywood Reservoir is nestled in a basin surrounded, usually, by dusty brown hillsides, broken up by the occasional dry wisp of shrubbery. Not these days. After yet another burst of rain the other day, the hills were transformed into lush fields of knee-high grass, spotted with purple flowers. And the reservoir? As high as it has been in years. In Northern California, snow could be seen on top of Mount Diablo outside San Francisco last weekend. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/us/california-drought-snowpack.html?_r=1 After near-record Northern California storms, signs of El Niño rise. If you don’t think California has seen enough rain this year, just wait. There may be more to come. Federal forecasters said Thursday that the chances of an El Niño developing by fall are on the rise — now between 50 and 55 percent —an outlook that could skew the odds in favor of yet another wet winter. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/After-near-record-Northern-California-storms-is-10991042.php FUELS Tillerson has recused himself from Keystone pipeline issues: State Dept. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has recused himself from issues related to TransCanada Corp's application for a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, the State Department said in a letter on Thursday to the environmental group Greenpeace. "He has not worked on that matter at the Department of State… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-transcanada-keystone-tillerson-idUSKBN16G384 We're a little closer than before to a solar-fueled vehicle. Scientists are developing a practical method to convert water and sunshine into fuel — a key step in someday powering cars with the sun. Experts have long been experimenting with techniques to create solar fuels, which allow all the advantages of conventional fossil fuels along with the environmental benefits of renewable energy. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051241 VW RECALL Volkswagen pleads guilty in US diesel emissions scandal. Volkswagen pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy and obstruction of justice in a brazen scheme to get around U.S. pollution rules on nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles by using software to suppress emissions of nitrogen oxide during tests. The German automaker has agreed to pay $4.3 billion in civil and criminal penalties… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagen-pleads-guilty-to-criminal-charges-in-emissions-cheating-scandal-1489161238 http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/03/10/volkswagen-pleads-guilty-diesel-emissions-cheating-dieselgate/ http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/10/volkswagen-to-plead-guilty-in-emissions-scandal-friday-lawyer.html The Latest: Judge to take time before VW sentence. Volkswagen has pleaded guilty in a scandal related to diesel emission tests, but a federal judge in Detroit wants more time to study the deal. Judge Sean Cox wasn't ready to immediately sentence VW on Friday. Instead, he says he wants to study the agreement negotiated… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL_THE_LATEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT GREEN ENERGY Wind Power Blows Through Nuclear, Coal as Costs Drop at Sea. Water and electric power plants don’t mix well naturally, unless you add some wind. Water tends to corrode and short out circuits. So what’s happening in the the renewable energy industry, where developers are putting jumbo-jet sized wind turbines into stormy seas, is at the very least an engineering miracle. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-09/wind-power-blows-through-nuclear-coal-as-costs-plunge-at-sea West Coast Utility Regulators Reaffirm Clean Energy Commitment. This week, utility regulators from the West Coast reaffirmed a commitment made in 2006 to support efforts to reduce carbon pollution and expand the development of low-carbon technologies in the energy industry. http://solarindustrymag.com/west-coast-utility-regulators-reaffirm-clean-energy-commitment Regulators put a new value on N.Y.'s distributed energy. New York energy officials have said they want to bring legions of small clean-energy units onto the grid. They want these units to function just like power plants, but cut pollution and relieve congestion on the grid. But to make that real, they have to define the value of these values. Yesterday, they took a crack at it. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051269 Clean energy programs vulnerable to Trump's budget ax. Budget cuts to the Department of Energy's renewable and efficiency programs could have a devastating impact, advocates said this week. The Trump administration won't release details of its fiscal 2018 budget until next week, but many stakeholders expect… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/10/stories/1060051297 MISCELLANEOUS House committee passes two EPA science bills. The House Science Committee on Thursday approved two bills to reform how the Environmental Protection Agency conducts scientific research. The committee, led by Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), approved a bill requiring the EPA to publicly release scientific research it uses to write regulations. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/323161-house-committee-passes-two-epa-science-bills OPINIONS This climate lawsuit could change everything. No wonder the Trump administration doesn’t want it going to trial. A groundbreaking climate lawsuit, brought against the federal government by 21 children, has been hailed by environmentalists as a bold new strategy to press for climate action in the United States. But the Trump administration, which has pledged to undo Barack Obama’s climate regulations, is doing its best to make sure the case doesn’t get far. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/09/this-climate-lawsuit-could-change-everything-no-wonder-the-trump-administration-doesnt-want-it-going-to-trial/?utm_term=.81809aa6dd11 Trump’s Climate Views: Combative, Conflicting and Confusing. Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, drew criticism on Thursday for saying that carbon dioxide was not a primary contributor to global warming, contradicting years of established science. But his boss, President Trump, has similarly raised doubts about the cause of global warming… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/climate/donald-trump-global-warming-views.html?_r=0 Angelenos want to fight climate change by building more livable neighborhoods. Our leaders need to get on board. To the editor: The issue isn’t that our state climate change goals are too ambitious — our regional and local governments just aren’t equipped for the challenge. (“California won't meet its climate change goals without a lot more housing density in its cities … http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-climate-change-density-housing-20170310-story.html Gov. Brown, turn on our state beach showers. After a thankfully long, wet season, one of the last weekends of Southern California’s winter promises to be a warm and clear one, with temperatures even along the coast heading into the low 80s. That means lots of locals will head to the beaches Saturday and Sunday to reacquaint themselves with the Pacific Ocean at our back door. http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20170309/gov-brown-turn-on-our-state-beach-showers Climate change denier leading the EPA? So long, fish. At long last, the whining voices of a mere "staggering majority" of scientists are being drowned out by a sensible non-scientist named Scott. This hero's full name is Scott Pruitt, and he's the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency. He made headlines Thursday by boldly stating that carbon dioxide emissions — which for decades… http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/huppke/ct-pruitt-epa-carbon-dioxide-huppke-20170310-story.html With deniers at the helm, we need responsible climate leadership in Texas and beyond. With the confirmation of Scott Pruitt to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the path ahead for our climate is clearer -- or perhaps dirtier -- than ever. With his reported ties to oil and gas corporations, Pruitt is set to defang the EPA in line with the 14 lawsuits he brought against the agency as Oklahoma attorney general. http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/03/10/need-climate-leadership-texas-beyond BLOGS Want to Gut Emission Rules? Prepare for War With California. The Golden State is ready for a fight—and it’s got a well-stocked arsenal. In its ongoing jihad against federal regulations, the Trump administration has indicated some interest in targeting the ones that attempt to fight climate change. First in its sights: a funky law that gives the state of California the right to make its own rules on automotive emissions. https://www.citylab.com/politics/2017/03/want-gut-emission-rules-prepare-war-california/519225/ Interview: preparing for climate and disaster migration. As sea levels rise, lands dry out, and disasters linked to natural hazards become more common, more and more people are going to be forced to move. Are we prepared? Atle Solberg: My name is Atle Solberg, I work for the Platform on Disaster Displacement. The objective of the Platform on Disaster Displacement is to follow-up on the work started… https://www.opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery/safepassages/atle-solberg/interview-preparing-for-climate-and-disaster-migration Now under attack, EPA’s work on climate change has been going on for decades. The Trump administration intends to roll back two pillars of the Obama administration’s climate policy – regulations to limit carbon emissions from vehicles and power plants. Under President Obama, the Environmental Protection Agency was central to these regulations. http://theconversation.com/now-under-attack-epas-work-on-climate-change-has-been-going-on-for-decades-74065 Toxic Priorities: Switching cleanup rules, state risks leaving homes contaminated. Struggling with what officials call the largest and most expensive toxic contamination in California history, embattled state regulators have changed the formula for assessing the level of lead-laced soil in residential areas—a move that could result in a significant number of homes falling off the priority cleanup list. https://calmatters.org/articles/toxic-priority-hed-here/?utm_source=CALmatters+Newsletter&utm_campaign=e96bd1b702-170308 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:34:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 13, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 13, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm. Staff at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a workshop on updates to Senate Bill 375 regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for California's Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). The workshops will be held at the locations and dates below, and will follow the same format and presentation. FRESNO: March 14, 2017 For more information on these workshops, visit the ARB SB 375 website and see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/meetings/meetings.htm On March 14, 2017, at 1:30 pm, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is providing an online training webinar to discuss tool changes, clarifications, and guidance document updates for Electric Power Entities for 2016 data reported in 2017. The session will include a staff presentation and time for questions. Slides for the webinar will be posted at the following link prior to the start time: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/guidance/guidance-training.htm The GHG reporting regulation and additional information are available here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm Updated guidance documents will be posted prior to the webinar. In addition, updated Excel reporting workbooks for Electric Power Entities (EPE) will be posted prior to the webinar at the following link: https://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/calhelp/Reporting+Form+Instructions#EPE The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CAP AND TRADE Move to regional cap-and-trade system gaining momentum, says environmentalist. Federal government says provinces must adopt some form of carbon price by 2018. Momentum may be shifting in favour of a cap-and-trade system over a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Brunswick. Environmentalist Louise Comeau of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick says comments by Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil are the latest sign that cap-and-trade… http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/carbon-emissions-cap-trade-ns-nb-1.4019833 AIR POLLUTION New Bill Could Make It Harder For Harris County to Sue Over Pollution. Right now, plans are moving forward to finally remove most of the dioxin that has been steadily leaking out the San Jacinto Waste Pits for decades. But if a recently filed bill makes it through the 85th Biennial State Legislative Session it will become nearly impossible for the Harris County… http://www.houstonpress.com/news/bill-filed-giving-state-ags-office-tceq-right-to-veto-harris-countys-environmental-lawsuits-9265172 CLIMATE CHANGE EPA to study whether its emissions tests are vulnerable to cheating. The Environmental Protection Agency's internal watchdog announced plans to confirm the agency's ability to do the job it's charged with. Even with a new leader apparently at odds with its mission, the Environmental Protection Agency continues to function on some level. On Thursday, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said carbon dioxide released by human activity is not a major cause of climate change… http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0312/EPA-to-study-whether-its-emissions-tests-are-vulnerable-to-cheating In race to curb climate change, cities outpace governments. As cities from Sydney to Oslo set more ambitious targets to cut climate change than national plans, is conflict ahead? Cities from Oslo to Sydney are setting goals to curb climate change that exceed national targets, causing tensions with central governments about who controls policy over green energy and transport and construction. http://news.trust.org/item/20170313070633-te7ad/ UCSD scientists worry Trump could suppress climate change data. C San Diego may accelerate plans to preserve its climate data due to growing concerns among faculty members that the Trump administration could interfere with their work. Campus officials intend to discuss what they should do during a March 21 meeting at the school’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, whose research has been used for decades to shape climate agreements. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-ucsd-20170311-story.html In the battle over California climate policies, green projects are now in the hot seat. Outdated refrigerators arrive at a Compton warehouse in a funeral procession of defunct appliances. Workers vacuum out the coolants and ship the chemicals halfway across the country, where they’re destroyed instead of allowed to escape into the atmosphere, worsening global warming. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-offsets-environmental-justice-20170313-story.html A carbon dividend really can slow fossil fuel use — under these conditions. How should nations reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are changing the Earth’s climate — especially when every citizen and business has plenty of incentives to keep driving, turning on the lights, plugging in their devices, and bumping up the heat or air conditioning? One widely discussed option is a “carbon dividend”. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/03/13/a-carbon-dividend-really-can-slow-fossil-fuel-use-under-these-conditions/?utm_term=.b9dbe076b09a Meteorologists refute EPA head on climate change. The nation’s top organization for meteorology is refuting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s recent comments on the role of carbon dioxide in climate change. Pruitt questioned mainstream climate science last week, saying in a CNBC interview, “I would not agree that [carbon dioxide is] a primary contributor to the global warming that we see.” http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/323654-meteorologists-refute-epa-head-on-climate-change Vicious circle of drought and forest loss from logging in the Amazon. Logging that happens today and potential future rainfall reductions in the Amazon could push the region into a vicious dieback circle. If dry seasons intensify with human-caused climate change, the risk for self-amplified forest loss would increase even more, an international team of scientists finds. https://yubanet.com/world/vicious-circle-of-drought-and-forest-loss-from-logging-in-the-amazon/ Companies seek to turn captured carbon into concrete, fish food and even toothpaste. It has been derided as an expensive excuse to burn coal. But now, carbon capture technology may be leading to new commercial uses that could end up in your mouth. While business case questions have swirled over carbon capture and storage, companies are increasingly looking to turn emissions… http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/companies-seek-to-turn-captured-carbon-into-concrete-fish-food-and-even-toothpaste-1.3322271 Experts: Global warming effects on Colorado River need to be taken more seriously. Some water watchers aren’t so worried about a report that shows global warming has contributed to a near-20-percent decline in Colorado River flows. Drew Beckwith, water policy manager for Western Resource Advocates, said that water authorities in the region are taking climate change… http://www.havasunews.com/news/experts-global-warming-effects-on-colorado-river-need-to-be/article_fa6caa18-07b3-11e7-bc03-1f479729e62d.html Ask the Weather Guys: Is carbon dioxide a major contributor to global warming? Q: Is carbon dioxide a major contributor to global warming? A: The Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of many different gases. Several of these gases are known as “greenhouse gases” because they share the characteristic of being excellent absorbers of infra-red radiation. Such gases absorb radiation emitted by the Earth… http://host.madison.com/wsj/weather/ask-the-weather-guys-is-carbon-dioxide-a-major-contributor/article_3bfa876d-35c8-5ebb-9c3c-d60669b43a59.html Europe's aim: Sway, not provoke, Trump on climate. Angela Merkel's visit this week will test whether U.S. allies can persuade the president not to blow up their efforts on global warming. European diplomats are carefully crafting a strategy for dealing with Donald Trump on climate change, fearful of provoking a backlash from the mercurial president if they push too hard for U.S. cooperation. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/europe-trump-climate-change-235977 Rate of Ocean Warming Has Nearly Doubled Over Two Decades, Study Says. The world's oceans have warmed at twice the rate of previous decades and the extra heat has reached deeper waters, finds data stretching back to 1960. The rate of ocean warming has nearly doubled since 1992 compared with the previous three decades. And the warming has reached deeper waters, scientists reported Friday. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10032017/global-warming-oceans-climate-change-noaa Wall Street titan changes tone on climate. The deep-pocketed investment firm BlackRock Inc. today announced a series of steps to address the financial risks of climate change, decisions that could send shock waves throughout the private sector. Studying the disclosure of climate change risks, including physical risks like rising waters and government policies to cap greenhouse gas emissions… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/13/stories/1060051374 Will Merkel stand up to Trump on climate change? German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to raise climate change directly and publicly when she meets for the first time with President Trump tomorrow. Doing so would set Merkel apart from other world leaders, many of whom have spoken passionately about tackling climate change... http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/13/stories/1060051343 DROUGHT Tiny sliver of California remains in severe drought. Conditions have improved in a small swath of Southern California that was one of the last areas of severe drought still standing after a wet winter. Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties are no longer under severe drought, according to last week's U.S. Drought Monitor report. Recent rainfall improved the outlook for groundwater in the region… http://www.ksbw.com/article/tiny-sliver-of-california-remains-in-severe-drought/9126690 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Diesel emissions: the clues were there. For too long, no one suspected that any car manufacturer was cheating. Instead it was thought to be a weakness in the test. It is amazing that the Volkswagen and diesel emissions scandal was not discovered earlier. In 2003 nitrogen dioxide alongside London’s Marylebone Road increased by around 20%. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/12/diesel-clues-were-there-pollution California Pilot Program Kicks Off to Test Electric Yard Trucks for Daily Commercial Use. Two Ontario, California, logistics companies took delivery on four zero-emissions electric yard and service trucks as part of efforts to reduce air pollution in Southern California. The four are the first of 27 from BYD Heavy Industries that will be divided between the two companies. http://ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=45232 FUELS Oil Prices Wavering, Torn Between Growing U.S. Supply and OPEC Cuts. Resurgence of U.S. shale undermines confidence in OPEC’s ability to support prices. Oil prices flipped between gains and losses Monday as investors weighed growing U.S. supply against OPEC’s plan to restore market equilibrium by cutting production. Light, sweet crude for April delivery was recently down 15 cents or 0.3% at $48.34 a barrel… https://www.wsj.com/articles/oil-prices-pressured-by-growing-u-s-crude-supplies-1489406888 Ethanol, corn leaders in Nebraska optimistic about federal support. While farmers might be experiencing some heartburn over the future of the federal Renewable Fuels Standard, Nebraska’s corn and ethanol leaders say they’re optimistic President Donald Trump and Congress will support ethanol, an important pillar of the state’s agricultural industry. http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/ethanol-corn-leaders-in-nebraska-optimistic-about-federal-support/article_d227f13a-11c4-5bb4-95a1-1b0d5cccd951.html Hearing shut-in well concerns, BLM rule backers ask why. For those in favor of keeping the Bureau of Land Management's rule to curb natural gas releases on public lands, claims that the regulation would shut in marginal wells are puzzling. Republican lawmakers, invoking powers granted under the Congressional Review Act, have proposed a measure to repeal BLM's Methane and Waste Prevention Rule… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/13/stories/1060051313 VEHICLES Behind the Quiet State-by-State Fight Over Electric Vehicles. When Georgia repealed its generous $5,000 tax credit on electric vehicles in July 2015, and instead slapped a $200 registration fee on electric cars, sales quickly tumbled. In the month before the repeal, nearly 1,300 electric vehicles were sold in the state. By August, those sales had all but evaporated — to just 97 cars. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/11/business/energy-environment/electric-cars-hybrid-tax-credits.html?_r=0 Relief for car companies is coming, but how much? Relief for car companies facing stringent emissions and fuel economy standards could come regardless of whether the Obama-era rules are scrapped. Automakers are nearing victory on long-standing requests that regulators ease requirements for tailpipe emissions and fuel economy set by U.S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/13/stories/1060051347 GREEN ENERGY Tesla’s Elon Musk Sets Sights on Australia—Via Twitter. Musk tweets that battery technology can help solve the country’s energy problems, leading to a Sunday phone call with the prime minister. Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk has set his sights on Australia, betting his company’s battery technology can help solve the country’s energy problems and save it from a repeat of the blackouts… https://www.wsj.com/articles/teslas-musk-offers-solutions-for-australias-electricity-woes-1489319373 Solar energy pioneer has seen industry boom. When Gay Canough founded Extraterrestrial Materials Inc., or ETM Solar Works, the company was focused on retrieving solar energy from space by mining asteroids and putting solar rays in orbit. It was also run out of her basement. Now, Canough says she has "come back to earth," focusing on solar energy that falls on the planet… http://www.pressconnects.com/story/news/local/2017/03/13/endicott-solar-energy-pioneer-industry-boom-etm/98205016/ Tesla's solar energy plant in Hawaii flips the 'on' switch. Tesla, SolarCity, and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative unveiled the completed solar and energy-storage facility last week. The facility can provide solar power on demand, 24 hours a day, says Tesla. Even before Elon Musk engineered Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity, the two companies were collaborating. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0313/Tesla-s-solar-energy-plant-in-Hawaii-flips-the-on-switch Can the Golden State go 100% green? California's Senate leader wants the Golden State to shift to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, pushing it to lead the country in grabbing that green power goal. Environmentalists are cheering California Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León's (D) plan to double, and accelerate, the state's current renewables mandate of 50 percent by 2050. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051344/search?keyword=california Power purchasing driving renewables boost more than mandates. State mandates are becoming less important drivers for renewable energy as the market reorients itself around corporate power purchases and other mechanisms like community power aggregation, a new analysis from financial services firm Moody's Investors Service has found. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/13/stories/1060051345 MISCELLANEOUS How big SF would be if it were as dense as other cities. Should the city welcome greater density to protect open space? Is San Francisco too dense? Not dense enough? The debate rages on among urban planners, open-space advocates, real estate developers, smart-growth proponents and NIMBYs. High urban density is often associated with walkability, a cosmopolitan culture and easy transit. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/How-SF-compares-to-other-cities-in-density-10993207.php Q&A: Kim Stanley Robinson Explains How He Flooded Manhattan. His new book, New York 2140, explores the interplay of climate change and global finance on a warmer, wetter future world. In his latest book, New York 2140 (Orbit Books, 2017), the acclaimed novelist Kim Stanley Robinson presents a dark-but-hopeful vision for humanity a dozen decades from now, on an Earth radically altered by climate change. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/q-a-kim-stanley-robinson-explains-how-he-flooded-manhattan/ OPINIONS Will California spend more on water projects? 'It all depends on how thirsty the governor is,' De León says. If there ever was a politically ripe time to spend lavishly on water projects, this is it. But Sacramento Democrats are settling for a drop in the bucket. Spillways got washed out at giant Oroville Dam, forcing more than 100,000 people to flee their homes. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-water-bond-proposal-20170313-story.html We can find water solutions together. The Bee’s editorial, “A flood policy for both deluge and drought” (March 5), poses an interesting question that has stymied policymakers for more than a decade relative to genuine statewide water solutions:“ Could the state kill two birds with one stone by spending judiciously on flood easements in places such as the undeveloped farmland… http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article137357703.html#storylink=cpy These California Ranchers Welcome Trump’s Policies … Here’s Why. This week marks the halfway point of President Trump’s first 100 days in office. During that time, he’s taken aim at environmental policies on air pollution, water pollution and climate hange inspiring many Californians to protest. On the other hand, some Trump supporters in rural parts of the state are… https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/03/13/these-california-ranchers-welcome-trumps-policies-heres-why/ BLOGS Curbing climate change has a dollar value — here's how and why we measure it. President Trump is expected to issue an executive order soon to reverse Obama-era rules to cut carbon pollution, including a moratorium on leasing public lands for coal mining and a plan to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. http://www.econotimes.com/Curbing-climate-change-has-a-dollar-value--heres-how-and-why-we-measure-it-585839 The Ethanol Industry Braces for Impact. Last week the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) reported that President Trump is preparing to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a big change to the country’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The change is one that has been long sought by refiners, but it has been resisted by the country’s biofuel industry. http://www.financialsense.com/robert-rapier/ethanol-industry-braces-impact California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:41:50 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 14, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The 2017 Annual Report to the Legislature on California Climate Investments Using Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds is now available. The Air Resources Board has also updated the interactive map and list of each California Climate Investment project in the State. The report, map, and project list can be found at: caclimateinvestments.ca.gov . The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a public workshop to present the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update: The Proposed Strategy for Achieving California’s 2030 Greenhouse Gas Target (Proposed Plan) and solicit stakeholder input on the Proposed Plan. CARB staff will present an overview of the Proposed Plan and present refinements to the plan as part of the development of the final Scoping Plan. These refinements include updates to emissions modeling and economic analyses. The workshop is open to the public and full participation by all parties is encouraged: DATE: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 TIME: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm PLACE: California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento, California 95814 A live webcast of the workshop will be available at: https://video.calepa.ca.gov/ Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: https://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=903 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm. The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. AIR POLLUTION B vitamins may have 'protective effect' against air pollution. Researchers in the US found that high doses of these supplements may "completely offset" the damage caused by very fine particulate matter. The scientists involved say the effect is real but stress the limitations of their work. Follow up studies are urgently needed, they say, in heavily polluted cities like Beijing or Mexico. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39231896 Madrid to Ban Old Cars by 2025 in Crackdown on Air Pollution. Madrid's city government announced plans on Monday to ban the oldest and most polluting vehicles from the city center by 2025 in a bid to crackdown on air pollution. The local government will prohibit the use within the city's limits of gasoline cars registered before 2000 and diesel-powered cars registered before 2006, which at the moment account for 20 percent of all those registered. http://www.voanews.com/a/madrid-to-ban-old-cars-by-2025-in-crackdown-on-air-pollution/3764162.html CLIMATE CHANGE Trump’s defense chief cites climate change as national security challenge. Secretary of Defense James Mattis has asserted that climate change is real, and a threat to American interests abroad and the Pentagon’s assets everywhere, a position that appears at odds with the views of the president who appointed him and many in the administration in which he serves. In unpublished written testimony provided to the Senate Armed Services Committee after his confirmation hearing in January, Mattis said it was incumbent on the U.S. military to consider how changes like open-water routes in the thawing Arctic and drought in global trouble spots can pose challenges for troops and defense planners. He also stressed this is a real-time issue, not some distant what-if. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/03/trump-s-defense-chief-cites-climate-change-national-security-challenge Climate Change Complicates the Whole Dam Debate. With California now on track to have the rainiest year in its history—on the heels of its worst drought in 500 years—the state has become a daily reminder that extreme weather events are on the rise. And the recent near-collapse of the spillway at California’s massive Oroville Dam put an exclamation point on the potentially catastrophic risks. More than 4,000 dams in the U.S. are now rated unsafe because of structural or other deficiencies. Bringing the entire system of 90,000 dams up to current standards would cost about $79 billion, according to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/climate-change-complicates-the-whole-dam-debate/ Depression, anxiety, PTSD: The mental impact of climate change. It's a dream many city-dwellers long for: moving to a spacious house surrounded by greenery in the countryside, where they plan to raise their family. In 1996, Heather Shepherd, now 50, and her family did just that. Moving away from the congestion and noise of their north London home, they migrated to a 17th-century farmhouse that they would renovate and make their sanctuary. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/14/health/climate-change-mental-health-eprise/ Meteorologists refute EPA head on climate change. The nation’s top organization for meteorology is refuting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s recent comments on the role of carbon dioxide in climate change. Pruitt questioned mainstream climate science last week, saying in a CNBC interview, “I would not agree that [carbon dioxide is] a primary contributor to the global warming that we see.” The American Meteorological Society wrote a letter to Pruitt Monday saying he is wrong. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/323654-meteorologists-refute-epa-head-on-climate-change A Spark Of Hope For Climate Change Reality. When it comes to facing the reality of climate change, the Republican Party, now led by the Trump Administration, has been slipping ever farther from its roots as a champion of American science. Last week brought further evidence of this disconnect — but it also held out a glimmer of hope that the party's turn away from the U.S. effort in science is not universal. http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2017/03/14/520022064/a-spark-of-hope-for-climate-change-reality British scientists face a ‘huge hit’ if the US cuts climate change research. UK scientists are warning they may be unable to carry out crucial research on climate change if Donald Trump cuts climate science funding in the US. Trump tweeted in 2014 that research on global warming is “very expensive bullshit” that “has to stop”. Scientists are braced to find out whether his administration will put these words into practice. The early signs are not good. Last month Scott Pruitt, one of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s fiercest critics, was named as its new head. There are rumours that the budget of its office for research could be cut by more than 40% as part of extensive overall cuts. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/mar/14/british-scientists-us-climate-change-research-trump ‘This … follows from the basic laws of physics’: Scientists rebuke Scott Pruitt on climate change. The controversy continues over Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt’s statement Thursday questioning the most important scientific conclusion about climate change — namely, that it is driven by human beings. “I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there’s tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it’s a primary contributor to the global warming that we see,” Pruitt said on CNBC — triggering a wide range of rebukes in the process. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/13/this-follows-from-the-basic-laws-of-physics-scientists-rebuke-scott-pruitt-on-climate/?utm_term=.6baae2c14ad2 Trump is poised to issue a sweeping order dismantling Obama's climate plan this week. President Donald Trump could issue a sweeping executive order aimed at reversing his predecessor's climate policies any day this week, a measure that energy industry officials and environmentalists have been anticipating for weeks. The directive will instruct members of the Cabinet to rewrite regulation restricting carbon emissions from both new and existing power plants, lift a moratorium on federal coal leasing and revise the way climate change is factored into federal decision-making - all key elements of the Obama administration's effort to address climate change. http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/trump-is-poised-to-issue-a-sweeping-order-dismantling-obama/article_eb8ec175-00ac-5301-a13b-ebd22777356a.html U.S. Bishops indicate to Sec of State Tillerson Global Warming is their top foreign-policy priority. March 13, 2017 (Population Research Institute) – Shortly after Rex Tillerson was confirmed as Secretary of State, senior officials of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services wrote him an impassioned plea. It was their way of introducing themselves to the foreign policy community of the new administration, so the Secretary undoubtedly considered their letter to be a statement describing the highest foreign-policy priorities of Catholics in America. https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/u.s.-bishops-indicate-to-sec-of-state-tillerson-that-global-warming-is-thei Atmospheric carbon dioxide hits record levels. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased at an unprecedented pace in the last two years, even as Trump administration officials discount the relevance of a number that many climate scientists find deeply disturbing. The CO2 measured at the Mauna Loa Baseline Atmospheric Observatory in Hawaii hit 405.1 parts per million last year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/14/stories/1060051412 Louisiana wetlands struggling with sea-level rise four times the global average. Without major efforts to rebuild Louisiana's wetlands, particularly in the westernmost part of the state, there is little chance that the coast will be able to withstand the accelerating rate of sea-level rise, a new Tulane University study concludes. The study by researchers in Tulane's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and published in the open-access journal Nature Communications shows that the rate of sea-level rise in the region over the past six to 10 years amounts to half an inch per year on average. https://phys.org/news/2017-03-louisiana-wetlands-struggling-sea-level-global.html VOLKSWAGEN States Plan Ahead for Volkswagen Settlement. States are about to get $2.7 billion under a settlement with Volkswagen for its scandal involving diesel-engine cars sold with defeat devices, which allowed the vehicles to sail through emissions tests despite emitting way more pollution than allowed under federal standards. The 2016 settlement over Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter diesel engine cars established a $2.7 billion mitigation trust fund, reports Bloomberg BNA reporter Patrick Ambrosio. The EPA and California Air Resources Board announced in September 2015 that Volkswagen and Audi sold about 480,000 vehicles fitted with these devices intended to bypass emissions testing protocols. https://www.bna.com/states-plan-ahead-b57982085138/ FUELS EU Parliament 2020 Resolution on Biofuels Imports, Market Reacts. As published by Chain Reaction Research, the environment committee of the European Parliament last week adopted a resolution, in a 56 to 1 vote, urging the European Commission to phase out the use of vegetable oils for biofuels by 2020. Lawmakers also urged that all palm oil entering the EU by 2020 be covered by a single certification mechanism. The next step occurs next month, when the full House of the EU Parliament will vote on the resolution. http://www.valuewalk.com/2017/03/eu-parliament-2020-resolution-biofuels-imports-market-reacts/ More states consider boosting renewable fuel mandates. If climate change was a nail, a renewable portfolio standard would be policymakers' favorite hammer. No tool is more popular in America for tackling a global rise in temperature. Today, 29 states require utilities to secure a certain percentage of their electricity from sources like wind and solar. And with President Trump rolling back federal climate initiatives in Washington, states are considering their renewable energy requirements with renewed vigor. www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/14/stories/1060051387 GREEN ENERGY Renewable energy targets already met by 11 EU Members. Share of renewables in energy consumption in the European Union (EU) reached almost 17 per cent in 2015, with eleven EU Member States already achieving their 2020 targets. On Tuesday 14 March, the European Commission announced that for 2015 the share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy reached 16.7 per cent in the EU, almost double the 8.5 per cent recorded in 2004. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/renewable_energy_targets_already_met_by_11_eu_members Germany’s High-Priced Energy Revolution. As many generations of Dieter Dürrmeier’s family as he can track have grown vegetables and tended livestock here in Opfingen, a hilly corner of southern Germany near the French and Swiss borders. Over the decades the Dürrmeiers have adapted, ever on the lookout for new ways to make money. In 1963, Dürrmeier’s father exploited cheap government loans to move his 136-acre farm from the crowded village to the outskirts of town. https://fortune.com/2017/03/14/germany-renewable-clean-energy-solar/ How Morocco tapped into Africa's renewable energy potential. Providing reliable, affordable and sustainable access to energy has become a core focus of the international development community and is the seventh goal of the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Roughly 1.2 billion people, or 17 percent of the global population, are energy poor, meaning that they have no access to electricity. Meanwhile, more than 2.7 billion people, primarily in developing Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, rely on fuelwood and other traditional biomass sources for cooking. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-morocco-tapped-africas-renewable-energy-potential BLOGS Trump’s Business Council Is a Who’s Who of Renewable Energy Investors and Climate Champions. If Donald Trump asked the executives sitting on his business advisory council for advice about energy policy, what kind of answer would he get? Judging by the billions of dollars those executives are pouring into renewables and carbon reduction programs, they'd probably tell him to emphasize the clean stuff. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/trumps-business-council-is-investing-billions-of-dollars-in-clean-energy California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:58:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 16, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 16, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff of the California Air Resource Board has completed the 2016 annual credit calculations for non-metered residential electrical vehicle charging and placed a total of 394,818 credits in the Electric Distribution Utilities’ accounts. For more information on these credit calculations, please refer to the Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. The notice can be accessed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm . The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CAP AND TRADE California gas prices could rise if the state's cap-and-trade program is extended, legislative analyst says. As California lawmakers debate the future of the state's battle against global warming, there's one politically sensitive issue they'll have to consider: gas prices. Gov. Jerry Brown wants lawmakers to extend the cap-and-trade program… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-gas-prices-cap-and-1489617386-htmlstory.html State lawmakers question choice of cap and trade. California state lawmakers appeared open to alternatives to Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) plans to extend the state's landmark cap-and-trade system past 2020. Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D) is one of the authors of a bill, A.B. 378 that could carry out Brown's directive to extend the program. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051549/search?keyword=california AIR POLLUTION Now there are air-pollution deniers, too. This story was originally published by the New Republic and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. It was known as the Great Pea Soup. In 1952, a thick, greenish-yellow fog smothered London, halting traffic and daily life. At the time, when households burned cheap coal for heat, factories spewed unregulated smoke, and buses burned diesel fuel… http://grist.org/article/now-there-are-air-pollution-deniers-too/ Here’s how climate change is already affecting your health, based on the state you live in. Climate change is already beginning to wreak havoc upon the planet. In the short term, we're facing more winter storms, miserably hot summers, and a longer allergy season. In the long term, entire coastlines will likely disappear, threatening communities and wildlife. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-climate-change-affects-your-state-2017-3 Polluted air causing early deaths in fossil-fuelled Balkans. Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Stuck between a landfill and a coal-fired power plant, residents of the Bosnian village of Divkovici are dying of asphyxia, poisoned by some of the most polluted air in Europe. "In a few years, it will be like Chernobyl here: houses without souls," said unemployed Goran Stojak. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/16/03/2017/Polluted-air-causing-early-deaths-in-fossil-fuelled-Balkans CLIMATE CHANGE This Is How the EPA Uses Its Budget—Now Targeted for Deep Cuts. The White House's newly proposed federal budget would cut the EPA's funding by a third, targeting regional and climate change-oriented initiatives. Ensuring clean air, land, and water—this is how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses nearly 90 percent of its budget. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/environmental-protection-agency-budget-cuts/ 17 Republicans join fight against global warming despite Trump's 'hoax' remark. A GROUP of 17 Republicans in Congress signed a resolution on Wednesday vowing to seek "economically viable" ways to stave off global warming, possibly putting them on a collision course with President Donald Trump who has called climate change a hoax. Republicans Elise Stefanik of New York, Carlos Curbelo of Florida and Ryan Costello of … http://www.qatar-tribune.com/news-details/id/54607 President Trump’s Proposed Budget Is a Blow to Fighting Climate Change. And It’s Not Just the EPA. The budget proposal submitted to Congress by President Donald Trump, if enacted, would effectively eliminate the federal government's role addressing man-made climate change with budget cuts targeting key programs at several federal agencies. http://time.com/4703569/trump-budget-epa-climate-change/ Scientists link record-breaking February weather to man-made global warming A new study says that climate change tripled the likelihood for an unusually warm month. March has provided an unexpected dose of winter, but a freakishly balmy February broke more than 11,700 local daily records for warmth in the United States. The average temperature last month was 41.2 degrees — 7.3 degrees warmer… https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/2017/03/15/1af691c2-041c-11e7-b1e9-a05d3c21f7cf_story.html?utm_term=.c9b671ab84e0 Budget Proposal Would Hamper Climate Efforts Abroad. The Trump administration’s budget proposal would hamper efforts abroad to slow global warming, especially by poor and fast-developing countries, compounding the hazards of America’s retreat from efforts to ease its own climate impacts. http://www.climatecentral.org/news/trump-budget-would-hamper-climate-efforts-abroad-21253 DROUGHT DIESEL ACTIVITIES FUELS Trump announces challenge to Obama-era fuel standards. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the administration will re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth. Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-autos-idUSKBN16M2C5 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-autos-california-idUSKBN16M3DU http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-vehicles-idUSL2N1GR1RQ http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-autos-20170315-story.html http://www.latimes.com/politics/ http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-epa-mileage-emissions-preview-20170314-story.html http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/donald-trump-auto-emissions-236070 http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-1489608359-htmlstory.html http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/Trump-to-take-on-fuel-standards-hold-Nashville-11002885.php http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Trump-targets-Obama-era-fuel-standards-11004923.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article138636783.html http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/13/top-california-legislator-vows-court-fight-if-epa-revokes-clean-air-waiver/99025210/ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/15/trump-pumps-brakes-on-obama-era-fuel-efficiency-standards.html http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0315/Trump-mileage-policy-could-put-carmaker-innovation-at-risk http://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/3/15/14828070/trump-fuel-economy-standards http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051546/search?keyword=california http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/03/trump-declares-war-epa-mileage-standards https://www.wired.com/2017/03/can-trump-uncork-vehicle-emissions-wont-easy/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-fuel-standards-hold-nashville-090212080.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051554/search?keyword=california California goes for clean car standards. California plans to move ahead with tougher car pollution rules as President Donald Trump calls for the EPA to review and possibly dial back car fuel efficiency standards. Fred Katayama reports. California plans to keep on truckin' with tougher car pollution rules approved by former President Barack… http://www.reuters.com/video/2017/03/16/us-catholics-can-eat-beef-on-paddys-frid?videoId=371315975&videoChannel=5&channelName=Business VEHICLES Cities Shop for $10 Billion of Electric Cars to Defy Trump. Dozens of U.S. cities are willing to buy $10 billion of electric cars and trucks to show skeptical automakers there’s demand for low-emission vehicles, just as President Donald Trump seeks to review pollution standards the industry opposes. Thirty cities including New York and Chicago jointly asked automakers for the cost and feasibility of… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-14/cities-shop-for-10-billion-of-electric-vehicles-to-defy-trump Tesla to raise up to $1.15 billion to help Model 3 launch. Tesla Inc. said Wednesday that it plans to raise up to $1.15 billion with stock and convertible debt offerings to help finance the launch of its widely anticipated Model 3 mid-market sedan. The Palo Alto electric car maker plans to offer $250 million of common stock and $750 million of senior notes convertible into cash and/or stock. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tesla-stock-20170315-story.html The future car is driverless, shared and electric. The nation's top transportation experts see rapid change in transportation as a result of three major technology revolutions: shared, electric and automated vehicles. That's according to a survey by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. The group also released a set of policy briefs, described below, which were guest-authored by leading transportation policy experts. https://phys.org/news/2017-03-future-car-driverless-electric.html#jCp VW RECALL VW exec to remain in Michigan prison during emissions cheating trial. A judge today refused to set a bond and release a German Volkswagen executive who was arrested in the company’s U.S. emissions scandal while on vacation in Florida. Oliver Schmidt’s attorneys said he was willing to risk $1.6 million in assets, with help from family and friends… http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/03/16/volkswagen-executive-emissions-scandal/99260712/ MISCELLANEOUS EPA hit hardest as Trump budget targets regulation. President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday proposed a 31 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency's budget, as the White House seeks to eliminate climate change programs and trim initiatives to protect air and water quality. The White House's proposed 2018 EPA budget, with the biggest proposed cut for any federal agency, comes as Trump seeks to clear away regulations… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-epa-idUSKBN16N0E1?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-budget-seeks-big-cuts-to-environment-arts-foreign-aid-1489636861 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/us/politics/trump-budget-spending-cuts.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1 http://www.latimes.com/nation/ http://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-a-dramatic-retreat-from-environmental-1489677751-htmlstory.html http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2017/03/new-york-new-jersey-face-environmental-threats-in-trump-budget-110448 https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16032017/donald-trump-budget-proposal-climate-change-global-warming-epa ‘Come West, California is Hiring’: State Recruits EPA Climate Scientists. California Public Utilities Commission is recruiting EPA scientists in Washington, D.C. Standing outside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, the president of the California Public Utilities Commission and staff held signs with a clear message for embattled climate scientists: “Fight Climate Change. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/03/16/come-west-california-is-hiring-state-recruits-epa-climate-scientists/ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Earth Matters: Conservation group’s winning strategy to protect island communities. Seacology, a Berkeley-based non-profit, got its start in 1990 when the island of Samoa’s government ordered the remote village of Falealupo to either build a new school house or lose its state-funded teachers. Desperate to continue their children’s educations, the cash-strapped community saw only one way out… http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/environment-and-nature/20170316/earth-matters-conservation-groups-winning-strategy-to-protect-island-communities OPINIONS Clean Budget Coalition: Trump’s ‘Rigged’ Budget Would Endanger American Families and Communities. The Clean Budget Coalition is blasting President Donald Trump’s skinny budget, unveiled today, which would slash critical public services and protections, endangering American workers, consumers, families and our environment. Republicans are proposing a budget rigged for billionaires… https://yubanet.com/opinions/clean-budget-coalition-trumps-rigged-budget-would-endanger-american-families-and-communities/ EPA administrator wrong about climate change. By now, it's evident that we are in the midst of a period of atmospheric turbulence not previously witnessed during human history. Global warming, and the climate change that it has caused, has become reality. For years, we were told that global warming was a hoax, a claim that almost no sensible person believes anymore. http://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2017/03/16/epa-administrator-wrong-climate-change/99269922/ Trump’s climate skepticism could be the biggest threat to US national security. One thing is clear from President Donald Trump’s budget proposal: he really does think climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese to slow America’s mighty economy. Never mind that China, now dealing with the very real effects of heavy air pollution brought on by rapid… http://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-climate-skepticism-a-threat-to-us-national-security-2017-3 Trump Plans to Review Fuel Economy Standards, and Maybe That’s a Good Thing A cynical ploy? Or an opportunity to make the rules more effective? On a visit to Michigan yesterday, President Trump pledged to launch a review of vehicle fuel-efficiency standards set by the Obama administration, which was framed as an effort to protect American manufacturing jobs. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/trump-plans-to-review-fuel-economy-standards-and-maybe-thats-a-good-thing BLOGS The EPA Is ‘Brainwashing Our Kids’ Says Climate Change Denier Sen. Jim Inhofe He said a 31 percent cut to the agency’s budget will be “good” for the American people. By Chris D’Angelo. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) believes it’s not conspiracy theorists or deniers of the near-universal consensus on climate change that are brainwashing America’s youth, but those pesky scientists over at the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jim-inhofe-epa-brainwashing-children-us_us_58cad008e4b0ec9d29d9d1e3 Dirty Coal Power Ends in Nevada with Last Smog Plant Closed. In a victory for clean air and healthy communities, the last remaining coal-fired generating station in Southern Nevada has closed. NV Energy has operated the Reid-Gardner Generating Station in Moapa, Nev., northeast of Las Vegas, for the last five decades. Leaders with the national and local chapters of the Sierra Club… http://pacevegas.com/2017/03/dirty-coal-power-ends-nevada-last-smog-plant-closed/ B Vitamins Would Likely Reduce The Impact Of Air Pollution, New Study Says. A new study indicates that B vitamins could reduce the adverse epigenetic effects of air pollution. The researchers also discovered that high doses of B vitamins could offset the damage triggered by very fine particulate matter from the dirty air. The study will be published online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/57761/20170316/b-vitamins-reduce-impact-air-pollution-new-study.htm NASA Satellite Identifies Global Ammonia ”�Hotspots'. The first global, long-term satellite study of airborne ammonia gas has revealed “hotspots” of the pollutant over four of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. The results of the study, conducted using data from NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument on NASA’s Aqua satellite… http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/50819 Ontario manufacturers eye greener pastures stateside as hydro rates go through the roof. Jocelyn Bamford, a white hard hat perched over red hair that curls down around her shoulders, has her hands on her hips. Behind safety glasses, her eyes flash. On the shop floor in the bustling Automatic Coating Inc. plant owned by her family, she has to shout to be heard above the squirt of compressed air nozzles… http://business.financialpost.com/news/energy/ontario-manufacturers-eye-greener-pastures-stateside-as-hydro-rates-go-through-the-roof 17 Republicans join fight against global warming despite Trump's 'hoax' remark. A GROUP of 17 Republicans in Congress signed a resolution on Wednesday vowing to seek "economically viable" ways to stave off global warming, possibly putting them on a collision course with President Donald Trump who has called climate change a hoax. Republicans Elise Stefanik of New York, Carlos Curbelo of Florida and Ryan Costello of … http://www.qatar-tribune.com/news-details/id/54607 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 13:09:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff of the California Air Resource Board has completed the 2016 annual credit calculations for non-metered residential electrical vehicle charging and placed a total of 394,818 credits in the Electric Distribution Utilities’ accounts. For more information on these credit calculations, please refer to the Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. The notice can be accessed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities . RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CLIMATE CHANGE No El Nino? No problem. Earth sizzles to near record heat. Even without an El Nino warming the world's waters, Earth in February sizzled to its second hottest temperature on record, behind only last year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calculated that February 2017 averaged 55.66 degrees (13.08 degrees Celsius). http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_HOT_FEBRUARY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Study: Stopping global warming only way to save coral reefs. Reducing pollution and curbing overfishing won't prevent the severe bleaching that is killing coral at catastrophic rates, according to a study of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In the end, researchers say, the only way to save the world's coral from heat-induced bleaching is with a war on global warming. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AUSTRALIA_BLEACHED_REEF?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Climate change financing dropped from G20 draft statement. Opposition from the United States, Saudi Arabia and others has forced Germany to drop a reference to financing programs to combat climate change from the draft communique at a G20 finance and central bankers meeting. A G20 official taking part in the meeting said on Friday that efforts by the German G20 presidency to keep the wording on climate change financing had run into resistance. http://www.reuters.com/article/g20-germany-climatechange-idUSL5N1GU3WN G20 drop reference to climate change. World financial leaders have dropped a reference to financing climate change from their draft communique, says an official taking part in a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers of the Group of 20 leading economies. At their last meeting in July 2016 in the Chinese city of Chengdu, the G20 financial leaders said they encouraged all signatories… http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/g20-drop-reference-to-climate-change/news-story/a5325d34d272030935c7b31033588f5d Statoil Says Business Resilient to Tougher Climate-Change Rules. Norwegian oil giant sees value rising in stress test for stringent emissions rules. Norway’s state-owned oil giant Statoil ASA said it was rebalancing its business model so far toward renewables and cleaner fossil fuels that the company’s value would rise even if the world’s governments took drastic actions to limit carbon emissions. https://www.wsj.com/articles/statoil-sees-value-rising-under-climate-change-rules-1489758391 Should your doctor talk with you about climate change? Even though the topic can be controversial, some doctors plan to start talking with their patients and communities about climate change. A coalition of mainstream medical associations that together represent more than half of all American physicians announced this week that it will urge white-coat professionals to link health problems such as asthma… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/sd-me-climate-health-20170316-story.html Watch out: Mammals shrink when Earth heats up, study says. Global warming shrank certain animals in the ancient past, and scientists worry it could happen again. Warm-blooded animals got smaller at least twice in Earth's history when carbon dioxide levels soared and temperatures spiked as part of a natural warming, a new study says. University of New Hampshire researcher Abigail D'Ambrosia warned that mammals — but not people… http://www.sltrib.com/home/5061953-155/watch-out-mammals-shrink-when-earth Trump targets 'Earth-centric' climate satellites for elimination. President Trump's proposed spending cuts to satellite programs that focus on climate change could restrain humanity's understanding of the influence we have over the planet, experts said. The cuts unveiled yesterday would wipe out part of the Earth science research at NASA. The reductions specifically target satellites and research that produce data… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/17/stories/1060051635 Doctors group warns climate change threatens public health. Growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania, Patrice Tomcik had never heard of Lyme disease — an infectious, flu-like illness transmitted by ticks. But in the last few years, five of her friends have caught it, she's had to have her dog vaccinated and she regularly finds herself pulling ticks off her children. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/17/stories/1060051596 DROUGHT Drought and rain bring explosion of blooms. California’s historic drought was followed this year by heavy rains, prompting one of the best displays of wildflowers in years. These images are from Southern California, but you can expect beautiful blooms throughout the state. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/16/california-wildflowers-drought-and-rain-bring-explosion-of-blooms/ FUELS Fuel-Conscious U.S. Drivers Crimp OPEC’s Bid to Raise Oil Prices. Rising U.S. oil production isn’t the only thing getting in the way of OPEC’s efforts to drain a global glut. American drivers aren’t helping either. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is counting on growing demand to bolster the production cuts it’s making in a bid to balance the market. But motorists in the U.S. -- the world’s largest consumer of gasoline -- are using less, not more. And that’s not likely to change any time soon. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-16/opec-can-t-count-on-american-drivers-to-help-boost-oil-prices Weak Physical Oil Market Hits $50 Billion Hedge Funds' Bet. The real world of oil trading -- where actual cargoes are bought and sold -- is doing little to help the hedge funds and other speculators who placed record bets that OPEC and its allies would drive up prices. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other big producers are trying to clear a global crude glut, but three months into the effort the physical oil market... https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-17/physical-oil-market-weakness-hits-50-billion-hedge-funds-bet Trump announces challenge to Obama-era fuel standards. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his administration will re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth. Trump revealed his plans during a speech at… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/15/trump-to-take-on-fuel-standards-hold-nashville-ral/ EPA to reconsider vehicle fuel standards, may move against California targets. The Environmental Protection Agency plans to announce its intent to withdraw final determination on strict fuel-efficiency standards for future cars and light trucks, the latest signal by the Trump administration that it is charting a new course on climate change. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-epa-fuel-mileage-autos-20170303-story.html Trump's push to ease vehicle emissions rules takes aim at the foundation of California's air pollution fight. The Trump administration’s move to shelve aggressive vehicle fuel economy standards raises the possibility of a confrontation over what for decades has been at the core of California’s fight against air pollution: the state’s power to set its own stricter emissions rules. California officials have moved swiftly to defend that unique authority under the Clean Air Act… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-vehicles-smog-20170316-story.html California ARB staff considering including alternative jet fuel in Low Carbon Fuel. The staff of the California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff is considering including alternative jet fuel (AJF) in the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). ARB staff is hosting a public working meeting today to consider the matter. In 2009, the ARB approved the LCFS regulation to reduce the carbon intensity (CI)… http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/03/20170317-arbstaff.html Q&A: Change to fuel economy standards could impact car buyers. President Donald Trump plans to re-examine federal fuel economy requirements for new cars and trucks. The requirements were a centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s strategy to combat global warming. But Trump appears to be making good on a pledge to car company CEOs to reduce “unnecessary regulations.” http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20170316/NEWS/170319576 After intense public anger, Republicans waver over slashing Obama-era action on methane gas. As Republican lawmakers consider how closely to align with the climate skepticism and fossil fuel fervor radiating from the White House, a nascent clean air initiative that energy firms want scrapped is fast testing their comfort zone. Weighing on them is 41 billion cubic feet of methane, a greenhouse gas leaking from many http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article138823768.html#storylink=cpy County Supervisor, AQMD Board Member on President’s Fuel Efficiency Rules Review. LA County Supervisor and South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board Member Sheila Kuehl issued a statement regarding President Trump’s call for a review of vehicle fuel efficiency rules. The statement is as follows: “This administration’s blatant attempts to roll back fuel efficiency standards… http://scvnews.com/2017/03/16/county-supervisor-aqmd-board-member-on-presidents-fuel-efficiency-rules-review/ Things to know about Trump's rollback of CAFE fuel-economy standards. The so-called Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards may be a mouthful, but it’s fair to say that all motorists in the U.S. today have experienced their impact. The federal fuel-efficiency requirements have their roots in the 1970s, when Americans tended to drive gas guzzlers, only to face sticker shock at the pump following the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-cafe-fuel-economy-standards-rollback/ Consumer advocates and environmentalists aren't buying the automakers' and Trump's arguments about rolling back fuel-efficiency standards. President Donald Trump went to Detroit on Wednesday to announce that a review of fuel-economy and greenhouse-gas emission standards would be re-opened. The review was concluded in January, before Scott Pruitt took over Trump's EPA. http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-advocates-environmentalist-trump-cafe-standards-2017-3 Behind Trump's Delay of Fuel-Economy Targets for Autos. Car makers and regulators will now review the standards, but the impact on consumers is far from clear President Trump announced that he is postponing stringent new fuel-economy standards for automobiles for the model years 2022 to 2025, arguing that the Obama Administration jumped the gun in approving the new targets earlier this year. http://www.consumerreports.org/cars-behind-trump-delay-fuel-economy-standards-autos/ Canadian auto union to battle Trump effort to roll back fuel efficiency rules. Unifor head Jerry Dias called Trump a "climate change denier" as the union and Ontario government allied with California, which plans to challenge the president's re-examination of fuel economy rules. Ontario will align itself with California to fight for climate change… http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/regulation/canadian-auto-union-battle-trump-effort-roll-back-fuel-efficiency-rules-188450/ Numbers game at heart of high-stakes ethanol fight. The future of the federal ethanol mandate may boil down to a fight over numbers: No one seems to know how many businesses would be affected if officials tinker with the rules. That's the main challenge for companies asking U.S. EPA to switch responsibility for the mandate from refiners to fuel blenders, said an executive for Valero Energy Corp. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/17/stories/1060051663 VEHICLES China Puts Electric-Vehicle Eggs in Battery Basket. China pushes ahead with a campaign to be the leader in electric vehicles’ main component. China may not build the electric car of the future. But it sure wants to corner the market for its batteries. There are signs Beijing is stepping back from its hard sales target for electric vehicles—two million in 2020—which is a good thing, as the number looks increasingly fanciful. https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-puts-electric-vehicle-eggs-in-battery-basket-1489646298 VW RECALL Volkswagen’s Rough Patch Spells Opportunity for Investors. A disappointing six weeks for Volkswagen investors may have opened up a buying opportunity. Investors don’t expect much of Volkswagen, but that is precisely why the problem-laden German car maker should make a decent investment. VW this week fleshed out its financial targets. https://www.wsj.com/articles/volkswagens-rough-patch-spells-opportunity-for-investors-1489742377 GREEN ENERGY Tesla’s $169 Million Battery Play Is Just the Beginning. An audacious deal hatched on Twitter may start a new wave of electricity storage for cities, regions, and nations. Tesla is ready to power some grids. And not just in California or Australia. Last week, Elon Musk wagered he could address South Australia’s energy crisis with 100 megawatts (MW) of batteries installed in 100 days or less—“or it’s free.” https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-17/tesla-s-169-million-battery-play-is-just-the-beginning Utility nears hitting 33% green power mandate The biggest utility in California is a fraction away from hitting the state's 2020 mandate for 33 percent renewable electricity. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., located in the San Francisco area, said yesterday that it delivered an average of 32.8 percent of electricity last year from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small-scale hydroelectric sources. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/17/stories/1060051603 MISCELLANEOUS Is Trump cutting the agency into 'little tidbits'? The Trump administration's plan to cut U.S. EPA's budget by 31 percent is a first step toward deconstructing the agency, say proponents and critics of the agency's budget. "It's a good start if the goal is, as the president said, to reduce EPA to little tidbits," said Steve Milloy, a former member of EPA's transition team and a longtime opponent of the agency. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060051639 OPINIONS Do car companies want Trump to trash emission standards? Maybe not. President Trump talked tough in Detroit on Wednesday, confirming that his administration will open up Obama-era auto emissions standards for review, and change them if they threaten auto jobs. Environmentalists went ballistic, pumping out news releases that said any rollback would harm the environment… http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-epa-mileage-emissions-new-review-20170315-story.html Climate change: Trump’s dramatic move deserves dramatic response. President Donald Trump’s skepticism about climate change was made plain this week with his decision to block rules promulgated late in the Obama administration to force automakers to increase their average miles per gallon for cars and small trucks to 54.5 mpg by 2025, up sharply from the present 36 mpg. This decision was almost certainly sealed during Trump’s first week in office, when he was… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/editorials/sd-climate-change-geoengineering-trump-20170316-story.html Rolling Back Fuel Efficiency Is a Bad Deal for Everyone — Including U.S. Carmakers. The CEO of a large industrial company recently described the Trump administration as “the most pro-business since the Founding Fathers.” It’s a popular perception in the business community, with or without the hyperbole, and the stock market is reacting accordingly. https://hbr.org/2017/03/rolling-back-fuel-efficiency-is-a-bad-deal-for-everyone-including-u-s-carmakers Comment: Seeing clearly through the smog. It's hard to tell from the criminally small photo of me below. but I’m actually a rippling mass of muscle, obsessive about healthy living. I could watch other people do it all day. During my recent stint of Italian life, I took to the streets of Bologna for quasi-regular runs, until I was accosted by a local who asked me how in Dante’s Hell I wasn’t choking on the pollution. http://www.msn.com/en-au/motoring/ownership/comment-seeing-clearly-through-the-smog/ar-AAo90ik BLOGS Trump's Fuel Economy Standard Cuts Could Cripple Innovation. As part of sweeping efforts to reduce regulation and boost business, President Trump this week announced plans to relax fuel economy standards. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which were implemented decades ago but accelerated under President Obama… http://www.pcmag.com/commentary/352443/trumps-fuel-economy-standard-cuts-could-cripple-innovation Americans Tilt Toward Protecting Environment, Alternative Fuels. Given a choice, the majority of Americans think protecting the environment should take precedence over developing more energy supplies, even at the risk of limiting the amount of traditional supplies the U.S. produces. An even larger majority would prioritize developing alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power over the production of oil… http://www.gallup.com/poll/206159/americans-tilt-toward-protecting-environment-alternative-fuels.aspx California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 15:54:52 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 20, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board meets March 23 and 24 at Riverside County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, California 92501 The agenda is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma032317.pdf The AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (Committee) will be meeting on March 29, 2017 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (PDT) and March 30, 2017 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm (PDT) at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm Staff of the California Air Resource Board has completed the 2016 annual credit calculations for non-metered residential electrical vehicle charging and placed a total of 394,818 credits in the Electric Distribution Utilities’ accounts. For more information on these credit calculations, please refer to the Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. The notice can be accessed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CLIMATE CHANGE Republican green groups seek to temper Trump on climate change. President Donald Trump's outspoken doubts about climate change and his administration's efforts to roll back regulation to combat it have stirred a sleepy faction in U.S. politics: the Republican environmental movement. The various groups represent conservatives, Catholics and the younger generation of Republicans who, unlike Trump, not only recognize the science of climate change but want to see their party wrest the initiative from Democrats and lead efforts to combat global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-green-republicans-idUSKBN16R0ZJ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/mar/20/19-house-republicans-call-on-their-party-to-do-something-about-climate-change Stephen Hawking has a message for Trump: Don't ignore climate change. The UK's most renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist is still using his exceptional mind to map a theory of how the universe works. But when it comes to matters here on Earth, Stephen Hawking is just as concerned about President Trump's science policies as anyone. During a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, set to air Monday, Hawking bluntly laid out his views on U.S. administration's science policies. https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/03/20/stephen-hawking-has-a-message-for-trump-dont-ignore-climate-ch/21903060/ Paris Discord: Is Trump unravelling the climate change agreement? US President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to “cancel the Paris Agreement” is one step closer to reality, after leaders from the Group of 20 richest economies backtracked on pledges to allocate $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate change response. The trend will hit hardest in countries that are not only vulnerable to climate change, but are also too poor to finance mitigation strategies themselves. https://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2017/03/20/paris-discord-trump-unravelling-climate-change-agreement The White House doubts climate change. Here's why the Pentagon does not. The contentious debate over climate change is entering a new phase, with skeptics in the Trump administration poised to roll back regulations governing everything from clean-water standards to fracking — convinced that doing so will boost the U.S. economy. But the Pentagon views the issue differently. For Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, climate change represents a significant national security threat, one that's "impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today," according his written testimony to Congress provided in January ahead of his confirmation. http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/donald-trump-climate-change-epa-james-mattis The climate change battle dividing Trump’s America. Ever since Donald Trump became US president, certain sectors of American society have felt particularly embattled. His statements on Mexicans and Muslims are notorious, but there is another community, less heard about, that has also been sent reeling: scientists. If politics has never been a world that is overly respectful to empirical research, Trump’s victory exploited a growing popular suspicion of expertise, and a tendency to seek out alternative narratives to fact-based analysis. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/mar/18/the-scientists-taking-the-fight-to-trump-climate-change-epa 3 Cities Prove Climate Action Works. The climate crisis is a problem caused by humans that can be solved by humans. These three cities are proving it. While a lot of media coverage around the crisis is doom and gloom, cities around the world are coming up with powerful solutions on the local level. Here's how a Canadian city, an American city and a Chinese city are taking on climate action. http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-action-solutions-cities-2315394369.html Scott Pruitt isn’t the first administrator hostile to the EPA’s mission. On March 25, 1983, business was booming at Harry’s Liquor, Wine & Cheese, near the Environmental Protection Agency’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. EPA employees were in the mood to party. The agency’s top lawyer had just resigned, the latest casualty in a purge of political appointees. Weeks earlier, EPA Administrator Anne Gorsuch Burford had also resigned amid a ballooning controversy over her management of the Superfund program. Agency staff celebrated by springing for eight cases of champagne and six ounces of Russian caviar from Harry’s. http://www.hcn.org/issues/49.5/scott-pruitt-isnt-the-first-administrator-hostile-to-the-epas-mission AIR POLLUTION Will Trump erect a roadblock to Southern California's decades-long fight against smog? Southern California newspapers once routinely described the region’s air with words such as “strangling.” Breathing it, reporters noted, could be “agonizing.” As recently as the 1970s, a visitor standing in the foothills on many summer afternoons might not realize that the San Gabriel or San Bernardino mountains towered just above, hidden by a curtain of brown smog. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-vehicles-smog-20170316-story.html Paramount Metal Processing Company Ordered To Shut Down Fourth Time This Year. A metal finishing facility in Paramount was ordered by air quality regulators to shut down all processing equipment and operations that could emit a toxic compound, the fourth time it has been ordered to do so this year. Aerocraft Heat Treating Co., Inc. at 15701 Minnesota Ave., was ordered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to curtail such operations by midnight Thursday because of elevated levels of hexavalent chromium in the air. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/03/17/paramount-metal-processing-company-ordered-to-shut-down-fourth-time-this-year/ FUELS Biofuels cut jet engine pollution, NASA study shows. A new study from NASA has shown that the jet engines using biofuels have fewer particle emissions in their exhaust trails. In a news release earlier this week, NASA said the reduction could be "as much as 50 to 70 percent" and that the study bode well for both the environment and airline economics. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/biofuels-cut-jet-engine-pollution-nasa-study-shows.html VW RECALL VW CEO calls on Fiat Chrysler's Marchionne for direct discussions. At the recent Geneva Motor Show, (FCA) boss Sergio Marchionne speculated that the Volkswagen Group would be hardest hit by the union of the PSA Group and GM Europe, as they will from Europe's second largest vehicle maker. What's more, after rescuing Chrysler from liquidation through a US government bailout, bankruptcy and restructuring, Marchionne is looking to "leave the house in good order" before his planned retirement in early 2019, Krebs said. http://clicklancashire.com/2017/03/17/vw-ceo-calls-on-fiat-chryslers-marchionne-for-direct.html GREEN ENERGY Google concludes nearly 80% of US rooftops suitable for solar. Google’s 'Project Sunroof' tool reveals the vast untapped potential for rooftop solar installations in the U.S. Since 2015, the project has analysed around 60 million buildings across the U.S. concluding that 79 per cent are technically viable for generating solar power. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/google_concludes_nearly_80_of_us_rooftops_suitable_for_solar Qatar’s largest solar project to begin construction in 2017. A joint venture between Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) and Qatar Petroleum will begin construction on a 200 megawatt (MW) solar project this year. Reportedly, construction of the country’s largest solar power project will begin in June 2017, scheduled to be completed and fully operational by 2020. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/qatars_largest_solar_project_to_begin_construction_in_2017 The Corporate Commitment To Green Energy Is Helping Rural America. The signage is all around — that renewable energy has all green lights ahead, despite the current White House’s emphasis on the expansion of traditional fossil fuels. Both corporate America and the governors from 20 states are going all-in to support sustainable fuels. Their reasoning is grounded in economics — that the cost of wind and solar technologies has fallen dramatically and that, in turn, has led to their impressive growth. Indeed, about 60% of the electricity added to the grid in 2016 came from wind and solar energy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/03/19/the-corporate-commitment-to-green-energy-is-helping-rural-america/#253885896a0a Green energy in a coal state: the struggle to bring solar jobs to West Virginia. If solar energy were Dan Conant’s only passion, the West Virginia native could have stayed in Vermont, working for a fast-growing startup in a state friendly to renewables. Instead, Conant returned home to Shepherdstown, where he started an installation company, Solar Holler, in 2014. Now, with three employees and a crew under contract, Conant’s new passion comes with an audacious goal: bring solar jobs to communities hit hard by the decline of coal. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/mar/19/solar-power-industry-jobs-market-coal-west-virginia How hydroelectric power has roared back in California. After slowing to a trickle during the past five years of punishing drought, hydroelectric power in California is poised to make a major comeback this spring and summer, thanks to the wet winter. Across Northern California, hydroelectricity producers say their reservoirs are brimming at levels not seen in decades. Together, their dams should produce as much as 21 percent of the state’s total electricity output this year, according to projections from the California Energy Commission. http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Winter-rains-boost-hydropower-reduce-greenhouse-11013172.php Energy efficiency is becoming an essential tactic for the US military. The US military sees climate change as a national security threat. So, it’s finding ways to adapt to global warming, to make the armed forces stronger and more flexible. For starters, green technologies such as solar "blankets" and hybrid vehicles have improved operations within the Marine Corps and the Navy, according to Capt. Jim Goudreau, who served as a deputy assistant secretary of the Navy. He spent over two decades in the supply corps and is now the head of climate at Novartis. http://news.wbfo.org/post/energy-efficiency-becoming-essential-tactic-us-military MISCELLANEOUS People are sending EPA employees chocolate chip cookies and thank you cards. The cookies showed up Monday morning, hundreds of them packed tightly in cardboard boxes, and made their way to offices throughout the Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters in downtown Washington. “To: EPA Staff. From: America,” the labels read. “Thank you so much for all you do. You save lives. You make the world better.” On the back of the cookie wrappers were personal stories from people around the country who see the EPA as a force for good. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/17/people-are-sending-epa-employees-chocolate-chip-cookies-and-thank-you-cards/?utm_term=.20fc7a34a08c OPINIONS Trump budget would make America dirty and sick again. President Trump’s budget proposal is a direct assault on our health and safety. The enormous cuts he is proposing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other departments will hurt people and the planet by gutting enforcement of laws that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the environment that sustains us. How many voters last year asked for more smoggy skies and fouled water, for less enforcement of criminal pollution and faster climate change? It’s doubtful most Trump voters want that, but his budget sides with polluter interests and climate deniers — not with us. http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Trump-budget-would-make-America-dirty-and-sick-11012345.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 17:32:41 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 20, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board meets March 23 and 24 at Riverside County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, California 92501 The agenda is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma032317.pdf The AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (Committee) will be meeting on March 29, 2017 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (PDT) and March 30, 2017 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm (PDT) at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm Staff of the California Air Resource Board has completed the 2016 annual credit calculations for non-metered residential electrical vehicle charging and placed a total of 394,818 credits in the Electric Distribution Utilities’ accounts. For more information on these credit calculations, please refer to the Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. The notice can be accessed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on March 17, 2017, that will focus on potentially including alternative jet fuel in the LCFS. The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resource Board has posted an updated Notice of Upcoming Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits Release for Non-Metered Residential Electric Vehicle Charging. http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/workgroups/elect/022217notice.pdf Request for Proposal (RFP): Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and Low Carbon Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Investments. The California Air Resources Board is seeking a contractor to monitor, collect, and analyze data for heavy-duty vehicle, off-road equipment, and bulk ship projects granted under AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments, as identified in the fiscal year (FY) 14-15 Funding Plan approved by the Board in June 2014. The contractor shall collect and monitor vehicle and facility data, as applicable, such as vehicle specifications and performance data, as well as capital costs and operation and maintenance data for vehicles and facilities. RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CLIMATE CHANGE Republican green groups seek to temper Trump on climate change. President Donald Trump's outspoken doubts about climate change and his administration's efforts to roll back regulation to combat it have stirred a sleepy faction in U.S. politics: the Republican environmental movement. The various groups represent conservatives, Catholics and the younger generation of Republicans who, unlike Trump, not only recognize the science of climate change but want to see their party wrest the initiative from Democrats and lead efforts to combat global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-green-republicans-idUSKBN16R0ZJ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/mar/20/19-house-republicans-call-on-their-party-to-do-something-about-climate-change Stephen Hawking has a message for Trump: Don't ignore climate change. The UK's most renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist is still using his exceptional mind to map a theory of how the universe works. But when it comes to matters here on Earth, Stephen Hawking is just as concerned about President Trump's science policies as anyone. During a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, set to air Monday, Hawking bluntly laid out his views on U.S. administration's science policies. https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/03/20/stephen-hawking-has-a-message-for-trump-dont-ignore-climate-ch/21903060/ Paris Discord: Is Trump unravelling the climate change agreement? US President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to “cancel the Paris Agreement” is one step closer to reality, after leaders from the Group of 20 richest economies backtracked on pledges to allocate $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate change response. The trend will hit hardest in countries that are not only vulnerable to climate change, but are also too poor to finance mitigation strategies themselves. https://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2017/03/20/paris-discord-trump-unravelling-climate-change-agreement The White House doubts climate change. Here's why the Pentagon does not. The contentious debate over climate change is entering a new phase, with skeptics in the Trump administration poised to roll back regulations governing everything from clean-water standards to fracking — convinced that doing so will boost the U.S. economy. But the Pentagon views the issue differently. For Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, climate change represents a significant national security threat, one that's "impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today," according his written testimony to Congress provided in January ahead of his confirmation. http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/donald-trump-climate-change-epa-james-mattis The climate change battle dividing Trump’s America. Ever since Donald Trump became US president, certain sectors of American society have felt particularly embattled. His statements on Mexicans and Muslims are notorious, but there is another community, less heard about, that has also been sent reeling: scientists. If politics has never been a world that is overly respectful to empirical research, Trump’s victory exploited a growing popular suspicion of expertise, and a tendency to seek out alternative narratives to fact-based analysis. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/mar/18/the-scientists-taking-the-fight-to-trump-climate-change-epa 3 Cities Prove Climate Action Works. The climate crisis is a problem caused by humans that can be solved by humans. These three cities are proving it. While a lot of media coverage around the crisis is doom and gloom, cities around the world are coming up with powerful solutions on the local level. Here's how a Canadian city, an American city and a Chinese city are taking on climate action. http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-action-solutions-cities-2315394369.html Scott Pruitt isn’t the first administrator hostile to the EPA’s mission. On March 25, 1983, business was booming at Harry’s Liquor, Wine & Cheese, near the Environmental Protection Agency’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. EPA employees were in the mood to party. The agency’s top lawyer had just resigned, the latest casualty in a purge of political appointees. Weeks earlier, EPA Administrator Anne Gorsuch Burford had also resigned amid a ballooning controversy over her management of the Superfund program. Agency staff celebrated by springing for eight cases of champagne and six ounces of Russian caviar from Harry’s. http://www.hcn.org/issues/49.5/scott-pruitt-isnt-the-first-administrator-hostile-to-the-epas-mission AIR POLLUTION Will Trump erect a roadblock to Southern California's decades-long fight against smog? Southern California newspapers once routinely described the region’s air with words such as “strangling.” Breathing it, reporters noted, could be “agonizing.” As recently as the 1970s, a visitor standing in the foothills on many summer afternoons might not realize that the San Gabriel or San Bernardino mountains towered just above, hidden by a curtain of brown smog. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-vehicles-smog-20170316-story.html Paramount Metal Processing Company Ordered To Shut Down Fourth Time This Year. A metal finishing facility in Paramount was ordered by air quality regulators to shut down all processing equipment and operations that could emit a toxic compound, the fourth time it has been ordered to do so this year. Aerocraft Heat Treating Co., Inc. at 15701 Minnesota Ave., was ordered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to curtail such operations by midnight Thursday because of elevated levels of hexavalent chromium in the air. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/03/17/paramount-metal-processing-company-ordered-to-shut-down-fourth-time-this-year/ FUELS Biofuels cut jet engine pollution, NASA study shows. A new study from NASA has shown that the jet engines using biofuels have fewer particle emissions in their exhaust trails. In a news release earlier this week, NASA said the reduction could be "as much as 50 to 70 percent" and that the study bode well for both the environment and airline economics. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/biofuels-cut-jet-engine-pollution-nasa-study-shows.html VW RECALL VW CEO calls on Fiat Chrysler's Marchionne for direct discussions. At the recent Geneva Motor Show, (FCA) boss Sergio Marchionne speculated that the Volkswagen Group would be hardest hit by the union of the PSA Group and GM Europe, as they will from Europe's second largest vehicle maker. What's more, after rescuing Chrysler from liquidation through a US government bailout, bankruptcy and restructuring, Marchionne is looking to "leave the house in good order" before his planned retirement in early 2019, Krebs said. http://clicklancashire.com/2017/03/17/vw-ceo-calls-on-fiat-chryslers-marchionne-for-direct.html GREEN ENERGY Google concludes nearly 80% of US rooftops suitable for solar. Google’s 'Project Sunroof' tool reveals the vast untapped potential for rooftop solar installations in the U.S. Since 2015, the project has analysed around 60 million buildings across the U.S. concluding that 79 per cent are technically viable for generating solar power. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/google_concludes_nearly_80_of_us_rooftops_suitable_for_solar Qatar’s largest solar project to begin construction in 2017. A joint venture between Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) and Qatar Petroleum will begin construction on a 200 megawatt (MW) solar project this year. Reportedly, construction of the country’s largest solar power project will begin in June 2017, scheduled to be completed and fully operational by 2020. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/qatars_largest_solar_project_to_begin_construction_in_2017 The Corporate Commitment To Green Energy Is Helping Rural America. The signage is all around — that renewable energy has all green lights ahead, despite the current White House’s emphasis on the expansion of traditional fossil fuels. Both corporate America and the governors from 20 states are going all-in to support sustainable fuels. Their reasoning is grounded in economics — that the cost of wind and solar technologies has fallen dramatically and that, in turn, has led to their impressive growth. Indeed, about 60% of the electricity added to the grid in 2016 came from wind and solar energy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/03/19/the-corporate-commitment-to-green-energy-is-helping-rural-america/#253885896a0a Green energy in a coal state: the struggle to bring solar jobs to West Virginia. If solar energy were Dan Conant’s only passion, the West Virginia native could have stayed in Vermont, working for a fast-growing startup in a state friendly to renewables. Instead, Conant returned home to Shepherdstown, where he started an installation company, Solar Holler, in 2014. Now, with three employees and a crew under contract, Conant’s new passion comes with an audacious goal: bring solar jobs to communities hit hard by the decline of coal. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/mar/19/solar-power-industry-jobs-market-coal-west-virginia How hydroelectric power has roared back in California. After slowing to a trickle during the past five years of punishing drought, hydroelectric power in California is poised to make a major comeback this spring and summer, thanks to the wet winter. Across Northern California, hydroelectricity producers say their reservoirs are brimming at levels not seen in decades. Together, their dams should produce as much as 21 percent of the state’s total electricity output this year, according to projections from the California Energy Commission. http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Winter-rains-boost-hydropower-reduce-greenhouse-11013172.php Energy efficiency is becoming an essential tactic for the US military. The US military sees climate change as a national security threat. So, it’s finding ways to adapt to global warming, to make the armed forces stronger and more flexible. For starters, green technologies such as solar "blankets" and hybrid vehicles have improved operations within the Marine Corps and the Navy, according to Capt. Jim Goudreau, who served as a deputy assistant secretary of the Navy. He spent over two decades in the supply corps and is now the head of climate at Novartis. http://news.wbfo.org/post/energy-efficiency-becoming-essential-tactic-us-military MISCELLANEOUS People are sending EPA employees chocolate chip cookies and thank you cards. The cookies showed up Monday morning, hundreds of them packed tightly in cardboard boxes, and made their way to offices throughout the Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters in downtown Washington. “To: EPA Staff. From: America,” the labels read. “Thank you so much for all you do. You save lives. You make the world better.” On the back of the cookie wrappers were personal stories from people around the country who see the EPA as a force for good. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/17/people-are-sending-epa-employees-chocolate-chip-cookies-and-thank-you-cards/?utm_term=.20fc7a34a08c OPINIONS Trump budget would make America dirty and sick again. President Trump’s budget proposal is a direct assault on our health and safety. The enormous cuts he is proposing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other departments will hurt people and the planet by gutting enforcement of laws that protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the environment that sustains us. How many voters last year asked for more smoggy skies and fouled water, for less enforcement of criminal pollution and faster climate change? It’s doubtful most Trump voters want that, but his budget sides with polluter interests and climate deniers — not with us. http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Trump-budget-would-make-America-dirty-and-sick-11012345.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 14:25:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 21, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 21, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Please see the agenda for this week’s 2 day CARB meeting in Riverside: https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma032317.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm RFP Information: The Data Monitoring, Collection, and Analysis for Projects Granted under FY 14-15 AQIP and Low Carbon Transportation GGRF Investments RFP advertisement is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx (Event ID 0000004538). In order to submit a response, please register on the Cal eProcure website at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/ The final date for the proposal submission is Friday, March 24, 2017, 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. CAP AND TRADE Governor Brown, Oil Industry Share Interest In Cap-And-Trade Extension. Gov. Jerry Brown and the oil industry are both pushing to preserve California’s struggling cap-and-trade program. But that will require support from Democratic lawmakers who have doubts about the program. The program allows companies to choose between lowering emissions and purchasing a limited number of credits for them. http://www.capradio.org/92175 A discussion of cap-and-trade in California. Cap and trade is either a sensible effort to reduce pollution in California without undue damage to the state’s economy, or it is a circumvention of the drastic action that is really needed to safeguard the environment. That chasm, separating environmentalists from much of California’s business community… http://capitolweekly.net/discussion-cap-trade-california/ Carbon market slump could last for a while — report. A new analysis of California's carbon market finds that low demand could continue for the next year and a half, but eventually rebound to the tune of $8 billion through 2020. California's greenhouse gas market has been sluggish for nearly the last year, due to jitters about the program's legal status. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/20/stories/1060051711 CLIMATE CHANGE How Americans Think About Climate Change, in Six Maps. Americans overwhelmingly believe that global warming is happening, and that carbon emissions should be scaled back. But fewer are sure that the changes will harm them personally. New data released by Yale researchers gives the most detailed view yet of public opinion on global warming. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/21/climate/how-americans-think-about-climate-change-in-six-maps.html?_r=1 Trump Repeal of Climate Rules Means U.S. Paris Target Now Out of Reach. The U.S. would have had to ramp up its climate ambitions to help slow global warming to the 2 degrees C goal, but under Trump, it's going in the opposite direction. Whether the U.S. meets its emissions-reduction commitments under the Paris climate accord is pivotal to the success of the global agreement… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/20032017/paris-climate-agreement-donald-trump-global-warming-clean-power-plan Global CO2 emissions are flat, but it's not all good news. For the third year in a row, the carbon dioxide emissions that drive climate change worldwide have been level. The emissions pause is particularly noteworthy because it comes despite a growing global economy, the International Energy Agency announced. That's a sign that carbon emissions are "decoupling" from the economy as other sources of energy come online. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/20/stories/1060051707 The climate, not just genetics, shaped your nose. The planet's climate has shaped continents, coastlines, land-use patterns — and the human nose. New research indicates that the human nose has, over millennia, tailored itself to best suit the climate it finds itself in. In a nutshell, warmer and more humid environments are populated by wide-nosed people, while narrower noses are more preferable in colder, drier regions. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/20/stories/1060051713 Greens gird for Trump admin assault on social cost of carbon. Environmentalists are expecting the White House to zero out the government's estimate of the cost of global damage caused by the release of an additional ton of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. President Trump is reportedly ready to use his executive power to target the Obama administration's calculator of the social cost of greenhouse gases. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/20/stories/1060051739 ZERO-EMISSION FUEL CELL ELECTRIC BUSES http://seekingalpha.com/news/3243033-ballard-power-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-california http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballard-in-consortium-with-new-flyer-to-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-in-ca-613637143.html http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/cnw/release.html?rkey=20170213C8291&filter=5611 http://ballard.com/about-ballard/newsroom/news-releases/news02131701.aspx http://www.metro-magazine.com/sustainability/news/720025/consortium-forming-to-deploy-20-fuel-cell-electric-buses https://www.thestreet.com/story/14000416/1/ballard-in-consortium-with-new-flyer-to-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-in-ca.html http://www.advfn.com/news_Ballard-in-Consortium-With-New-Flyer-to-Deploy-20_73845906.html http://www.cbs8.com/story/34493864/ballard-in-consortium-with-new-flyer-to-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-in-ca http://www.altenergymag.com/news/2017/02/13/ballard-in-consortium-with-new-flyer-to-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-in-ca/25598/ http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/02/20170214-ballard.html http://www.electricenergyonline.com/detail_news.php?ID=621571&cat=;59&niveauAQ=0 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/news-sources/?mid=cnw.20170213.C8291 https://www.centralcharts.com/en/13649-ballard-power-systems-inc/news/531911-ballard-in-consortium-with-new-flyer-to-deploy-20-zero-emission-fuel-cell-electric-buses-in-ca http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/new-flyer-provides-20-buses-for-california-green-transit-project-while-ballard-chips-in-fuel-cells-185040/ FUELS Sen. Feinstein suggests Gorsuch would undermine EPA on fuel mileage standards. The heated dispute between California and the Trump White House over aggressive federal fuel mileage standards emerged as an issue in the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. Much to the dismay of California, the Trump administration has put on the shelf fuel rules that would require vehicles… http://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-feinstein-suggests-gorsuch-would-1490113388-htmlstory.html GREEN ENERGY Does 'green energy' have hidden health and environmental costs? (THE CONVERSATION) There are a number of available low-carbon technologies to generate electricity. But are they really better than fossil fuels and nuclear power? To answer that question, one needs to compare not just the emissions of different power sources but also the health benefits and the threats to ecosystems of green energy. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Does-green-energy-have-hidden-health-and-11015751.php Competition heats up for Md.'s first offshore wind farm. Maryland may get its first offshore wind farm soon — but not without a fight. Two developers are going head-to-head in a battle to construct the first wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City, Md. U.S. Wind Inc., a subsidiary of Italian conglomerate Toto Holding, and Skipjack Offshore Energy LLC… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/20/stories/1060051706 OPINIONS Opinion: California clean car rules have cleaned the air, saved consumers money. When California air quality regulators meet on Friday to review the state’s Advanced Clean Cars program, automakers will likely argue that continuing to produce low-emission vehicles over the next eight years would be too burdensome. However, automakers are meeting existing clean-car standards today and have the technology to go much farther. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/21/opinion-california-clean-car-rules-have-cleaned-the-air-saved-consumers-money/ California’s Drought May Be Over, But Its Water Troubles Aren’t. In the years before California’s civil engineers got around to confining the Sacramento River, it often spilled over its banks, inundating huge swaths of the Central Valley. Sometimes the floodwater would stand for a hundred days at a time. The botanist William Henry Brewer, writing in 1862, after a season of torrential rains, described the valley as “a lake extending from the mountains on one side to the coast range hills on the other.” http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/californias-drought-may-be-over-but-its-water-troubles-arent California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 11:34:48 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 22-23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 22-23, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Please see the agenda for this week’s 2 day CARB meeting in Riverside: https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma032317.pdf Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=900 The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm CAP AND TRADE White House slams door on carbon tax. The Trump administration is not considering a carbon tax, an official said after a White House press briefing yesterday in which press secretary Sean Spicer declined to rule it out. Interest in the administration's stance on the issue has persisted while a lively debate is reportedly taking place within the West Wing over President Trump's economic agenda and various parties aim to influence the result. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051882 AIR POLLUTION Carbon dioxide emissions stayed flat in 2016, global economy expanded. Even without the Paris climate agreement, worldwide carbon dioxide emissions stayed flat last year for the third year in a row as the global economy grew, raising questions about the need for the U.N. accord. Estimates from the International Energy Agency released Friday… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/21/carbon-dioxide-emissions-stayed-flat-in-2016-globa/ Electric buses are not an option for tackling Cambridge's air pollution problem, say Stagecoach. How Stagecoach is tackling the biggest problem concerning air quality in Cambridge – congestion. The boss of Stagecoach East has said the company is actively playing its part in addressing congestion - "the biggest problem concerning air quality in the city". Andy Campbell, Stagecoach East managing director, said the launch of their new Park & Ride fleet... http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/stagecoach-air-pollution-electic-buses-12781830 Industry is ready to pour concrete — and release emissions. President Trump's proposed infrastructure bill might not exist yet, but it already has concrete and cement manufacturers on the edge of their seats. While Trump has largely avoided specifics, the concrete sector — and the cement industry that feeds into it… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051842 CLIMATE CHANGE The Trump administration wants to kill the popular Energy Star program because it combats climate change. Under President Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency is on the chopping block. Both the president’s proposed budget and his executive orders on cutting regulations would shrink the EPA. But of the 38 EPA programs that the Trump administration has proposed cutting… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/03/23/the-trump-administration-wants-to-kill-the-popular-energy-star-program-because-it-combats-climate-change/?utm_term=.ff32514f070f Bill would bar discrimination toward climate change doubters. Maine laws protect people from discrimination based on factors such as race, disabilities and sexual orientation, and a Republican lawmaker wants to add a person's beliefs about climate change to that list. Rep. Larry Lockman has introduced a bill that would limit the attorney general's ability to investigate or prosecute people based… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CLIMATE_CHANGE_DISCRIMINATION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Trump's Words Could Jeopardize His Environmental Rollbacks, Too. President Donald Trump’s words may come back to haunt him in court as he moves to roll back regulations that fight climate change, just as they did when he tried to ban travel from six predominantly Muslim countries. Environmentalists are scrutinizing Trump’s tweets and the phrasing of presidential orders, looking for evidence that an action… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-22/trump-s-words-could-jeopardize-his-environmental-rollbacks-too Business leaders urge G20 to put climate change back on agenda. Business executives and scientists on Tuesday urged the world's leading economies to put global warming back on the G20 agenda after finance ministers and central bankers failed to reaffirm their readiness to finance measures against climate change. The G20's outreach organizations for business (B20), think tanks (T20)… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g20-climatechange-idUSKBN16S1W3 Aspen-area officials send climate message to Trump children. Aspen-area lawmakers sent a message about climate change to the children of President Trump during their visit to the ski resort town. The Aspen Daily News reports that the Pitkin County Commissioners placed full-page ads in both of Aspen’s newspapers Tuesday that included a letter welcoming them to the area and focusing on the negative effects of climate change. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/22/aspen-area-officials-send-climate-message-to-trump/ Americans Ate 19% Less Beef From ’05 to ’14, Report Says. The last decade or so has brought ample evidence that Americans are gradually changing their diets, driven by health concerns and other factors. But a new study points to one change that is starker than many have thought: Americans cut their beef consumption by 19 percent — nearly one-fifth — in the years from 2005 to 2014… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/21/dining/beef-consumption-emissions.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0 Why global warming could lead to a rise of 100,000 diabetes cases a year in the U.S. If the average temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius, sea levels will rise, crop yields will fall and vulnerable species will see their habitat shrink or disappear. And, a new study suggests, the number of American adults suffering from diabetes would rise by more than 100,000 a year. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-global-warming-diabetes-20170320-story.html Arctic meltdown is the new normal: Sea ice sets 3rd straight winter record low. Welcome to the new normal: For the third straight year, Arctic sea ice peaked at a record low level during the winter season, scientists said Wednesday. Arctic sea ice cover reached its annual peak extent on March 7, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) said… http://mashable.com/2017/03/22/arctic-sea-ice-melt-record-low-winter/#_UXyeVnyasqI State of the Warming Climate in 2016: 'Truly Uncharted Territory' World Meteorological Organization reveals extent of global warming's impacts last year, including epic Arctic melting, drought and extreme weather. Arctic ice melted to new lows in 2016, temperatures soared to scorching highs and extreme weather rocked all parts of the planet. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21032017/climate-change-2016-world-meteorological-organization-arctic-weather Farm Policy in Age of Climate Change Creating Another Dust Bowl, Critics Say. The last Farm Bill contained incentives for farmers to keep planting on degraded land, setting up potential environmental catastrophe. Over the past decade, farmers in the Great Southern Plains have suffered the worst drought conditions since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21032017/agriculture-climate-change-dust-bowl-southern-plains-drought How one professor is finding the funny in climate change. We have rising sea levels, world-record warming, acidifying oceans, an approaching food crisis and a president who is determined to cut any federal budget that is aimed at mitigating climate change. Is there anything that's funny about this? http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051848 Could Mattis and Tillerson buddy up on warming? Secretary of Defense James Mattis' views on climate change could impact not only the Pentagon's work, but also the State Department's related strategies and planning, according to a former Defense Department official. Mattis broke from the Trump administration's usual line in written statements made public for the first time last week … http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051877 In Exxon climate change probe, how will the ‘lost emails’ be recovered? A New York state judge has ordered ExxonMobil Corp. to cooperate with New York's attorney general in recovering lost emails from the 'Wayne Tracker' account once used by US secretary of State Rex Tillerson. A New York state judge has ordered ExxonMobil to work with…http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2017/0323/In-Exxon-climate-change-probe-how-will-the-lost-emails-be-recovered Coal's Steep Decline Keeps Climate Goal Within Reach, Report Says. If the world stays on track in canceling coal projects and retiring old plants, the trend to renewable energy could help keep global warming below 2 degrees C. Coal power projects under development around the world saw a precipitous drop in 2016, according to a new report, bringing with it a dose of good news for climate change. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22032017/coal-global-warming-china-india-paris-climate-agreement Q&A: Forests soak up greenhouse gases, so how do we ensure their protection? Every year, 18 million hectares of tropical forest – an area the size of England and Wales – are cut down, releasing millions of tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. In just 40 years, possibly 1bn hectares, the equivalent of Europe, has gone. Trees soak up carbon dioxide so when they are gone the gas lingers… https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/mar/23/qa-forests-soak-up-greenhouse-gases-so-how-do-we-ensure-their-protection Green states rebuke Trump climate attacks. West Coast governors and mayors are pre-emptively opposing President Trump's actions to gut climate regulations. The governors of Washington, Oregon and California, along with the mayors of Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles, said in a statement ahead of executive action to withdraw the Clean Power Plan that they support the electricity-sector standards. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051919 Sea ice should be at its peak. It just hit a 3-year low. Arctic sea ice hit a record low wintertime maximum this month, yet another troubling sign from one of the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change. The Arctic's sea ice cover at a time of year when it should be at its peak is instead 471,000 square miles below average, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Colorado announced yesterday. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051943 U.S. Global Change program plugging ahead amid uncertainty. Scientists with the U.S. Global Change Research Program are continuing to work under a cloud of uncertainty after the Trump administration revealed its so-called skinny budget. The $2.6 billion program is in charge of putting together a report on the impacts of climate change in the United States every four years as per the 1990… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051918 DROUGHT People are walking miles for clean water in drought-struck Kenya — and finding none. Imagine walking three or four miles to get a drink. It’s hot, it’s dry — there’s no water where you live. You arrive at what used to be the nearest river but it’s now a beach-like strip of dirt. Yes, there is water, but it’s opaque with mud at the bottom of a small well dug in hopes of finding moisture beneath the former riverbed. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/03/22/people-are-walking-miles-for-clean-water-in-drought-struck-kenya-and-finding-none/?utm_term=.f254d608ac18 DIESEL ACTIVITIES AMSA advises on ship emissions regulations. Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a marine notice, in order to provide general information to shipowners, masters and crews on Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Annex VI of MARPOL contains regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships. http://www.green4sea.com/amsa-advises-on-ship-emissions-regulations/ FUELS California about to go its own way on methane. While Congress and the Trump administration may roll back a just-enacted federal rule regarding methane emissions, California is on the verge of going in a much different direction. On Thursday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is expected to pass what is considered the nation’s strictest rule aimed at curbing emissions from the potent greenhouse gas. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-california-methane-20170322-story.html Texas joins battle over BLM rule. A high-stakes legal fight over an Obama-era rule for methane emissions from oil and gas development on public lands may have a new player: Texas. State Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) yesterday asked a federal court for permission to join a lawsuit over the Bureau of Land Management's Methane Waste Prevention Rule. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051865 Most methane in groundwater is not a result of fracking — study. A broad review of Texas water data has found that oil and gas drilling is not the source of most methane found in Texas aquifers. But the lead researcher says the findings don't mean that production wells can't leak stray gas into drinking water. "Most of the methane is natural, or at least can be explained through natural processes… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051844 VEHICLES Trump Says Regulations Impede. Perhaps Not in the Electric Car Business. President Trump is not fond of regulations. Within weeks of taking office, he and his appointees began to roll back rules that govern the financial industry, guns, the energy business and broadband internet providers. Last week was the auto industry’s turn. In a speech in Ypsilanti, Mich., Mr. Trump said he would alter rules imposed… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/technology/electric-car-regulations-trump.html?emc=edit_ca_20170323&nl=california-today&nlid=79449713&te=1&_r=0 CA Officials Poised to Reaffirm Clean Cars Standards. Officials from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will gather tomorrow in Riverside – a city facing among the worst air pollution in the nation – to discuss the status of the state’s clean car standards following the results of staff’s formal review. The 16-member Air Resources Board is expected by many to reaffirm the existing standards for model years 2022-2025… https://www.nrdc.org/experts/simon-mui/ca-officials-poised-reaffirm-clean-cars-standards Cuomo rolls out electric car incentives. New York rolled out new electric car incentives yesterday, a move that environmentalists hope will buttress the technology as its support erodes in other states and in Washington. Under a plan announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), New York will offer rebates of up to $2,000 toward a new plug-in hybrid, all-electric or fuel-cell car. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051868 Can demand for clean cars really raise oil prices? Data from Facts Global Energy suggest that demand for oil will continue to be healthy for a minimum of two decades. By 2040, around 1.8 billion passenger vehicles are expected to be on the road. The share of electric and hybrid cars, however, will only be 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051832 State reviews clean car rules as Trump seeks to ease standards. California tomorrow will consider sticking with its mandate requiring more cars that don't pollute, even as the Trump administration weighs rolling back federal mileage and emissions rules. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will decide if standards adopted in 2012 — and stretching out to 2025… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051947 EPA overestimated costs of vehicle standards — study. The costs of complying with vehicle emissions standards could be 40 percent lower than U.S. EPA previously estimated, according to a new study. An analysis by the nonprofit International Council on Clean Transportation found that automakers would have to invest $886 on average per vehicle in new technology to meet the 2025 standards, compared to EPA's estimate of $1,378. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051949 VW RECALL The emissions tester that checked VW sees opportunity in Trump. The Swedish vehicle inspector whose technology identified emissions discrepancies in Volkswagen diesel engines sees Donald Trump as an opportunity-in-waiting. While it’s generally “not a good situation for us” when a government is not pro-environment, any decision by the U.S. president to roll back fuel-consumption rules put in place… http://www.autonews.com/article/20170322/OEM11/170329942/the-emissions-tester-that-checked-vw-sees-opportunity-in-trump GREEN ENERGY 80% of rooftops can hold solar — Google. Wondering whether solar power might be viable for your roof? Google wants to provide an answer. The technology giant expanded its "Project Sunroof" program into all 50 states this month and found that nearly 80 percent of rooftops it assessed around the country are suitable for solar power. That doesn't mean those 60 million buildings are likely to adopt panels — only that they technically can, according to Google. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051972 Deluge of hydro may lead to solar curtailments in Calif. Brimming hydropower dams, combined with record installments of solar power, have led California's grid operator to warn it might curtail between 6 and 8 gigawatts of solar power this spring. The news demonstrates that good things — a wet winter that erased California's four-year drought and the state's steady march toward meeting its low-carbon power goals… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/23/stories/1060051940 Xcel 'investing big' in wind over 7 states. Xcel Energy Inc. will undertake the nation's largest multistate expansion of wind energy over the next five years, with 3,380 megawatts of new capacity expected to come online in seven states. The multibillion-dollar build-out will see wind energy account for nearly 35 percent of Xcel's total generation capacity and solidify its status as the nation's No. 1 utility provider of wind power. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051843 Solar could grow globally if trade war with China ends. A new report published by a center at Stanford University calls for the United States and China to end their trade war over solar energy modules and join forces to spur innovation and private capital. The outcome could help China raise the efficiency of its solar program and promote multinational research, development… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051841 MISCELLANEOUS Gov. Brown, on Trump's turf, warns 'we're going to fight’. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is not finding common ground with the Trump administration on vehicle emissions standards. Normally one of the sharpest gubernatorial critics of President Trump, Brown is seeking to strike a conciliatory tone this week as he makes the rounds on Capitol Hill and federal agencies. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/22/stories/1060051869 OPINIONS A Tesla owner tests the Chevy Bolt. What's the verdict? The Chevy Bolt is really impressive. But does it measure up to a Tesla? One driver finds out. Fleeing my home in New York’s Hudson Valley for California during February and March has a number of charms. Currently at the top of the list: reading about Winter Storm Stella while watching the surfers at Rincon Beach. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/In-Gear/2017/0316/A-Tesla-owner-tests-the-Chevy-Bolt.-What-s-the-verdict?cmpid=ema:nws:WS3&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Welcome%20Series%20Email%20%233 BLOGS The ‘Job-Killing’ Fiction Behind Trump’s Retreat on Fuel Economy Standards. The Trump administration is expected to roll back the fuel economy standards that were a signature achievement of the Obama administration. The move won’t save auto industry jobs, but it will increase air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. When President Trump traveled to Michigan last week to announce that his administration will reevaluate (and almost certainly weaken) a key environmental achievement… http://e360.yale.edu/features/trump-fuel-economy-cafe-standards-decicco Climate change effects should concern everyone. Keeping up with the weather and our climate have been a passion of mine for over forty years. During the past two decades two phrases keep appearing that concern me. They are: Sea levels are rising “faster than our earlier expectations” and are “exceeding our previous predictions.” Two years ago I wrote a letter detailing the epidemic of climate change denial in our Congress. http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/opinion/climate-change-effects-should-concern-everyone/article_719affd1-eeec-593b-91e8-c50de2ad29a5.html California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:47:16 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 24, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 24, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm ADVANCED CLEAN CARS California air regulators vote to keep tough fuel standards. California air regulators voted Friday to keep the state's tough vehicle emissions standards through 2025.The state Air Resources Board voted unanimously at a meeting in Riverside to continue with the standards for 2022 to 2025 after reaching a conclusion similar to one by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_FUEL_STANDARDS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-24/california-breaks-with-trump-as-state-targets-tougher-auto-rules https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/business/energy-environment/california-upholds-emissions-standards-setting-up-face-off-with-trump.html http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-vehicle-emissions-20170324-htmlstory.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article140631063.html#storylink=cpy http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/03/24/unlike-trump-california-affirms-gas-mileage-standard/99601144/ http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/03/24/california-plows-ahead-tough-auto-regulations/99564450/ http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/science/article/California-fuel-standards-to-get-critical-review-11024707.php http://www.autonews.com/article/20170324/OEM11/170329893/calif.-upholds-obama-emissions-rules-setting-up-clash-with-epa-over http://www.onenewspage.com/video/20170316/7065648/California-Ready-To-Pursue-Clean-Car-Standards-As.htm https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/california-adopts-strict-rules-for-methane-emissions/ http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/tns-california-methane-emissions.html AIR POLLUTION Pollution notice filed with steelmaker Ludlum. The ongoing battle over air pollution from Allegheny Ludlum’s Brackenridge steel mill and questions about how much a proposed federal emissions permit for the plant should allow, could soon land in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh. Four environmental organizations Thursday filed legal notice of their intent to sue the steelmaker, saying the plant… http://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2017/03/24/Allegheny-Ludlum-Brackenridge-steel-mill-pollution-lawsuit/stories/201703240123 British MPs Launch “Super Inquiry” Into Air Pollution Problems. In a situation that is apparently “unprecedented,” 4 different Commons committees will question a variety of ministers and air quality experts, with the aim being to better understand the situation and the available remedies. The 4 Commons committees in question are: the health committee; the transport committee; the environmental audit committee… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/24/british-mps-launch-super-inquiry-air-pollution-problems/ Hopeful combo: World economy grows, carbon emissions stay flat. For three years running, global carbon dioxide emissions have been essentially flat, a survey finds. It hints at the potential for 'decoupling' economic growth from burning fossil fuels. Don’t throw your hats too high in the air, warn the experts. The world is still a very long way from doing everything it needs to do to get global warming under control. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0324/Hopeful-combo-World-economy-grows-carbon-emissions-stay-flat Wood stoves may increase heart attack risk. Researchers found risk increased among the elderly. The study — A study published in the March issue of the journal Epidemiology found the risk of heart attacks among the elderly living in small cities may be higher due to air pollution from wood-burning stoves. By the numbers — Researchers from McGill University and Health Canada compared pollution data… http://www.bendbulletin.com/health/5115800-151/study-status-wood-stoves?referrer=carousel12 CLIMATE CHANGE Climate Change May Be Intensifying China’s Smog Crisis. Chinese leaders, grappling with some of the world’s worst air pollution, have long assumed the answer to their woes was gradually reducing the level of smog-forming chemicals emitted from power plants, steel factories and cars. But new research suggests another factor may be hindering China’s efforts to take control of its devastating smog crisis: climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/world/asia/china-air-pollution-smog-climate-change.html?_r=0 California regulators launch new campaign against harmful climate pollutants. California opened another front in its fight against global warming on Thursday, launching a new strategy for slashing so-called super pollutants that have an outsize impact on the climate. The plan targets emissions such as methane from cow manure, black carbon from diesel exhaust and hydrofluorocarbons from refrigerators. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-super-pollutants-20170323-story.html What Californians believe about climate change. Californians are more likely to believe that global warming is happening than residents of nearly every other state – but that doesn’t mean all Californians agree about it. Belief that global warming is real ranges from around 65 percent in rural, mountainous counties like Shasta, Lassen, Tehama and Modoc to more than 80 percent in Bay Area counties… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article140424748.html#storylink=cpy Could a Moore's Law for carbon halt climate change? By halving global carbon emissions each decade, humanity could attain nearly net-zero emissions by 2050, according to new research. That term is often bandied about in discussions of climate change. That's because experts cite the goal of preventing warming over 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as being absolutely necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change. http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2017/0324/Could-a-Moore-s-Law-for-carbon-halt-climate-change GOP movement to stay in Paris accelerates. A House ally of President Trump circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter to the president yesterday challenging him to make the Paris Agreement a better deal for U.S. fossil fuels. North Dakota Republican Rep. and Trump adviser Kevin Cramer's letter proposed "conditions" for remaining within the landmark 2015 climate deal, including swapping weaker emissions… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/24/stories/1060052026 World must pull CO2 from the sky to meet Paris goals. Scientists have issued a stark outline of the enormous work needed to meet global climate change targets under the Paris Agreement. In a paper published online yesterday in the journal Science, researchers noted that "alarming inconsistencies remain between science-based targets and national commitments." http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/24/stories/1060052028 Senators barely mention climate programs at hearing. President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Agriculture fielded a wide variety of questions from friendly lawmakers yesterday but shed little light on the administration's plans for the agency's wide-ranging climate change programs. Sonny Perdue, the former two-term Republican governor of Georgia, repeatedly said "yes" to members of the Senate Agriculture… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/24/stories/1060052018 Chevron chief acknowledges warming, dismisses renewables. John Watson, the CEO of Chevron Corp., said climate change is real and should be addressed, but downplayed any scientific consensus about the issue. At a speech last night in downtown Washington, Watson said people within the oil industry widely acknowledge the planet is warming. But, he said, the issue requires more analysis. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/24/stories/1060052056 DROUGHT We Have Some Good News on the California Drought. Take a Look. The majestic beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada never fails to impress. But the mountain range, which stretches hundreds of miles, is much more than a stunning vista. It’s a linchpin that helps make living in an arid state possible. That’s because one of California’s most important water supplies is melted snow. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/22/us/california-measuring-snowpack.html The Silver Lake drought is over: Reservoir will be finally refilled. The drought is over in Silver Lake — at least, at its picturesque reservoir. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials announced Wednesday that the popular Silver Lake Reservoir — which has stood empty for more than a year — will be refilled starting in mid-April. The 96-acre reservoir is expected to be fully refilled by the middle of June… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-silver-lake-filled-20170322-story.html Climate Change News: Dead Sea Salt Shows Worst Drought Humans Have Ever Seen. Scientists drilling deep down into the Dead Sea have found a warning about how climate change could affect us in the future. A study in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters says samples taken from almost 1,000 feet underneath the seabed show evidence of drought worse than anything in recorded human history. http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-news-dead-sea-salt-shows-worst-drought-humans-have-ever-seen-2514047 FUELS Natural Gas is Reducing Transport Sector Emissions at U.S. and Canadian Port Cities. There are a lot of trucks required to transport freight, containers and other cargo around a port. One of largest drayage trucking companies in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has begun using one of the first Cummins Westport (CWI) ISX12 G low NOx natural gas engines for trucking operations. http://www.oilandgas360.com/natural-gas-is-reducing-transport-sector-emissions-at-u-s-and-canadian-port-cities/ Pipeline decision borrows Obama administration's analysis. President Trump's move this morning to approve the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline was based on the same research and most of the same State Department staff that laid the groundwork for President Obama's 2015 rejection of the project. The State Department has not conducted a new analysis of the environmental, employment… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/24/stories/1060052024 VEHICLES California to Soften Autonomous Car Regulations. No human driver needed. California released a proposal this week amending some of its strict regulations for autonomous vehicles. If all goes as planned, the state will allow self-driving vehicles to operate without a human driver behind the wheel starting next year. The proposal eliminates some of the hoops automakers have to jump… http://www.automobilemag.com/news/california-relaxes-autonomous-car-regulations/ MISCELLANEOUS Gas agency 
erred in
 decision, court says. The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission erred in its rationale for rejecting a rulemaking petition by youth activists. In the process, the court disagreed with the agency’s longstanding position that its mandate under state law is to strike a balance between energy development and protection of public health… http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/gas-agency-8232erred-in8232-decision8232-court-say BLOGS CA Officials Reaffirm Clean Cars Standards [Updated] [This is an update from my previous blog] Officials from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) voted unanimously to reaffirm the state's clean car standards today at their hearing in Riverside, CA – a city facing among the worst air pollution in the nation – giving an official green light to staying on course with the program. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/simon-mui/ca-officials-reaffirm-clean-cars-standards-updated A Conservative Takes on Climate Change. Jay Faison's lonely crusade. The contest for loneliest person on the right in Donald Trump’s Washington would be hard fought among free traders, pro-immigration libertarians, neoconservative globalists, and fiscal hawks convinced of the necessity of entitlement reform. But none of these could possibly be as lonely as the conservative Republican who believes… http://www.weeklystandard.com/a-conservative-takes-on-climate-change/article/2007344 California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:01:00 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 27, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 27, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18 Funding Plan for Low Carbon Transportation Investments, Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and the potential $25 million Volkswagen settlement funds for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) aspects of vehicle replacement programs. The meeting will be held at the following time and place: Date: Thursday, April 6, 2017 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Place: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 A meeting notice for the workshop is posted at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/meetings/meetings.htm ADVANCED CLEAN CARS https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2017-03-24/california-sets-vehicle-pollution-rules-after-trump-brakes-us-plan http://www.npr.org/2017/03/26/521590802/in-conflict-with-trump-agenda-california-sets-stricter-auto-emissions-standards http://www.businessinsider.com/carb-california-rollback-trump-automakers-2017-3 http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109575_electric-aston-martin-rapide-carb-reaffirms-emissions-standards-e15-battle-todays-car-news http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/California-Air-Regulators-Vote-Keep-Tough-Fuel-Standards-417088043.html http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/California-Air-Regulators-Vote-Keep-Tough-Fuel-Standards-417088043.html http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/25/new-york-times-digital-california-upholds-emissions-standards.html http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/290023/sticking-to-states-stricter-emission-standards.html https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2017/03/carb-votes-for-clean-air-vetoes-trump-epa-keeps-2022-2025-emissions-standards/ http://www.autoblog.com/2017/03/26/california-emissions-standards-carb-defies-trump/ http://publicradioeast.org/post/conflict-trump-agenda-california-sets-stricter-auto-emissions-standards http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/109898-california-doubles-down-on-cleaner-transportation-socalgas-sees-ngv-gains http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052107 CAP AND TRADE A senior's struggle to root out elusive cap-and-trade charge. Ontario residents shouldn’t have to work their way through a “rat’s maze” to figure out the cap-and-trade charge on their natural gas bills, Mississauga senior Muriel Chudiak says. Since the fee kicked in on Jan. 1, Chudiak has been on a mission to get the Ontario Energy Board and Ontario Liberal government to stop “hiding” it in the delivery charge. http://www.shorelinebeacon.com/2017/03/26/a-seniors-struggle-to-root-out-cap-and-trade-charge AIR POLLUTION California's Clean-Air Problem Is a Lot Bigger Than Just Trump. No state is tougher on dirty air than California. How tough? So tough that, if trends hold, it may fall short of its own goals. As President Donald Trump moves to roll back decades worth of regulation, the Golden State has positioned itself as America’s bulwark of environmental protection. The reality behind that is complex, and not only because the Trump… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-27/california-s-clean-air-problem-is-a-lot-bigger-than-just-trump L.A. officials push for new steps to address health risks from homebuilding near freeways. In a new push to address health risks from a surge in residential construction near freeways, Los Angeles officials have requested a study of development restrictions, design standards and other steps to protect residents from traffic pollution. Planning, transportation and other officials should… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-freeway-pollution-study-20170324-story.html New technology highlights potential toxic risks in Southern California air. As the reports began landing on Wayne Nastri’s desk last fall showing alarmingly high levels of cancer-causing pollution had been unexpectedly detected in a working-class area of southeast Los Angeles County, a stark concern arose: This may not be an isolated problem. The reports were scooping up data from a new generation of monitors deployed by Nastri’s agency… http://www.ocregister.com/articles/air-747618-district-paramount.html Residents say ‘zero emission technology’ not enough to reduce pollution concerns. Efforts to improve the Inland region’s air quality through the use of cleaner technology is encouraging, explained Erlinda Murillo, who owns a small home about two blocks away from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railyard in San Bernardino and several hundred feet from Omnitrans’ corporate headquarters. http://iecn.com/residents-say-zero-emission-technology-not-enough-reduce-pollution-concerns/ China Air Pollution: 'Green Necklace' Project Could Help Beijing's Smog Problem. Chinese officials are taking a green approach to solving the country’s air pollution problem, starting with a new project in Beijing and the surrounding province of Hebei to plant more trees and shrubs in surrounding wetlands. Hebei’s government said green belts would be planted all around Beijing, creating a “green necklace”… http://www.ibtimes.com/china-air-pollution-green-necklace-project-could-help-beijings-smog-problem-2515640 New Pollution Detection Tech Highlights Toxic Risks in Southern California Air. Scattered on telephones polls in Paramount neighborhoods, the technology for the first time allowed regulators to track how pollution from industrial plants was traveling across the community. As the reports began landing on Wayne Nastri’s desk last fall showing alarmingly high levels of cancer-causing pollution had been… http://www.govtech.com/fs/New-Pollution-Detection-Tech-Highlights-Toxic-Risks-in-Southern-California-Air.html CLIMATE CHANGE EPA chief: Trump to undo Obama plan to curb global warming. President Donald Trump in the coming days will sign a new executive order that unravels his predecessor's sweeping plan to curb global warming, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said Sunday. EPA chief Scott Pruitt said the executive order to be signed Tuesday will undo the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan, an environmental regulation that restricts greenhouse gas emissions… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_CLIMATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-26/trump-said-to-issue-far-reaching-reversal-of-obama-climate-push http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/article140878018.html http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/26/trump-climate/99668578/ http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109538_trump-administration-goal-undo-every-climate-change-effort http://www.voanews.com/a/trump-to-roll-back-obama-era-environmental-rules/3783597.html http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060052111 Threatened U.S. pullout might help, not hobble, global climate pact. A 2015 global pact for fighting climate change will benefit in some ways at least if U.S. President Donald Trump carries out a threat to pull out, backers say, in a shift from gloom about the fate of a deal that took two decades to negotiate. The Paris Agreement requires consensus for all decisions, meaning the withdrawal of a recalcitrant United States… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-agreement-idUSKBN16Y1SP One of the most troubling ideas about climate change just found new evidence in its favor. Ever since 2012, scientists have been debating a complex and frankly explosive idea about how a warming planet will alter our weather — one that, if it’s correct, would have profound implications across the Northern Hemisphere and especially in its middle latitudes, where hundreds of millions of people live. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/27/one-of-the-most-troubling-ideas-about-climate-change-just-found-new-evidence-in-its-favor/?utm_term=.4cc0c4f0b562 A building boom and climate change create an even hotter, drier Phoenix. This sprawling metropolis morphed in a matter of decades from a scorching desert outpost into one of the largest cities in the nation. Today, Phoenix is a horizon of asphalt, air conditioning and historic indifference to the pitfalls of putting 1.5 million people in a place that gets just 8 inches of rain a year and where the temperature routinely exceeds 100 degrees. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-phoenix-climate-adapt-20170327-story.html Long Beach students search for drought, climate change fixes. About 300 students at a Long Beach high school are exploring ways to make their community environmentally sustainable and preparing to share what they learned at a youth summit later this month. On their own, students ranging from freshmen to seniors at Cabrillo High School approached teachers a while back about… http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170326/long-beach-students-search-for-drought-climate-change-fixes Extreme weather events linked to climate change impact on the jet stream. Unprecedented summer warmth and flooding, forest fires, drought and torrential rain — extreme weather events are occurring more and more often, but now an international team of climate scientists has found a connection between many extreme weather events and the impact climate change is having on the jet stream. https://yubanet.com/scitech/extreme-weather-events-linked-to-climate-change-impact-on-the-jet-stream/ PBS is the only network reporting on climate change. Trump wants to cut it. During a record-breaking hot presidential election year, American news networks failed to report on climate change. Media Matters for America has published its annual review of American evening newscast climate coverage for 2016, and the results are stunning: In 2016, evening newscasts and Sunday shows on ABC, CBS, and NBC… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/mar/27/pbs-is-the-only-network-reporting-on-climate-change-trump-wants-to-cut-it Brown, Inslee vow to fight Trump on climate rollback. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee say the West Coast is allied to fight any attempt by President Donald Trump to undo progress on climate change. Brown joined with Inslee at a news conference Saturday in Seattle, where the governors said they’ll be just as defiant on climate change and the environment as… http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/03/27/brown-inslee-vow-to-fight-trump-on-climate.html 100-year-old frost maps show how climate change has shifted the growing season in America. Published in a 1936 Atlas of American Agriculture, put together by the United States Department of Agriculture, these 1916 maps of the average dates of first killing frosts in fall and last killing frosts in spring were initially intended to help farmers plan their planting schedules. Now, the maps offer a rough gauge showing how much these dates have shifted over a century. http://www.businessinsider.com/100-year-old-frost-maps-show-how-climate-change-has-shifted-the-growing-season-in-america-2017-3 Climate change: ‘human fingerprint’ found on global extreme weather. Global warming makes temperature patterns that cause heatwaves, droughts and floods across Europe, North America and Asia more likely, scientists find. The fingerprint of human-caused climate change has been found on heatwaves, droughts and floods across the world, according to scientists. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/27/climate-change-human-fingerprint-found-on-global-extreme-weather Shrinking Arctic sea ice threatens the majestic Beluga whale. The Arctic sea ice hosts algae, which sustain a food chain up to the beluga whale. But the ice is decreasing – and in summers, it may be gone entirely by 2050. The beluga whale is one of the most extraordinary species of marine creature known to science. It is a gregarious, pure white Arctic dweller that emits strange, high-pitched twitters that… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/26/shrinking-sea-ice-threatens-beluga-whale-robin-mckie CARB approves California’s SLCP reduction strategy. The ARB’s approval of a plan to curb harmful super pollutants brings California closer to achieving its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. In another demonstration of its leadership on climate issues in the United States, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today approved a plan to curb short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)… http://hydrocarbons21.com/articles/7534/arb_approves_californiaandrsquo_s_slcp_reduction_strategy Shifting political winds put geoengineering in a tight spot. The rise of the Trump administration has forced researchers to swerve in their pursuit of tools to tweak the planet's thermostat. Now it's forcing some environmental groups to reluctantly court these controversial approaches, as well. "It's the elephant in the room for this meeting," said Ted Parson, a professor of environmental law at UCLA, speaking at a forum for U.S. solar geoengineering… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052109 'Get your popcorn ready.' Panel sets up climate fight. The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing this week to challenge consensus climate science, which Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) has called politicized and exaggerated. It is set to feature some of the field's most vocal critics and one of climate science's most controversial defenders… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052099 DROUGHT California Today: Talking to the ‘Water Czar’ About the Drought. By every wet indication, California is about to lift the drought state of emergency order imposed in January 2014. So we thought this would be a good time to talk to Felicia Marcus, the chairwoman of California’s Water Resources Control Board (you can call her the Water Czar.) This interview has been edited and condensed. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/27/us/california-today-talking-to-the-water-czar-about-the-drought.html?em_pos=large&emc=edit_ca_20170327&nl=california-today&nlid=79449713&ref=headline&te=1&_r=0 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Electric Trucks Start Arriving at Southern California Freight, Rail Yards. The State of California, San Bernardino Council of Governments, and partners at Daylight Transport and BYD Motors have announced the arrival of the first of 27 zero-emission electric yard and service trucks in three disadvantaged communities in Southern California. BYD is providing the 27 vehicles, of which 23 will be battery-electric Class 8… http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fuel-smarts/news/story/2017/03/first-of-27-electric-trucks-arrives-at-southern-california-freight-rail-yards.aspx FUELS Canada determined to diversify despite Keystone XL approval. Canada's natural resource minister said Saturday his government is happy the Keystone XL pipeline has finally been approved by the White House, but he noted that obstacles remain and said Canada remains determined to diversify its oil exports beyond the United States. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CN_CANADA_PIPELINE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT President Trump will issue a new executive order on Tuesday to relax Obama-era regulations on fossil fuels. “It will bring back manufacturing jobs across the country, coal jobs across the country,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “Across the energy sector, we have so much opportunity.” The “Energy Independence Executive Order” is designed to relax regulations on power plants… http://nypost.com/2017/03/26/trump-to-sign-order-loosening-regulations-on-fossil-fuels/ New cars much less fuel efficient than manufacturers claim, research finds. Australian Automobile Association finds fuel use on average 25% higher than claimed on consumption label displayed on new cars. New cars are using vastly more fuel on the road than in laboratory tests, raising further questions about the veracity of car manufacturers’ claims in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/27/new-cars-far-less-fuel-efficient-than-manufacturers-claim-research-finds Oil and gas groups cheer valuation rule repeal. Oil and gas groups celebrated the Interior Department's move last week to strike down an Obama-era rule altering royalty calculations for fossil fuels produced on federal land. In a legal filing Thursday, Interior requested a stay on litigation related to the Office of Natural Resources Revenue rule and indicated that it is developing a rulemaking to repeal the regulation (Greenwire, March 24). http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052101 VEHICLES Even Germany’s Post Office Is Building an Electric Car. Why a no-frills postal van spells disruption for the auto and oil industries. This boxy, bare-bones van has no air conditioning or radio, no passenger seat and a top speed of less than 50 miles an hour. Yet the electric vehicle’s success has irked the likes of Volkswagen AG. When Deutsche Post AG couldn’t find a zero-emission delivery van that met its needs… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-24/even-germany-s-post-office-is-building-an-electric-car Tech Roundup: Why Regulation Benefits (Yes, Benefits) Electric Cars. A common piece of wisdom in business circles is that regulation is bad and stifles innovation. But that leaves us with the curious case of electric cars, as Farhad Manjoo writes. Electric cars are becoming less expensive and more reliable. The typical range they can drive on a single charge is extending, and charging stations are… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/23/technology/tech-roundup-regulation-benefits-yes-benefits-electric-cars.html?_r=0 GM, Buick to launch plug-ins, electric cars in China. General Motors Co. said Friday its Buick brand will soon launch its first extended-range electric vehicle, the Velite 5, in China. The Detroit automaker said it plans in the next two years to introduce plug-in hybrid gasoline electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles under the Buick brand in China. http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2017/03/24/gm-buick-launch-plug-ins-electric-cars-china/99578414/ Renault Zoe electric-car owners can double their range by upgrading leased batteries. When the updated 2017 Renault Zoe was unveiled last fall at the Paris auto show, it became one of the few electric cars whose range effectively doubled over its model life. Launched in 2012 with a 22-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, the five-door subcompact hatchback had an effective range of 60 to 90 miles. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109564_renault-zoe-electric-car-owners-can-double-their-range-by-upgrading-leased-batteries State offering rebate on new electric vehicles. New program also expands number of charging stations statewide. New Yorkers looking to buy a new car now have a big reason to go electric. The Rebate Electric Vehicle program (REV) will provide up to $2,000 off the sticker price for state residents who buy an electric car from participating dealerships. http://legislativegazette.com/archives/4899 VW RECALL Environmental officials praise engineers to uncovered Volkswagen emissions fraud. The California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board, convening in Riverside, paused from hearings Friday morning to honor engineers on staff who detected Volkswagen's attempts to hide excess emissions from its diesel vehicles through a "defeat device." http://www.pe.com/articles/environmental-828243-air-protection.html Could Trump's EPA reopen the VW settlement? States are preparing for a multibillion-dollar influx from a Volkswagen settlement despite new worries that U.S. EPA could rethink the deal. The settlement, approved by a federal judge in October, requires Volkswagen to invest $2 billion in electric vehicle charging and provide $2.7 billion to states to cut nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution from old diesel engines. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052108 GREEN ENERGY California is shattering solar records. This bill could take renewable energy to the next level. A month ago, California broke its all-time solar record, with nearly 8,800 megawatts of solar power flooding the state's main electric grid on a Friday afternoon. The record stood until the following Wednesday, when more than 9,000 megawatts of solar powered the Golden State… http://www.desertsun.com/story/tech/science/energy/2017/03/27/california-shattering-solar-records-bill-could-take-renewable-energy-next-level/99536342/ Sierra Club report touts clean power as job generator. The Sierra Club today responded to Trump administration plans to roll back fossil fuel regulations by saying that the "clean energy" industry employs more workers. A new report from the green group found that solar, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage employ 2.5 times more people than coal, oil and gas jobs… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/27/stories/1060052137 MISCELLANEOUS L.A. County will consider tighter rules for carpool and toll lanes. In an effort to improve sluggish speeds on the region’s freeways, Los Angeles County transportation officials have agreed to examine whether to impose tolls on more carpool lanes and a higher passenger requirement for such lanes. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-carpool-lanes-20170324-story.html Trump Executive Order Practices Are Dismantling Decades Of Environmental. The executive order is a quick and effective tool for President Donald Trump as he begins rewriting the 2015 regulation that “limits greenhouse-gas emissions from existing electric utilities” and he orders “the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to lift a moratorium on federal coal leasing.” https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/27/trump-executive-order-practices-dismantling-decades-environmental-protections/ OPINIONS Back California Over Trump on Car Emissions. Thanks to a peculiarity of U.S. law, California has special power to set car pollution standards that affect the whole country. And the whole country -- even the whole world -- has benefited as, over decades, the state has pushed automakers to create ever-better pollution-limiting technology and ever-more fuel-efficient cars. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-03-27/back-california-over-trump-on-car-emissions Should Fuel Economy Standards Be Weakened? President Donald Trump announced this month that his administration plans to review fuel economy standards set by President Barack Obama's administration. The Obama administration's regulations would set the average fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, but Trump's review makes a rollback a possibility. https://www.usnews.com/opinion/debate-club/articles/2017-03-27/is-weakening-fuel-economy-standards-a-good-idea What You Can Do About Climate Change. What can you — just one concerned person — do about global warming? It may feel like a more urgent problem these days, with proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and each year warmer than the previous one. You could drive a few miles fewer a year. Reduce your speed. Turn down your thermostat in winter. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/25/opinion/sunday/what-you-can-do-about-climate-change.html?_r=0 Keystone Pipeline and other Trump energy policies could help swamp Mar-a-Lago. President Trump’s State Department early Friday signed off on a permit to allow the Keystone XL Pipeline project to cross the border from Canada, a permit the Obama administration had rejected as contrary to the national interest. But Trump is less concerned with the nation’s best interests than he is in the interests… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-trump-global-warming-mar-a-lago-20170324-story.html 'No sign of mountains': What it was like in L.A. before today's clean-air rules. To the editor: In 1971, my 2-year-old son and I moved to Los Angeles from Boston. As we descended into LAX, the clouds were dirty, an ominous shade of brown. I wondered why the San Fernando Valley was called a valley; there was no sign of mountains when I drove to work through the canyons to Van Nuys. (“Will Trump erect a roadblock to Southern California's decades-long fight against smog?,” March 17) http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-clean-air-smog-los-angeles-20170324-story.html Don't reopen Aliso Canyon until we know what caused the worst methane leak in history. In the wake of the Aliso Canyon methane leak — the largest such leak in U.S. history, which temporarily displaced 8,000 families from their homes — what’s wrong with using some common-sense caution before reopening the natural gas storage facility? http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-aliso-canyon-close-20170323-story.html How refineries' greed sank an environmental program that was saving them millions. Just over a year ago, Southern California’s refinery industry was riding high. With a last-minute blitz in December 2015, the refineries had torpedoed a tough anti-pollution plan that had been painstakingly developed by regional environmental officials over the previous 37 months. The industry plan that was approved instead continued a cap-and-trade program… http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-refineries-reclaim-20170326-story.html Community Voices: Water allotments still disrespect farmers. Two-thirds of California’s total rainfall occurs in Northern California and two-thirds of California’s population lives south of the Delta. In California, we have two water projects that the Central Valley and Southern California depend on for their surface water deliveries: the Central Valley Project (a federal project) and the State Water Project. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community-voices-water-allotments-still-disrespect-farmers/article_5b9e0af9-bf79-5916-b1f8-7f8ba7b36913.html Paris climate change agreement is a 'bad deal', says pro-fossil fuels EPA chief Scott Pruitt. Barack Obama had hoped ratification of the historic international agreement would one day be viewed as 'the moment that we finally decided to save our planet'. The historic Paris Agreement on climate change – hailed by Barack Obama as perhaps “the moment that we finally decided to save our planet” – is “a bad deal”… http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/paris-agreement-scott-pruitt-climate-change-bad-deal-fossil-fuels-global-warming-a7651856.html Commentary: running fast to stand still. Even by their tumultuous standards, oil markets have had an exciting two years. Prices collapsed to unimaginably low levels following a half-decade of high and seemingly predictable prices, then recovered sharply. Capex programs were cut, costs went into free-fall, and efficiency ruled the day. The political environment was quite volatile as well with major producers like… http://www.iea.org/newsroom/news/2017/march/commentary-running-fast-to-stand-still-.html Can Trump’s Proposal Save The Coal Industry? Climate change may not be a significant factor in the decision-making processes of the United States government, according to the White House. As per a directive signed by President Donald Trump, decisions concerning anything from appliance standards to pipeline approvals will be made without considering climate change as largely as has been done in the past. http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Can-Trumps-Proposal-Save-The-Coal-Industry.html Fuel Economy Rules: Someone is Listening. The recent announcement that the Trump Administration was taking another look at Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards was a welcome reality check for what is a complex and multi-layered issue. There was an immediate knee jerk reaction that this will send us back to the days of muscle cars and wanton pollution when in truth it may be one of the most positive… http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2017/03/27/fuel-economy-rules-someone-is-listening/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 16:19:52 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 28, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 28, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE A cap-and-trade system for vehicle emissions? Economists and regulatory experts are proposing a cap-and-trade system for vehicle greenhouse gas emissions to replace existing fuel economy standards. President Trump has vowed to review the emissions and mileage requirements to boost automotive jobs. U.S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have until April 2018 to decide whether to lower the targets. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/28/stories/1060052177 AIR POLLUTION CLEAN POWER PLAN Trump to unravel Obama's anti-global warming projects. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order Tuesday aimed at moving forward on his campaign pledge to unravel former President Barack Obama's plan to curb global warming. The order seeks to suspend, rescind or flag for review more than a half-dozen measures in an effort to boost domestic energy production in the form of fossil fuels. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_CLIMATE_PLAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_CLIMATE_PLAN?SITE=CAFRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/videos/2017-03-28/trump-set-to-reverse-obama-s-paris-climate-policies-video http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-energy-idUSKBN16Z09F http://www.npr.org/2017/03/28/521751276/expected-executive-actions-on-climate-change-policies-aim-to-ensure-focus-on-ene http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/28/519003733/trump-takes-aim-at-a-centerpiece-of-obamas-environmental-legacy https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2017/03/27/trump-takes-aim-obama-efforts-curb-global-warming/Qbjkja8M3IITUGFdajxG4L/story.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/trump-moves-decisively-to-wipe-out-obamas-climate-change-record/2017/03/27/411043d4-132c-11e7-9e4f-09aa75d3ec57_story.html?utm_term=.7f397ce2f037 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-set-gut-obama-era-green-energy-provisions-article-1.3011307 http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/326047-trump-to-undo-obamas-climate-change-agenda http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article141167883.html http://www.postandcourier.com/politics/federal_politics/trump-expected-to-take-a-swing-at-dismantling-obama-s/article_39d3289e-13b7-11e7-9c72-5b48aed80784.html http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/28/environment-groups-oppose-trump-climate-change-order/ https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/03/28/trump-to-sign-executive-order-aimed-at-obamas-climate-change-efforts.html http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-clean-power-plan-climate-change-obama-executive-order-2017-3-2 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/28/trump-climate-change-executive-order-us-dominance-china http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/environmentalists-ready-fight-trump-signs-order-decimate-obamas-clean-power-policy-1614143 http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/27/politics/trump-climate-change-executive-order/index.html http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/03/trump-to-gut-power-plant-emission-regulations.html CLIMATE CHANGE What does California need to meet its climate-change goals? For starters, denser housing and less driving, report says. California will need billions of dollars in new funding for housing and transportation improvements, and to make extraordinary changes to state and local government policies, in order to meet its new 2030 climate change goals… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-housing-climate-change-study-20170327-story.html European scientists, officials warn against US climate plan. Scientists, officials and environmental campaigners in Europe said Tuesday that the United States would be damaging its own interests if it rolls back the previous administration's efforts to curb climate change. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_US_CLIMATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT What Trump’s new climate actions mean: A FAQ. On Tuesday, a week after the end of the sixth-warmest winter in the continental United States in recorded history, President Trump will announce a series of actions meant to unwind or dramatically halt Barack Obama’s efforts to fight climate change. What does this mean? What will the effects be? Can Trump keep his promises on energy job creation? Allow us to answer those questions in the form of a FAQ. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/03/28/what-trumps-new-climate-actions-mean-a-faq/?utm_term=.41d5c3648de0 How climate change may be driving extreme weather. Scientists say climate change could be altering the jet stream in a way that causes extreme heat waves, droughts, and flooding. Whether a specific extreme weather event can be linked to climate change rarely gets a straightforward answer from climate scientists or meteorologists. It's complicated, they'll say, but that doesn't mean there isn't a relationship. http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2017/0327/How-climate-change-may-be-driving-extreme-weather ADVANCED CLEAN CARS California Upholds Auto Emissions Standards, Setting Up Face-Off With Trump. California’s clean-air agency voted on Friday to push ahead with stricter emissions standards for cars and trucks, setting up a potential legal battle with the Trump administration over the state’s plan to reduce planet-warming gases. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/business/energy-environment/california-upholds-emissions-standards-setting-up-face-off-with-trump.html?_r=0 https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/03/24/us/24reuters-california-autos-pollution.html https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/03/24/us/ap-us-california-fuel-standards.html FUELS Maryland lawmakers vote to ban drilling known as fracking. Maryland lawmakers voted Monday to ban hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas, a process better known as fracking. The Senate voted 35-10 for a measure that already has been approved by the House. That sends the bill to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who supports the ban. Fracking isn't being done in Maryland now, but a moratorium on issuing permits ends in October. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_XGR_GAS_DRILLING_MARYLAND?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Study suggests cars are misstating fuel use. Vehicles are significantly less fuel-efficient on the road than the laboratory, according to new research from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The study, which spanned the last 10 months, included 17 common cars and found that fuel use was around 25 percent higher than their consumption labels suggested… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/28/stories/1060052154 Have markets rendered KXL, Clean Power Plan irrelevant? The Keystone XL pipeline is alive and the Clean Power Plan is on death row, but President Trump's first attempts to make America more fossil-fuel-friendly share this: Energy markets have moved on. Royal Dutch Shell PLC has announced plans to sell its stake in the Canadian oil sands, which Keystone XL was designed to serve. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/28/stories/1060052174 VEHICLES Tesla deal boosts Chinese presence in U.S. auto tech. China's Tencent Holdings Ltd (0700.HK) has bought a 5 percent stake in U.S. electric car maker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) for $1.78 billion, the latest investment by a Chinese internet company in the potentially lucrative market for self-driving vehicles and related services. Tencent's investment, revealed in a U.S. regulatory filing, provides Tesla with an additional cash cushion… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-stake-tencent-holdings-idUSKBN16Z1FJ CARB Pushes Forward With Stringent Emissions Standards Through 2025, Will Crank It Up Beyond That. Just like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set out to do late last year, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to keep its emissions standards locked through 2025. The ZEV program will also remain intact, and eventually accelerate. http://insideevs.com/carb-pushes-forward-stringent-emissions-standards-2025/ AeroVironment and eMotorWerks partner to offer smart advanced electric vehicle charging solutions. AeroVironment and eMotorWerks, a provider of intelligent and cloud-connected smart-grid charging solutions, are partnering to deliver smart advanced EV charging solutions. By integrating eMotorWerks’ JuiceNet smart-grid EV charging platform into AeroVironment’s line of consumer and OEM EV charging solutions… http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/03/20170328-aero.html Powertrain innovations rev ahead despite mpg, emissions review. European engine launches don’t generally make a lot of noise in the United States, and so it is not really much of a surprise that Ford’s latest motor, an innovative 1.5-liter three-cylinder, pretty much went unnoticed here a month ago when Ford unveiled it. Except for filling in some blanks late last year on several new hybrids and electric vehicles… http://www.autonews.com/article/20170328/BLOG06/170329865/powertrain-innovations-rev-ahead-despite-mpg-emissions-review GREEN ENERGY Brookfield Finds Solar ‘Entry Point’ After SunEdison's Collapse. Brookfield Asset Management Inc., one of the biggest owners of hydropower, is about to make its first major move into solar power. Canada’s largest alternative asset manager has about 10,700 megawatts of clean-energy plants around the world, including 217 hydropower sites -- and just a half-megawatt of solar power that’s enough to power 82 U.S. homes. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-27/brookfield-finds-solar-entry-point-after-sunedison-s-collapse UAE Sees $192 Billion Savings in Switch to Green Power From Gas. The United Arab Emirates forecasts that savings generated by switching half its power needs to clean energy by mid-century will outstrip the investment costs. The Gulf state plans to invest $150 billion in renewable power to 2050, weening the country from dependency on subsidized natural gas power in stages… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-27/uae-sees-192-billion-savings-in-switch-to-green-power-from-gas Australia’s Wind Farms Could Be “Core Providers” Of Grid Stability, Says AEMO. Australia’s wind farms could soon become “core providers” of crucial grid stability services, assuming a role currently dominated by the nation’s fossil fuel generators, a wind energy conference in Melbourne has been told. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/03/28/australias-wind-farms-core-providers-grid-stability-says-aemo/ 85°C Bakery Cafe Celebrates Its First Solar-Powered Facility. 85°C Bakery Cafe has installed a 325 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system to power its central kitchen in Brea, Calif. The system, which is expected to produce 527,702kWh of power annually, features 1,226 Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Premium solar modules and seven inverters from Yaskawa – Solectria Solar. http://solarindustrymag.com/85c-bakery-cafe-celebrates-first-solar-powered-facility Africa has 'gigantic' unused wind and solar resources — study. Africa's electrification crisis could be largely solved with wind and solar power, a new analysis from the University of California, Berkeley, shows. But the continent's immense capacity for renewable energy generation doesn't mean new power plants are being built where and when the electricity is most needed. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/28/stories/1060052160 Batteries, and battery policy, are spreading — report. Demand for grid-level energy storage is growing in states across the country, and policies to support it are expanding at the same time, a new report says. Twenty-one states have 20 megawatts or more of energy storage installed or planned, according to GTM Research, which compiled the information as part of a new data tool. http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/03/28/stories/1060052180 MISCELLANEOUS Why record snow followed by warm temperature is a dangerous combination for Owens Valley. As snow continued to fall on the eastern Sierra Nevada this week, platoons of earth movers, cranes and utility trucks fanned out across the Owens Valley, scrambling to empty reservoirs and clean out a lattice-work of ditches and pipelines in a frantic effort to protect the key source of Los Angeles’ water. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-owens-flood-20170324-story.html AkzoNobel, Maersk Line Partner to Reduce Shipping Carbon Emissions. Paint and coating company AkzoNobel and container shipping company Maersk Line have partnered to reduce carbon emissions per container shipped by 10 percent. The companies say the partnership will also increase transparency on supply chain best practices and integrate sustainability into the customer-supplier relationship… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/03/akzonobel-maersk-line-partner-reduce-shipping-carbon-emissions/ OPINIONS Planned Rollback of Climate Rules Unlikely to Achieve All Trump’s Goals. President Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday to roll back most of President Barack Obama’s climate change legacy, celebrating the move as a way to increase the nation’s “energy independence” and to restore thousands of lost coal mining jobs. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/27/climate/planned-rollback-of-climate-rules-unlikely-to-achieve-all-trumps-goals.html?_r=0 Using Aliso Canyon is about keeping Southern California safe during a heat wave. To the editor: This editorial misleadingly implies that I am blocking consideration of SB 57 and ignores my continued commitment to renewable energy and, above all else, the safety and well-being of consumers. (“Don't reopen Aliso Canyon until we know what caused the worst methane leak in history,” editorial, March 23) http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-aliso-canyon-reopen-20170328-story.html Letter: Climate change aggravates our air pollution. Utah Climate Center researchers confirm that climate change worsens air pollution by causing stronger inversions, resulting in higher concentrations of particulate air pollution. After too many red air days this winter Utahns need to consider the impact of worsening air pollution on the health of our families. Climate change is not a matter of belief; it is unequivocal scientific fact. http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5107950-155/letter-climate-change-aggravates-our-air Fuel cell cars won't solve global warming. Fuel cell cars are touted as having no emissions except water. In a limited sense that is true. However, if the entire fuel cycle for the car is considered it most certainly is not. The fuel used by the fuel cell is hydrogen, very pure hydrogen. By combining hydrogen with oxygen from the ambient air, the fuel cell produces electricity… http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/03/28/fuel-cell-cars-solve-global-warming The Giant Trump Climate Order Is Here. What it does, what comes next. In the final days of the Obama administration, scholars and journalists took stock of all that he had done to combat the dangerous rise of climate change. Barack Obama, they pronounced, had built up a surprisingly vast array of climate-concerned rules and guidelines across the government. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/03/trump-climate-eo/520986/ The Cost of Curbing Climate Change. On average, every ton of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere imposes damages equal to about $40. President Trump is expected to issue an executive order soon to reverse Obama-era rules to cut carbon pollution, including a moratorium on leasing public lands for coal mining and a plan to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-03-28/how-we-measure-the-cost-of-curbing-climate-change Why the West will continue to green without the Clean Power Plan. The region is poised for more renewable energy and less coal. The West likely will continue greening its electricity supply despite President Donald Trump’s expected executive order today aimed at wiping out much of former President Barack Obama’s consequential actions to rein in climate change. But progress will be slower and spottier than it would have been. http://www.hcn.org/articles/why-the-west-will-green-without-the-clean-power-plan Why Blacks Need Environmental Protection — And Why We’re at Risk of Losing It. [Opinion] The EPA is one of the few places African-Americans can go for environmental justice, but it's targeted for heavy cuts from the Trump administration. As African-Americans, we know there are a plethora of reasons our lifespans are almost four years lower than Whites, but there’s a menacing health danger flying under the radar that gets far too little attention. http://www.ebony.com/news-views/epa-trump-african-americans#ixzz4cdJicyWy How Trump's Clean Power Plan Executive Order Will Affect Climate Change. President Donald Trump appears set to issue an executive order Tuesday on the Clean Power Plan, a policy put in place by the Obama administration in an effort to combat climate change. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt… http://www.ibtimes.com/how-trumps-clean-power-plan-executive-order-will-affect-climate-change-2516358 The Glaring Omissions in Trump’s Climate Rule. In an effort to get his administration back on track after a miserable week, today Trump will sign a new executive order that initiates his efforts to roll back Obama’s climate change policies. President Trump will take the most significant step yet in obliterating his predecessor’s environmental record TuesdaY…. http://washingtonmonthly.com/2017/03/28/the-glaring-omissions-in-trumps-climate-rule/ Was the climate rule really bad for the economy? As President Trump today pulls the first strings in unraveling President Obama's signature climate change regulation, he will claim he's saving Americans from skyrocketing electricity bills and putting coal miners back to work. In truth, that's hard to show. Experts say it's difficult to get more than a rough estimate of how the Clean Power Plan would influence power costs… http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060052178 BLOGS Can We Slow Global Warming and Still Grow? In March 17th, the International Energy Agency announced that 2016 marked the third year in a row that global carbon emissions had stayed at the same level while the world’s economy grew. This three-time repeat has put to rest any lingering suspicions of gremlins in the data. Something new is happening. http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/can-we-slow-global-warming-and-still-grow?intcid=mod-latest U.S. natural gas to Mexico skyrockets, now some worry about dependence. Drug tunnels are not the only passageways beneath the U.S.-Mexico border that transport valuable cargo. Pipelines cross the boundary too, carrying natural gas south. This trade is up 300 percent since 2010, and now is set to double again by 2019. It’s the largest natural gas export capacity expansion in U.S. history… http://inewsource.org/2017/03/27/natural-gas-mexico-skyrockets/ EU states trying to 'rig new greenhouse gas law with loopholes', new report claims. Twenty-five out of 28 states, including the UK, accused of trying to water down the EU’s ‘most important climate law’. Just three out of the 28 European Union countries appear to be in favour of creating a tough new law that would set binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new analysis. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/eu-states-greenhouse-gas-law-loopholes-european-union-global-warming-climate-change-report-carbon-a7654151.html Killing Climate Action = Killing People. The Trump administration continues its war on health today with an executive order that aims to claw back climate protections like the Clean Power Plan. If fully implemented, the polluter-friendly order would guarantee more deadly heat waves, more choking air pollution, and more contamination in our food and water. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/juanita-constible/killing-climate-action-killing-people Trump’s Climate Destruction Plan: A Deal He Can’t Close. President Trump’s sprawling executive order directing the EPA and other agencies to start dismantling President Obama’s climate legacy flies in the face of law, science, and strong public support for climate action. Trump’s executive order is a Climate Destruction Plan. It attacks the centerpiece of his predecessor’s climate legacy… https://www.nrdc.org/experts/david-doniger/trumps-climate-destruction-plan-deal-he-cant-close US Climate Actions Can’t Be Stopped With the Stroke of a Pen. President Trump’s executive orders on climate change can’t slow U.S. action on climate change or progress on the Paris Agreement. Final rules can’t be undone with the stroke of a pen and market dynamics will continue to shift the U.S. to a clean energy economy despite President Trump’s efforts. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/jake-schmidt/us-climate-actions-cant-be-stopped-stroke-pen President Trump’s All-Out Attack on Climate Policy. Today President Trump launches an all-out attack on our country’s policies to address climate change, via an Executive Order expected to be signed this afternoon. We’ve known for some time that something like this was in the works. Yet that doesn’t take away from the shock of the order’s destructive details, which were previewed yesterday by administration officials. http://blog.ucsusa.org/rachel-cleetus/president-trumps-all-out-attack-on-climate-policy California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 12:13:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 29, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Even As Trump Scuttles Climate Policy, Diehards Propose New Cap-And-Trade System For Auto Emissions. What would possess two Obama Administration veterans to propose that the Trump Administration—which on Tuesday revoked much of Obama's climate legacy—implement a cap and trade program to reduce auto emissions? A new cap-and-trade proposal was unveiled Monday by Cass Sunstein, now of Harvard Law School, who headed Obama's effort to streamline regulations, and Michael Greenstone, now of the University of Chicago, who served as chief architect of Obama's "social cost of carbon" policy, which enabled the government to consider the climate impacts of nearly everything it does—until Trump abandoned the policy yesterday. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2017/03/29/as-trump-guts-climate-protections-diehards-propose-cap-and-trade-for-auto-emissions/#5daaa9c12302 AIR POLLUTION U.S. National Academies panel endorses controversial human air pollution tests. A panel of outside experts has broadly endorsed U.S. Enivronmetnal Protection Agency’s (EPA's) use of voluntary human testing in air pollution studies, saying in a new report that the controversial practice yields valuable data not obtainable through other means. Although health risks to participants can't be ruled out, the odds of long-term harm from the laboratory tests are "unlikely to be large enough to be of concern," according to the report, released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/03/us-national-academies-panel-endorses-human-air-pollution-tests Vehicle ban: Green bodies laud SC for safeguarding public health. Green bodies on Wednesday lauded Supreme Court’s decision to ban sale and registration of vehicles which are not BS-IV compliant, terming it as an acknowledgment to the public health crisis and a step in right direction towards fighting air pollution. Terming it a “significant” step forward, they said the decision sends out a message that the automobile industry will have to walk the extra mile to address the expansive concern around public health and is also a “crucial” step in putting public health above business interest of few. http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vehicle-ban-green-bodies-laud-sc-for-safeguarding-public-health/story-xyi2NAndNwLibD9hqdviYM.html South Korea joins ranks of world’s most polluted countries. South Korea has joined the ranks of the world’s most polluted countries, with air pollution in the first months of this year soaring to record levels. Long associated with Asian capitals such as Beijing or Delhi, hazardous smog has for weeks blanketed Seoul — a city now appearing among the world’s three most polluted in daily rankings. https://www.ft.com/content/b49a9878-141b-11e7-80f4-13e067d5072c CLEAN POWER PLAN Trump Administration Seeks Delay in Ruling on Climate Plan. Hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to undo his predecessor's efforts to curb climate change, his administration has asked a federal appeals court to postpone ruling on lawsuits over Obama-era restrictions on carbon emissions. The regulations - known as the Clean Power Plan - have been the subject of long-running legal challenges by about two dozen mostly Republican-led states and industry groups that profit from burning coal. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_CLIMATE_PLAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Trump, in break from other world leaders, digs in on coal. Declaring an end to what he's called "the war on coal," President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that eliminates numerous restrictions on fossil fuel production, breaking with leaders across the globe who have embraced cleaner energy sources. The order makes good on Trump's campaign pledge to unravel former President Barack Obama's efforts to curb global warming, eliminating nearly a dozen measures in an effort to boost domestic energy production, especially oil, natural gas and coal. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_TRUMP_CLIMATE_PLAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT California, NY vow to fill climate-change void left by Trump. The governors of California and New York said Tuesday that they will push ahead with their aggressive climate change policies despite President Donald Trump's executive order that seeks to boost the coal industry. Democratic Govs. Jerry Brown of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York said in a joint statement that they will help fill the void left by Trump's decision to unravel former President Barack Obama's plan to curb global warming. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_CLIMATE_PLAN_BLUE_STATES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT China affirms climate pledge after Trump rolls back rules. China promised Wednesday to stick to its climate commitments after President Donald Trump eased U.S. curbs on coal and oil use, opening the way for Beijing to assert itself as a leader in environmental policy. China is the No. 1 emitter of climate-changing greenhouse gases but also the top investor in solar, wind and other renewable energy. It has promised to cap coal use and rein in growth of carbon dioxide emissions. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_CHINA_US_CLIMATE_CHANGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT China, EU reaffirm climate pledges after Trump backs away. Nations led by China and the European Union rallied around a global plan to slow climate change on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump began undoing Obama-era plans for deep cuts in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Trump's order on Tuesday, keeping a campaign promise to bolster the U.S. coal industry, strikes at the heart of an international Paris Agreement in 2015 to curb world temperatures that hit record highs in 2016 for the third year in a row. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-global-idUSKBN1701DN Environmental groups vowing to fight Trump climate actions. Environmental groups that have hired extra lawyers in recent months are prepared to go to court to fight a sweeping executive order from President Donald Trump that eliminates many restrictions on fossil fuel production and would roll back his predecessor's plans to curb global warming. But they said they'll take their first battle to the court of public opinion. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ENVIRONMENTALISTS_CLIMATE_PLAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/environmental-groups-vowing-fight-trump-climate-actions-46437705 Undoing the Clean Power Plan Will Be a Legal Nightmare. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed a dramatic executive order to dismantle his predecessor’s climate change policies, with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and coal miners at his side. Framing it as a lifeline to coal jobs, Trump said, “We’re ending the theft of American prosperity.” Even coal industry executives doubt that the order will lead to many new jobs. Its main actual function is to instruct Pruitt to withdraw and rewrite the Clean Power Plan, an EPA rule that requires states to make plans to cut carbon pollution from power plants. Under former President Barack Obama, the Clean Power Plan was the cornerstone of the U.S. strategy to meet greenhouse gas cutting goals contained in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which may now be impossible to reach. https://newrepublic.com/article/141686/undoing-clean-power-plan-will-legal-nightmare Trump's repeal of Clean Power Plan gets mixed Montana reception. Even before President Donald Trump declared the Clean Power Plan dead, the autopsy in Montana was underway. Coal advocates hailed the repeal as the break coal needs to rebound from several years of bad economic news. Groups concerned about climate change said, unfortunately, the repeal would undo little. Challenged in court by 24 states, including Montana, the plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions was never put to use. http://billingsgazette.com/news/trump-s-repeal-of-clean-power-plan-gets-mixed-montana/article_c71f60b9-46a2-5d0b-822b-34833101959f.html As Trump reverses Obama’s climate plans, China’s leadership moment arrives. For years, U.S. opponents of climate action used China as an excuse. Why, they asked, should the United States adopt measures to slow climate change that would be overwhelmed by a rapidly growing Chinese economy, fueled by coal plants spewing greenhouse gases? How things have changed. This year, it is the Chinese government that has continued to embrace bold climate action, while President Trump on Tuesday moved to roll back a signature U.S. climate program aimed at capping emissions from coal plants and other sources — even as his administration is also seeking to slash government funding for research into better renewable technologies. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/29/as-trump-reverses-obamas-climate-plans-chinas-leadership-moment-arrives/?utm_term=.ec98ba506ae0 The Trump EPA: A Dramatic Shift From the Obama Era. The Trump administration took steps Tuesday toward dismantling former President Obama’s signature climate regulation, the Clean Power Plan, as President Donald Trump signed an executive order the White House promises will both bring back jobs and help the climate. "[We are] bringing back our jobs, bringing back our dreams and making America wealthy again,” the president said during an address at the EPA. EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said the new administration believes in “pro-growth and pro-environment” policies during an interview on Fox News Tuesday. http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/03/28/trump-epa-dramatic-shift-from-obama-era.html Undoing Clean Power Plan could mean short-term savings, long-term uncertainty for Mo. Utilities. Through an executive order issued Tuesday, President Donald Trump launched his long-anticipated assault on his predecessor’s climate policies. One of the cornerstones targeted by Trump’s “Energy Independence” order is the Clean Power Plan — a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency that would reduce by 2030 carbon emissions from electricity generation by 32 percent from 2005 levels, with each state required to meet certain thresholds. http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/undoing-clean-power-plan-could-mean-short-term-savings-long/article_ec14e5b0-edcc-5d5f-9f3a-475eda3ae9bd.html Trump Can Scrub the Clean Power Plan, But the West Will Stay Green. The West likely will continue greening its electricity supply despite President Donald Trump’s executive order today aimed at wiping out much of former President Barack Obama’s consequential actions to rein in climate change. But progress will be slower and spottier than it would have been. https://www.wired.com/2017/03/trump-can-kill-clean-power-plan-west-will-stay-green/ Trump Administration Seeks Halt to Clean Power Plan Review. President Donald Trump took yet another step toward dismantling his predecessor’s climate-change legacy, asking a federal appeals court to halt its review of carbon-emission rules for power plants. Trump, who famously called climate change a hoax in a 2012 tweet, on Tuesday signed an executive order that starts unraveling a raft of rules and directives to combat climate change. That’s now been followed by a bid to temporarily place on hold a 26-state suit challenging the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s environmental agenda -- the Clean Power Plan -- so the new administration can dismantle it ahead of a ruling on its legality. https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-29/trump-administration-asks-court-to-halt-clean-power-plan-review Clean Power Plan architect calls Trump's energy executive order a 'kick in the stomach'. Janet McCabe spent years developing the centerpiece of the Obama administration’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gases and slow climate change. So when President Trump this week started efforts to roll back that work, McCabe called it “quite a kick in the stomach.” McCabe, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency office that wrote the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, talked about the expansive executive order Trump signed, which included directing a rewrite of the Clean Power Plan rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/29/janet-mccabe-calls-trumps-energy-executive-order-kick-in-the-stomach/99771222/ Trump's order on Clean Power Plan good for Russia, bad for US: Syracuse profs. President Trump's executive order today ordering the roll-back of the Clean Power Plan would be "terrible" for America and good for Russia, a pair of Syracuse University professors said today. The power plan, put in place under President Obama, would cut carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent in an effort to slow human-induced climate change. Getting rid of the plan, and allowing the planet to keep heating up, would benefit Russians, said SU law professor David Dreisen, who has written three books on environmental law. http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/rollback_of_clean_power_plan_would_be_help_russians_syracuse_prof.html Trump wants to kill Obama's climate plan. What does that mean for renewable energy in the West? President Donald Trump took a major step toward removing the United States from global efforts to fight climate change Tuesday, ordering federal officials to start dismantling Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan. But even as Trump signed that executive order in Washington, renewable energy advocates out West were doubling down on their efforts to clean up the power grid. At stake is the future of solar farms, wind turbines and coal plants across 11 western states, and a proposal from California Gov. Jerry Brown to bring them all under the umbrella of a unified power grid. http://www.desertsun.com/story/tech/science/energy/2017/03/28/trump-wants-kill-obamas-climate-plan-what-does-mean-renewable-energy-west/99729402/ Trump's energy plan reversal spells trouble in Hawaii. President Donald Trump’s reversal of President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan does not bode well for Hawaii’s burgeoning renewable energy industry. On Tuesday, Trump signed the an executive order that starts the process of unraveling the Clean Power Plan and tells federal agencies to take a look at policies related to climate change in an effort to bring back coal jobs and make the country more energy independent. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2017/03/28/trumps-energy-plan-reversal-spells-trouble-in.html Was the Clean Power Plan Really Bad for the Economy? As President Trump today pulls the first strings in unraveling President Obama's signature climate change regulation, he will claim he's saving Americans from skyrocketing electricity bills and putting coal miners back to work. In truth, that's hard to show. Experts say it's difficult to get more than a rough estimate of how the Clean Power Plan would influence power costs, since natural gas and renewable energy prices play a role, as do state choices about trading systems. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/was-the-clean-power-plan-really-bad-for-the-economy/ States vow to defend rule. The attorneys general of 16 states and the District of Columbia today vowed to protect U.S. EPA's regulations on carbon dioxide emissions from President Trump's directive on energy. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (D) led the coalition, along with the attorneys general from Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. http://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/03/28/stories/1060052217 VEHICLES Self-healing membrane extends life of hydrogen fuel cells. The saying goes that time heals all wounds, but when it comes to technology, time is much better at causing those wounds. Rather than always replacing parts, fixing things or just throwing them away, researchers have developed materials that can patch themselves up as required, which could lead to self-healing electronics, paints and even spaceship hulls. Now, researchers at the University of Delaware (UD) are working on extending the life of membranes in hydrogen fuel cells by equipping them with similar self-healing powers. http://newatlas.com/self-healing-membrane-fuel-cell/48659/ BMW to produce a low-volume hydrogen fuel-cell car in 2021. BMW CEO Harald Krueger reinforced last week the company’s commitment to launch a hydrogen fuel-cell car in the next five years for “larger model series and long distances.” BMW will produce a low-volume fuel-cell car in 2021, with wider availability in 2025, he said. In 2015, BMW unveiled their vision of a future fuel cell-powered BMW. At their secret facility in Miramas, France, BMW let us test drive a 5 Series Gran Turismo equipped with the new technology. At the time, the Munich-based automaker said that the biggest hurdle in the adoption of fuel cells is the infrastructure. http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/03/29/bmw-produce-low-volume-hydrogen-fuel-cell-car-2021/ Toyota Mirai billboards scrub nitrogen oxides while touting hydrogen fuel-cell sedan. If green cars can reduce emissions, why shouldn't their advertising do the same? That's the theory behind a series of billboards in relevant California markets that advertise the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell sedan. But these billboards will do more than try to attract the eyes of potential customers stuck in traffic on the highways below their perches. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109570_toyota-mirai-billboards-scrub-nitrogen-oxides-while-touting-hydrogen-fuel-cell-sedan Auto Buying Guide: The safest electric vehicles. Sales of electric vehicles and hybrids may have taken it on the chin as gasoline prices dipped, but the green vehicle class continues to grow in both model selection and sales volume. The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety has now completed a new round of testing, applying its newly updated and more rigorous criteria to four EVs: The Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius Prime. IIHS had already evaluated the Nissan Leaf. http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/business/20170327/auto-buying-guide-safest-electric-vehicles GREEN ENERGY Beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev commits to 100 percent renewable energy. Brewing powerhouse Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has committed to secure all of its purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025. In an announcement on Tuesday, the business said that its commitment would help to "shift 6 terawatt-hours of electricity annually to renewable sources in the markets where AB InBev operates." http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/29/beer-giant-anheuser-busch-inbev-commits-to-100-percent-renewable-energy.html MISCELLANEOUS Air pollution makes surprisingly good art supplies. Plumes of diesel exhaust contain a mixture of things both nasty and harmless. A lot of it, however, is carbon. Carbon can be useful and (as you might recall from school) is often jet black in color. Start-up Graviky has created an exhaust filter that can pull 95% of the carbon soot from diesel exhausts, and then transform this into useable, purified, black ink or paint. The result is what co-founder Anirudh Sharma calls Air-Ink, and it's already being used in markers and oil-based paints. https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/27/air-pollution-makes-surprisingly-good-art-supplies/ BLOGS California Stays Its Course toward More EVs and Plug-Ins. California last week resolved to push full speed ahead with its greenhouse-gas emissions standards and zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) program for 2022 through 2025. Some see this as strong pushback against the leadership of the federal EPA, which is signaling a more lax approach to climate-change-related regulation, including a pending review of federal fuel-economy requirements. If federal mileage requirements are relaxed, there will be less pressure on automakers to build advanced-technology vehicles such as electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles. However, California’s own Advanced Clean Cars program continues, to varying degrees, to be effective at mandating these in the Golden State—and soon, more aggressively in nine other states that use the California emission standards. http://blog.caranddriver.com/california-stays-its-course-toward-more-evs-and-plug-ins/ Jane Goodall Says Trump’s Efforts To Derail Climate Action Are ‘Immensely Depressing’. In the face of enormous environmental challenges, including climate change and a biodiversity crisis, Jane Goodall, now 82, continues to spread a hopeful message about the future. But even the famed conservationist, a natural optimist, can recognize a dark day for the planet when she sees one. Asked about President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order earlier in the day to reverse Obama-era policies aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, Goodall told The Huffington Post that she found it “immensely depressing.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jane-goodall-trump-executive-order-climate_us_58daa028e4b07634059f9a0e California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Mar 2017 15:47:07 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for March 30, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for March 30, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Despite long odds, experts game carbon-pricing scenarios. What's the best way to build support for pricing carbon when the president calls climate change a hoax? One answer: Make sure it raises a lot of money. A group of experts from across the political spectrum met yesterday at the conservative Hoover Institution to put odds on passing a carbon tax in a political atmosphere of open climate skepticism under President Trump. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/30/stories/1060052338 AIR POLLUTION Study: Dirty air from global trade kills at home and abroad. A study that measures the human toll of air pollution from global manufacturing and trade shows how buying goods made far away can lead to premature deaths both there and close to home. More than 750,000 people die prematurely from dirty air every year that is generated by making goods in one location that will be sold elsewhere… http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/30/dirty-air-global-trade-kills/ Here’s how air pollution kills 3,450,000 people a year. Coal is costly. Air Pollution kills. A study released yesterday in the journal Nature found that in 2007, air pollution lead to the premature deaths of 3.45 million people worldwide—a number equivalent to the population of the state of Connecticut. And to add insult to injury, air pollution doesn’t respect borders. http://www.popsci.com/air-pollution-death#page-2 Pollution scientists fear 'collateral damage' of climate purge. It's morning rush hour in January, and two Ph.D. students at Carnegie Mellon University are trundling into the Breathemobile, a van specially outfitted as a mobile laboratory, to study Pittsburgh's air pollution. For the next few hours, the pair will drive in 1-square-kilometer loops around parts of the city, using specialized equipment to collect data on gaseous pollutants… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/30/stories/1060052336 CLIMATE CHANGE Apple, Wal-Mart Stick With Climate Pledges Despite Trump’s Pivot. Many of America’s biggest corporations including Apple Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are sticking by their pledges to fight climate change even as President Donald Trump guts his predecessor’s environmental policies. Companies say their pledges, coordinated by the Obama administration, reflect their push to cut energy costs… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-03-30/apple-wal-mart-stick-with-climate-pledges-despite-trump-s-pivot The White House’s claim that the carbon emissions rule ‘could cost up to $39 billion a year’. President Trump has started rolling back Obama-era environmental protections, including directing federal regulators to rewrite federal rules to reduce carbon emissions. The Clean Power Plan, a flagship environmental regulatory rule… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/03/30/the-white-houses-claim-that-the-carbon-emissions-rule-could-cost-up-to-39-billion-a-year/?utm_term=.60d5f0dd3b5c China Poised to Take Lead on Climate After Trump’s Move to Undo Policies. For years, the Obama administration prodded, cajoled and beseeched China to make commitments to limit the use of fossil fuels to try to slow the global effects of climate change. President Obama and other American officials saw the pledges from both Beijing and Washington as crucial: China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, followed by the United States. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/29/world/asia/trump-climate-change-paris-china.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0 Climate change on exhibit at two Chicago museums. t a museum on the South Side of Chicago, newly mounted photographs and video detail the disappearance, due to rising temperatures, of glaciers that are hundreds of years old. It's a breathtaking display of natural beauty, fading. At one on the North Side, a new exhibit demonstrates the effects of climate change on our homes and surroundings. http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/museums/ct-climate-change-exhibitions-ent-0330-20170329-story.html In Setback for Exxon, Texas Judge Kicks Climate Change Case to New York. The oil company loses its home court advantage before a sympathetic judge who has voiced skepticism over the climate fraud investigations by state attorneys general. A federal judge handling ExxonMobil's dispute with the attorneys general of New York and Massachusetts has transferred the case about climate change from his court in Texas to one in New York. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30032017/exxonmobil-climate-change-research-ny-attorney-general-investigation Climate change: China calls US 'selfish' after Trump seeks to bring back coal. State-run tabloid says Beijing cannot fill vacuum left by US and urges west to pressure Trump on global warming. Chinese state media has lambasted Donald Trump’s efforts to roll back many Obama-era environmental regulations, with a state-run tabloid saying that: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/30/climate-change-china-us-selfish-trump-coal 'Climate change is real': companies challenge Trump's reversal of policy. Mars Inc, Staples, The Gap and others speak out against Trump’s sweeping executive order that begins to dismantle Obama’s Clean Power Plan. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/29/climate-change-companies-challenge-trump-mars-staples-gap On balance, the world wants Trump to stay. The world is prepared to put up with quite a lot to keep the United States in the Paris climate deal. If White House officials who want the United States to remain part of the 2015 agreement prevail in what appears to be an ongoing tug of war within the administration, the trade-off is likely to be weaker emissions commitments… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/30/stories/1060052328 DROUGHT South African government says El Nino drought likely in 2017. Drought conditions associated with an El Nino weather pattern are likely to reoccur in a few months’ time, the South African government said on Thursday."Recurrence of El Niño drought conditions likely ... The next summer season has increased the likelihood for the development of El Nino conditions which are often associated with drought… http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN1712DI-OZATP DIESEL ACTIVITIES Blue Bird Vision school bus receives EPA, CARB certifications. The Blue Bird Vision Gasoline bus recently received full certification from both the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board, the company announced. The Blue Bird Vision Gasoline bus is certified to the federal standard of 0.20 nitrogen oxide emissions. http://fleetowner.com/running-green/blue-bird-vision-school-bus-receives-epa-carb-certifications FUELS Calif. Democrats propose $52B gas tax, fee repair package. California Democrats want to hike fuel taxes and car registration fees and charge zero-emissions vehicle owners $100 per year to fund $52.4 billion in transportation fixes. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and Democratic leaders yesterday announced they'd reached an agreement to support a deal after two years of effort. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/03/30/stories/1060052343 VEHICLES Sacramento tries to fend off L.A. in race for $44 million from VW to boost electric cars. The money is practically within Sacramento’s grasp – a $44 million jackpot, funded by Volkswagen to help make amends for an air-pollution scandal, to promote the use of electric cars within the city. California’s other polluted communities aren’t just letting Sacramento walk away with the cash, however. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article141589699.html#storylink=cpy VW RECALL Volkswagen says U.S. approves sale of modified diesel vehicles. Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to sell up to 67,000 diesel vehicles from the 2015 model year, including about 12,000 currently in dealer inventory with approved emissions modifications. The vehicles in inventory were held when the company issued a stop sale in September 2015… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN17102C Volkswagen agrees to pay $157M to settle 10 state's emission claims. Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche Thursday agreed to pay $157 million to 10 states to settle lawsuits against them over emissions violations. New York will receive $32.5 million of the settlement, which was filed in U.S. District Court in California, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced. The car companies are said to have secretly … http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/volkswagen-pay-157m-settle-10-state-emission-claims-article-1.3013840 A.G. Schneiderman Announces Volkswagen To Pay New York $32.5 Million For Emissions Violations. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that Volkswagen AG, Audi AG and Porsche AG, as well as their American subsidiaries, have agreed to pay over $157 million to ten states – including $32.5 million to New York – to settle the environmental lawsuits first filed last summer by New York and Massachusetts challenging the companies’… http://www.longisland.com/news/03-30-17/ag-schneiderman-announces-volkswagen-to-pay-new-york-325-million-for-emissions-violations.html GREEN ENERGY Northeast needs more land for wind, solar to flourish — study. Clean energy goals in more than a half-dozen Northeastern states may flounder unless regulators, elected officials and developers do more to mollify political opposition and build rural public support for wind and solar farms, a new analysis has found. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/03/30/stories/1060052340 MISCELLANEOUS EPA chief, rejecting agency’s own analysis, declines to ban pesticide despite health concerns. The new head of the Environmental Protection Agency refused Wednesday to ban a commonly used pesticide that the Obama administration had sought to outlaw based on mounting concerns about its risks to human health. The chemical compound chlorpyrifos, also known as Lorsban, has been used by farmers for more than a half-century to kill pests on crops. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/29/trump-epa-declines-to-ban-pesticide-that-obama-had-proposed-outlawing/?utm_term=.bbb8d5afa36f https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/29/us/politics/epa-insecticide-chlorpyrifos.html?_r=4 http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pesticide-epa-201703230-story.html http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/29/epa-refuses-to-ban-controversial-pesticide-popular-in-california/ http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article141697754.html OPINIONS Magical thinking won’t reverse climate change. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols asked an excellent question of automakers the other day. “What were you thinking when you threw yourselves upon the mercy of the Trump administration to try to solve your problems?” she asked representatives of foreign and domestic automakers. It’s a question we ask, too. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article141358968.html#storylink=cpy California will fight to keep our air clean. Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, asked an excellent question of automakers the other day. “What were you thinking when you threw yourselves upon the mercy of the Trump administration to try to solve your problems?” she asked those representing foreign and domestic carmakers. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion/editorials/article141581744.html#storylink=cpy Editorial: California must put brakes on VW’s EV plan. The California Air Resources Board needs to put the brakes on Volkswagen’s plan for spending the $800 million settlement of its diesel emissions scandal. CARB admitted earlier this year that the disgraced automaker will be allowed to use the settlement to make a profit. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/29/editorial-california-must-put-brakes-on-vws-ev-plan/ Trump’s Pro-Coal Orders Are Doomed to Fail. Donald Trump signed an executive order at the Environmental Protection Agency to undo widely-supported Obama-era climate policies. The Trump Administration is also seeking a 31 percent cut to the EPA’s budget and to eliminate most climate research programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://time.com/4709796/trump-epa-climate-fossil-fuels/?xid=homepage Alan Stahler: Where did that drought come from? That was one hairy drought, not so long ago. Could it be pinned on our changing climate, or was it another example of the climate's usual twists and turns, its natural variability? I spoke recently with Richard Seager (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University). Seager is lead author of a paper, "Causes of the 2011-14 California Drought," published in the Journal of Climate. http://www.theunion.com/entertainment/alan-stahler-where-did-that-drought-come-from/ States to Trump: We’re Not Backing Down on Climate, Clean Air. Last week the California Air Resources Board unanimously voted to finalize new regulations to reduce oil and gas methane emissions. This is the first major environmental regulation that has been issued since the new Administration took office, and sends a clear message that states aren’t going to take the new administrations attacks on the environment lying down. http://www.theenergycollective.com/edfenergyex/2401399/states-trump-not-backing-climate-clean-air Trust No One. Without public notice, in the absence of any staff analysis, contrary to the direction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a resolution that will drive up the cost of delivering goods to market and harm the competitiveness of California’s ports. On Thursday, March 23rd, following the closure of public comments, the CARB Board adopted a resolution that will require moving forward… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/03/trust-no-one/ BLOGS Air Resources Board Releases White Paper on Health Benefits of Activity. Ah, yes, the ideal way to get some of that healthy physical activity: clean air, a park, a safe bike path. Not coincidentally, the happy family in the image is white. Ah, yes, the ideal way to get some of that healthy physical activity: clean air, a park, a safe bike path. http://cal.streetsblog.org/2017/03/29/air-resources-board-releases-white-paper-on-health-benefits-of-activity/ Volkswagen approved to sell repaired 2015 diesels, but will anyone want them? Volkswagen has been prohibited from selling diesel vehicles in the U.S. since news of its emissions-test-cheating fiasco first broke in September 2015. According to company spokesperson Jeannine Ginivan, however, that's about to change. Well, sort of. Don't get too excited just yet, diesel fans. http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1109643_volkswagen-approved-to-sell-repaired-2015-diesels-but-will-anyone-want-them NY reaps $32.5M in multi-state settlement with Volkswagen. New York will receive $32.5 million as part of a 10-state $157 million settlement with Volkswagen AG and others over use of “defeat device” software that helped vehicles pass emissions tests when they actually were spewing out more emissions than the tests showed. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/273578/ny-reaps-32-5m-in-multi-state-settlement-with-volkswagen/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 17:38:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 4, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 4, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm CAP AND TRADE Cap-and-trade costs wielded as weapon in fuel tax hike fight. California Republicans opposed to a fast-moving bill that would hike fuel taxes and fund transportation work have deployed a new weapon: a nonpartisan analysis that said the state's cap-and-trade program also could cost drivers more in future years. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, or LAO, responding yesterday to a request from Republican Assemblyman Vince Fong, vice chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said that in a worst-case scenario, cap and-trade could add as much as 63 cents per gallon to fuel costs by 2021 and 73 cents by 2031. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060052557/search?keyword=california New opposition arises to bill that would raise the gas tax in California. Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) clashed Monday with Gov. Jerry Brown over how a proposal to raise gas taxes for road repairs may add to increases in fuel prices expected from the state's cap-and-trade program. Fong told Brown during a legislative hearing that he opposes a bill by the governor and legislative leaders that would raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-new-opposition-arises-to-bill-that-1491259625-htmlstory.html EU Carbon Market Emissions Fall for Sixth Year, Down 2.7 Percent. Emissions regulated under Europe's carbon market fell for the sixth straight year in 2016, in part due to lower coal-fired power production, data published on Monday by the European Commission and examined by carbon analysts at Thomson Reuters showed. Around 45 percent of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions are regulated… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/04/03/world/europe/03reuters-europe-emissions-data.html?_r=0 http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/london/eu-co2-emissions-fall-indicative-255-in-2016-21339037 Ontario’s first cap-and-trade auction is done, and the world didn’t end. ANALYSIS: The Liberal cap-and-trade plan seems to have come through its first test intact. The government is relieved, the New Democrats are being gracious, and the Tories may need new talking points. Moments of non-partisan goodwill are rare enough at Queen’s Park that they deserve to be noted. http://tvo.org/article/current-affairs/the-next-ontario/ontarios-first-cap-and-trade-auction-is-done-and-the-world-didnt-end AIR POLLUTION London plans vehicle emissions fee to fight air pollution. The mayor of London says drivers of the most polluting cars will have to pay a 12.50 pound ($15.55) charge to drive in the city in a bid to improve air quality. Mayor Sadiq Khan says the charge will start in April 2019 and apply to diesel cars more than four years old and petrol cars more than 13 years old. It will initially cover central London, with plans to widen the zone by 2021. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_AIR_POLLUTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/04/london-mayor-tax-ultra-low-emission-zone-autos-pollution.html http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/04/london-plans-vehicle-emissions-fee-to-fight-air-pollution.html https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/04/thousands-of-british-children-exposed-to-illegal-levels-of-air-pollution https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/04/04/world/europe/ap-eu-britain-air-pollution.html http://www.reuters.com/article/us-london-emissions-idUSKBN1760OU https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/london-plans-vehicle-emissions-fee-to-fight-air-pollution/2017/04/04/f7b982ae-1934-11e7-8598-9a99da559f9e_story.html?utm_term=.476de53398d3 Wealth didn’t matter. Pollution from a coal-fired plant, carried miles by wind, still hurt their babies. Air pollution from power plants has wanderlust. It never stays still. It rides the wind, drifting far from its source, visiting homes miles away with potentially harmful effects. New research released Monday documents the impact that pollution from a coal-fired plant in Pennsylvania had on four wealthy New Jersey counties as far as… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/03/wealth-didnt-matter-pollution-from-a-coal-fired-plant-carried-miles-by-wind-still-hurt-their-babies/?utm_term=.22192389b95b Torrance officials and residents call for ban of refinery chemical. The use of a hazardous chemical at the Torrance Refining Co. should be eliminated in the wake of repeated fires and explosions that have occurred at the facility in recent years, elected officials and community activists said at a news conference Saturday morning. The news conference took place outside the Torrance Marriott shortly… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-torrance-refinery-20170401-story.html This is how much global trade costs, not in dollars but in premature deaths caused by pollution. Rich countries like the United States import tons of stuff from China and other less-developed nations. In so doing, we not only send our dollars abroad — we’re also exporting premature deaths that would have occurred here if we had to make those goods ourselves. Indeed, one of the reasons it’s cheaper to produce things elsewhere is… http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-pollution-trade-deaths-20170331-htmlstory.htm l Pruitt dodges on health impacts of killing carbon rule. You can't blame "Fox News Sunday" moderator Chris Wallace for trying. Several times on yesterday's broadcast, Wallace tried to get U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to respond to the adverse health effects of withdrawing the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. Pruitt repeated the Trump administration's argument that the plan, which aimed to reduce the rate of car… http://www.eenews.net/interactive/clean_power_plan/column_posts/1060052477 Blue states ready to battle Pruitt over emissions. Democratic attorneys general from eight states and the District of Columbia yesterday urged U.S. EPA to reconsider its decision to stop collecting certain emissions information from oil and gas operators, and hinted at a legal battle. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey (D) and the top lawyers from California, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont sent a letter to Administrator Scott Pruitt asking him to reissue information requests initiated by the Obama administration. http://www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060052532/search?keyword=california CLIMATE CHANGE Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visits California. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has signed a climate change agreement with California Gov. Jerry Brown at the start of a five-day visit to the U.S. that comes as Scotland considers its independence from the United Kingdom. In June, the U.K. voted to leave the European Union sparking outrage in Scotland where the majority was opposed. Sturgeon says Scotland is planning to hold a referendum on Scottish independence sometime between fall 2018 and spring 2019. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_SCOTLAND_FIRST_MINISTER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/04/california-and-scotland-join-forces-to-fight-climate-change.html https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/04/scotland-california-sign-partnership-tackle-climate-change/ Trump plugs away at his central goal: undoing Obama's work. Amid the turmoil over staff shake-ups, blocked travel bans and the Russia cloud hanging overhead, President Donald Trump is steadily plugging away at a major piece of his agenda: Undoing Obama. From abortion to energy to climate change and personal investments, Trump is keeping his promises in methodically overturning regulations and policies adopted when Barack Obama was president. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_UNDOING_OBAMA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT At Trump’s EPA, Less Science and More Industry. Congress and the Trump administration are planning sweeping changes in how science is used to govern public health. Controversy over climate change may be getting all the attention right now, but legislation under consideration would transform the way the Environmental Protection Agency combats pollution, identifies harmful pesticides and classifies everyday toxins, such as laundry detergent, window cleaner and clothing dye. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-04/research-that-saved-the-bald-eagle-at-risk-as-new-epa-settles-in At Trump's EPA, going to work can be an act of defiance. As California’s top energy regulator, Michael Picker has an absurdly busy job. So it was a little surprising to find him recently near a Washington, D.C., metro stop, randomly handing out help-wanted fliers in the middle of a workday. But with morale plummeting at the Environmental Protection Agency since President Trump took office, Picker saw in that patch of sidewalk near its headquarters an opportunity… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-epa-staff-morale-20170404-story.html EU Nations Consider Lowering Energy Savings Targets-Draft. EU nations are considering lowering targets on energy savings after 2021, a draft document seen by Reuters shows, in what climate campaigners say would be blow to the European Union's goals to curb the worst effects of global warming. The text drafted by the Maltese presidency of the European Council proposes new annual energy savings targets of 1.4 percent through 2030, down from 1.5 percent proposed by the European Commission, the EU executive. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/04/04/business/04reuters-climatechange-eu-energy.html EPA Proposal Cuts Hundreds of Climate Change Employees. A memo detailing how U.S. EPA would cut its budget by one-third shows that the agency would eliminate hundreds of employees working on climate change, including 20 lawyers who provide support for the Clean Power Plan. Overall, EPA would reduce staffing from about 15,000 to a full-time equivalent (FTE) ceiling of 11,547, according to the document, which was first reported by The Washington Post. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/epa-proposal-cuts-hundreds-of-climate-change-employees/ To Curb Global Warming, Science Fiction May Become Fact. In the delirious sci-fi thriller by the Korean director Bong Joon-ho, an attempt to engineer the climate and stop global warming goes horribly wrong. The planet freezes. Only the passengers on a train endlessly circumnavigating the globe survive. Those in first class eat sushi and quaff wine. People in steerage eat cockroach protein bars. Scientists must start looking into this. Seriously. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/business/economy/geoengineering-climate-change.html Mass. greenhouse gas emissions down 21 percent compared to 1990. Greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts decreased from 2013 to 2014, continuing a decade-long trend, according to the latest state data. State law requires emissions by 2020 that are 25 percent lower than 1990 levels, and emissions in 2014 were 21 percent below 1990 levels, according to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)… http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2017/04/03/mass-greenhouse-gas-emissions-down-21-percent.html These stunning timelapse photos may just convince you about climate change. Melting glaciers, from Greenland to Antarctica, have become symbols of global warming — and monitoring their retreat is one major way scientists are keeping tabs on the progress of climate change. Now, scientists are trying to bring the issue a little closer to home by using time-lapse photos to show the effects of climate change are already occurring. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/03/you-cant-deny-climate-change-once-you-see-these-images/?utm_term=.31d81075858f WATER With Drought Emergency Over, Californians Debate Lifting Water Restrictions. As California water officials confirmed Thursday that the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada remains well above average, pressure was mounting on the state to lift emergency water restrictions that have been in place for two years. The snowpack across the mountains is now 164 percent of average… http://www.npr.org/2017/03/30/522042235/with-drought-emergency-over-californians-debate-lifting-water-restrictions Have SoCal's water supplies recovered? Depends on where you live. Here in California, we've been on a roller coaster when it comes to water. After five years of crippling drought, the Golden State had one of its wettest winters on record. So what has all the rain and snow meant for our water supply in Southern California? It depends on where you live and where your water comes from. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/04/02/70381/have-socal-s-water-supplies-recovered-depends-on-w/ See How One Year’s Snowpack Buried the California Drought. It might be appropriate that California water managers designate April 1 as the date when the Sierra snowpack is presumed to be at its peak for the season. It tends to be unpredictable. But this year’s bounty is no April Fool. The water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack currently stands at 164 percent of normal for this date (the official April 1 snow survey… https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/03/30/see-how-one-years-snowpack-buried-the-california-drought/ DIESEL EMISSIONS California roads bill would limit truck pollution mandates. A plan to raise taxes and fees to pay for California road repairs includes a concession to the trucking industry that would block the state from requiring truck owners to upgrade to lower-emission models. The provision angered environmentalists, who implored lawmakers to reject it Monday saying it would perpetuate health problems in neighborhoods around ports and other areas exposed to a high volume of truck traffic. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/04/04/70449/california-roads-bill-would-limit-truck-pollution/ FUELS EU Commission to debate ‘phase out’ of palm oil in biofuels. The long running controversy regarding palm oil is coming to a climax, with members of the European Parliament (MEPs) set to debate a report calling on the European Commission to phase out palm oil in biofuels. The controversial report also calls for a single certification scheme for the commodity to enter the EU market. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12108/eu_commission_to_debate__lsquo_phase_out__of_palm_oil_in_biofuels/ BP, DuPont joint venture acquires Kansas ethanol plant. Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, a joint venture between BP and DuPont to commercialize the production of bioisobutanol, has acquired a small corn ethanol plant in Scandia, Kansas. Butamax will immediately begin the detailed engineering work to add bioisobutanol capacity to the 10-MMgy Nesika Energy LLC facility, while continuing to produce ethanol before and after the retrofit. http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14233/ VOLKSWAGEN The bill for Volkswagen's Dieselgate crisis grew by $157 million (running total: $22.3 billion). Back in the early days of the Volkswagen Dieselgate fiasco, we estimated that the crisis would cost Europe's largest automaker at least $25 billion. As it turns out, that estimate may have been too conservative. The company's bill in America alone has topped $22 billion, and thanks to a settlement with ten states that had sued the automaker for environmental damages, the sum has now crept up by another $157.45 million. http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1109690_the-bill-for-volkswagens-dieselgate-crisis-grew-by-157-million-running-total-22-3-billion German court rebuffs VW complaint over prosecutors' searches. A German court has rebuffed Volkswagen's attempt to prevent prosecutors from using information seized during searches of the law firm which the carmaker had hired to investigate its emissions scandal. Volkswagen (VW) said last week it had filed a complaint with a Munich court to prevent prosecutors… http://www.reuters.com/article/volkswagen-emissions-court-idUSL2N1HB1P0 FUELS U.S. gasoline consumption flattens as fuel economy improves: Kemp. Growth in U.S. gasoline consumption is slowing after two years of brisk increases between the middle of 2014 and the middle of 2016. The average fuel economy of vehicles on U.S. roads is improving, as a result of federal regulations, which is offsetting the continued growth in driving. U.S. refiners and fuel blenders supplied an average of 8.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of motor gasoline to domestic consumers in January, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gasoline-kemp-idUSKBN1762G5 MEPs vote to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels. MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to ban biofuels made from vegetable oils including palm oil by 2020, to prevent the EU’s renewable transport targets from inadvertently contributing to deforestation. A new palm oil regulation, minimum sustainability criteria, customs duty reforms and anti-deforestation articles in future EU trade deals were also approved with a 640-18 majority. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/apr/04/palm-oil-biofuels-meps-eu-transport-deforestation-zsl-greenpeace-golden-agri-resources-oxfam RENEWABLE ENERGY New York, Other States Take on Trump Over Energy Efficiency. A coalition of U.S. states has mounted a broad legal challenge against what it called the Trump administration's illegal suspension of rules to improve the energy efficiency of ceiling fans, portable air conditioners and other products. The challenge, also joined by environmental groups, came after the U.S. Department of Energy last month delayed standards proposed under the Obama administration to reduce air pollution… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/04/03/us/politics/03reuters-usa-trump-energy-lawsuit.html http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-trump-energy-lawsuit-idUSL2N1HB1P9 Renewable energy sources could be cheaper than fossil fuels within 10 years – UN-backed report. A new United Nations-backed report has revealed overwhelming consensus that renewable power will dominate in the future, with many experts saying that even large international corporations are increasingly choosing renewable energy products either from utilities or through direct investment in their own generating capacity. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56489#.WOPdlm8rKpo Former Danish PM says investment is key to developing renewable energy – video. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, appearing on the ABC’s Q&A, says every country needs to determine the right mix of energy sources for its requirements, but the important thing is investment, planning and political will. She says Denmark started investing in its renewables strategy 30 years ago and now makes… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2017/apr/04/former-danish-pm-says-investment-is-key-to-developing-renewable-energy-video California, other states sue over delay of energy-efficiency rules under Trump. A 10-state coalition led by New York and California is suing the Trump administration over the delay of energy-efficiency standards for consumer and commercial products. The states announced Monday they had filed notice with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York seeking review of a series of actions by the Energy Department to delay final standards for devices… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/03/california-other-states-sue-over-delay-of-energy-efficiency-rules-under-trump/ This turbine can harvest green energy in water currents as slow as 2 mph. A Canadian company has designed a water turbine which can harvest energy in slow moving water. "Waterotor" can work in currents as slow as 2 mph which means it could be used in almost any river, canal, or ocean current. The company believe that "Waterotor" could be the solution for many of the world's 1.3 billion people that live without electricity. http://www.businessinsider.com/waterotor-harvest-green-energy-water-currents-2-mph-turbine-electricity-fish-flow-renewable-2017-4 Australia’s Green Bank Charges Ahead on Energy Storage. Ensuring power reliability in Australia’s wilderness is a challenge for power providers, but the grid is getting a boost from the new technology of giant, energy-storing batteries and financing support from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Australia’s green investment bank. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/sarah-dougherty/australias-green-bank-charges-ahead-energy-storage Ohio House passes repeal of renewable energy mandate. Republicans in the Ohio House are doggedly pursuing a rollback of the state's clean energy mandates, but the path ahead looks similar last year's failed attempt. The Associated Press reports Kasich will likely veto the bill, should the Senate approve it. And InsideClimate News reports it is unlikely to pass the Senate by a veto-proof margin. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/ohio-house-passes-repeal-of-renewable-energy-mandate/439581/ Renewable energy needed to drive uptake of electric vehicles. Plugging into renewable energy sources outweighs the cost and short driving ranges for consumers intending to buy electric vehicles, according to a new study. QUT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Kenan Degirmenci, from QUT Business School, said environmental performance—or being green—was more important than price or range confidence for electric vehicle consumers. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-renewable-energy-uptake-electric-vehicles.html Made in America: Trump embracing offshore wind? In March, the Interior Department auctioned off 122,405 acres of water off Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to the Spanish-based Avangrid for $9 million. Avangrid, a division of Iberdrola, beat out three competitors, including Norway’s Statoil and Germany wind farm developer wpd. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke hailed the auction, affirming that offshore wind is "one tool in the all-of-the-above energy toolbox that will help power…http://www.dailyclimate.org/tdc-newsroom/2017/april/made-in-america-trump-embracing-offshore-wind/ MISCELLANEOUS New EPA documents reveal even deeper proposed cuts to staff and programs. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a new, more detailed plan for laying off 25 percent of its employees and scrapping 56 programs including pesticide safety, water runoff control, and environmental cooperation with Mexico and Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement. At a time when the agency is considering a… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/03/31/new-epa-documents-reveal-even-deeper-proposed-cuts-to-staff-and-programs/?utm_term=.09f9a2d388b3 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE California’s ‘new’ environmentalism: Toxic air, tainted water driving climate-change debate. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia’s hometown of Bell Gardens is so notoriously contaminated by toxic waste sites and freeways stacked with diesel trucks that some residents of nearby towns call it “Bell Garbage.” Garcia channeled her anger into a successful 2012 Assembly campaign… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/01/californias-new-environmentalism-toxic-air-tainted-water-driving-climate-change-debate/ OPINIONS Want more renewable energy? State should stop building natural gas plants. California has a reputation of being on the cutting edge of clean energy. But the state still clings to old habits – using natural gas to generate electricity – to provide the necessary flexibility to keep the electric grid reliable. At some point, if the state is serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, it cannot have its renewables and its natural gas, too. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article142422474.html California plans to fix its transportation infrastructure by selling out its clean air to the trucking industry. If the transportation funding proposal unveiled this week by Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislative leaders simply contained the gas tax hikes and vehicle fees outlined in their press releases and statements, then of course lawmakers should support the proposal. The state’s infrastructure needs far outpace the revenue… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-road-funding-20170401-story.html Don’t Give Volkswagen an Unfair Advantage. Last week, the California Air Resources Board heard from the public on Volkswagen’s $800 million spending plan for Zero Emissions Vehicle infrastructure, access, and education in California. But in order to know if this spending is a good deal for California, it’s important to know how we got here. We cannot forget that Volkswagen executed a deliberate scheme to pollute our air… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/01/californias-new-environmentalism-toxic-air-tainted-water-driving-climate-change-debate/ PD Editorial: California greets a bleak salmon season. This week’s news included warnings about potential flooding as temperatures rise and the Sierra’s mammoth snowpack begins to melt. So it may seem a bit odd to be reading about the lingering effects of California’s drought. But one of the most troubling consequences is coming into focus as sport salmon fishing season… http://www.pressdemocrat.com/opinion/6841125-181/pd-editorial-california-greets-a Trump’s actions will increase emissions. Is that really what we want? We’re amazed President Donald Trump can sleep at night. His decision to roll back his predecessor’s Clean Power Plan is striking in both what it signals for the future of emissions in the United States, but also the likelihood it will erode efforts across the globe to clean up our atmosphere. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/01/trumps-actions-will-increase-emissions-is-that-really-what-we-want / BLOGS California Air Resources Board ratchets up emissions regulations. Continuing a years-long push, the California Air Resources Board cracked down further on emissions, sharpening the debate over the scope of its plans. “The new rules, green-lighted [March 23] … seek to curb methane emissions at oil and gas production plants by up to 45 percent over the next nine years,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported. http://calwatchdog.com/2017/04/01/california-air-resources-board-ratchets-emissions-regulations/ EU Renewable Energy Share Continues To Increase. Renewable energy sources have continued their rapid rise in the share of European Union energy consumption according to new figures published this week, and is edging closer to its 20% by 2020 target. According to new figures published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) this week, the share of renewables in the energy mix has increased from 15% in 2013 to 16% in 2014, and up to 16.7% in 2015. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/04/eu-renewable-energy-share-continues-increase/ Kia’s First Fuel Cell Vehicle To Be Released in Three Years. Kia will roll out its first fuel cell vehicle in around three years from now, and a company executive has shed more light on parent company Hyundai’s eco car lineup. Lee Ki-sang, senior vice president of the Eco Technology Center that serves Hyundai and Kia said Kia’s FCV will come out some time after Hyundai releases its next FCVe built on a next-generation platform in 2018. http://www.hybridcars.com/kia-first-fuel-cell-vehicle-in-three-years/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:59:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 5, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 5, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm AIR POLLUTION London plans vehicle emissions fee to fight air pollution. The mayor of London says drivers of the most polluting cars will have to pay a 12.50 pound ($15.55) charge to drive in the city in a bid to improve air quality. Mayor Sadiq Khan says the charge will start in April 2019 and apply to diesel cars more than four years old and petrol cars more than 13 years old. It will initially cover central London, with plans to widen the zone by 2021. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_AIR_POLLUTION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s claim that ‘clean coal’ helped reduce carbon emissions. “We’ve demonstrated through the steps we’ve taken already, the pre-1994 levels, because of that technology — we can burn coal in clean fashion.” “I think that we’ve done it better than anybody in the world at burning coal clean, in a clean fashion. The innovative and technological advances that we’ve seen, along with natural gas production and generating electricity… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/04/05/epa-administrator-scott-pruitts-claim-that-clean-coal-helped-reduce-carbon-emissions/?utm_term=.fb5e8ee37034 Vehicles Responsible For Much Higher Proportion Of Ammonia Air Pollution Than Previously Thought. While agriculture has generally been assumed to be the primary source of ammonia air pollution in cities, it seems that quite a lot of it is actually originating with vehicles in the cities themselves, according to new research. To state that again: more of the ammonia air pollution… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/05/vehicles-responsible-much-higher-proportion-ammonia-air-pollution-previously-thought/ Auto exhaust absorbed in snow presents health hazard — study. Snow is quick to absorb a class of toxic chemicals from vehicle exhaust, which may then find their way into the broader environment after a thaw, a study has found. The study, recently published online in the journal Environmental Pollution, used a laboratory setting to see what happens when snow is exposed to engine exhaust. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/05/stories/1060052665 CLIMATE CHANGE Unusually large swarm of icebergs drifts into shipping lanes. More than 400 icebergs have drifted into the North Atlantic shipping lanes over the past week in an unusually large swarm for this early in the season, forcing vessels to slow to a crawl or take detours of hundreds of miles. Experts are attributing it to uncommonly strong counter-clockwise winds that are drawing the icebergs south, and perhaps also global warming… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SHIPPING_LANES_ICEBERGS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Mayors will lead on climate change for political gain, says ex-NYC mayor. Mayors globally are increasingly adopting measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions because it makes them popular with voters, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Monday. Days after U.S. President Donald Trump dismantled countrywide climate-change policies, Bloomberg said mayors are going beyond… http://uk.reuters.com/article/usa-climate-mayors-idUKL2N1HB0V9 Former Obama DOT head questions Trump decision on emissions. Trump's order in March reversed a decision made under the Obama administration in January to affirm standards that were adopted in 2012 that will usher in tougher standards from 2021 – 2025. The decision to restart the review process of automotive emissions standards by the Trump administration is a possible "setback" for efforts to curtail climate change… http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/04/05/anthony-foxx-emissions-auto-regulations/100065816/ California's conservative farmers tackle climate change, in their own way. As California transitions from devastating drought into one of the wettest periods in decades, farmers are seeking new ways to protect their fields from whipsaw weather extremes. Like all California farmers, Don Cameron is used to long dry spells interrupted by wet years. Drought and flood, he says, have always been a way of life in the Golden State. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Inhabit/2017/0404/California-s-conservative-farmers-tackle-climate-change-in-their-own-way Shipping Industry & EU at Odds on Carbon Emissions. The shipping industry may not ultimately be able to regulate itself in terms of cutting carbon emissions, according to some within the European Union; the International Maritime Organization (IMO) disagrees, according to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide. The IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee has worked within the shipping industry to create a reduction strategy… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/shipping-industry-eu-odds-carbon-emissions/ Human Evolution Through Climate Change: Most Species On Earth Are Changing. The temperature of the Earth has risen 1 degree Celsius since the pre-industrial era, scientists believe. That may seem like a tiny change, but because of that 1 degree, salamanders from the Appalachian Mountains have shrunk and the skulls of chipmunks in Yellowstone National Park have actually changed shape. http://www.ibtimes.com/human-evolution-through-climate-change-most-species-earth-are-changing-2521265 EPA Watchdog Could Spark Internal Clash Over Pruitt’s Climate Denial. The agency’s scientific integrity officer, a former environmental advocate, is tasked with evaluating EPA chief’s statements denying CO2 drives global warming. Did Scott Pruitt's recent climate denial cross a red line and violate the scientific integrity rules of the Environmental Protection Agency? That's a question now being reviewed… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05042017/environmental-protection-agency-scott-pruitt-climate-change-denialist-fossil-fuels Global Warming By 2250 Could Make Earth Warmest In Over 400 Million Years. President Donald Trump wants to reinvigorate the domestic fossil fuel industry, which he says will create jobs, and to defend the move, which is categorically catastrophic for the planet, he has either denied human-induced climate change outright or at best, been non-committal in acknowledging. http://www.ibtimes.com/global-warming-2250-could-make-earth-warmest-over-400-million-years-2520993 Yes, 50 million years ago the earth was hotter. Here's why climate change is still a major problem. We've got 99 problems and CO2 is number one. If we do nothing to reduce our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, by the end of this century the Earth will be as hot as it was 50 million years ago in the early Eocene, according to a new study out today in the journal Nature Communications. http://www.popsci.com/carbon-emissions-warming DROUGHT Drought may be nearly over, but Californians are still saving water. Californians are still conserving substantial amounts of water even as Gov. Jerry Brown appears ready to rescind or relax his drought declaration. The State Water Resources Board announced Tuesday that urban Californians reduced water usage by 25.1 percent in February, compared with the state’s baseline year of 2013. The February conservation results were substantially better than a year ago… http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article142626989.html#storylink=cpy http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/water-and-drought/article142641494.html#storylink=cpy DIESEL ACTIVITIES How Hydraulic Hybrids Save Tons of Fuel and Emissions Where It’s Needed Most. It’s a weekly cacophony of sounds that many are familiar with — the loud hiss of air brakes followed by a mechanical mayhem, and then the roar of a big, thirsty diesel engine. Beginning in the early morning hours across America, five days a week, an army of big-dog refuse trucks set out to pick up our trash. http://www.hybridcars.com/how-hydraulic-hybrids-save-tons-of-fuel-and-emissions-where-its-needed-most/ FUELS California appellate court hears oral arguments in Poet LCFS case. The 5th District Court of Appeals heard oral arguments March 23 in the case of Poet vs. California Air Resources Board. The attorneys for Poet argued that ARB acted in bad faith by not completely addressing the California Environmental Quality Act violations as directed by the court and are seeking a suspension of the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) to 2013 levels… http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/2512684/ VEHICLES Trump Cutting EPA Emissions Test Lab And Wants Automakers To Pay For It. The White House is proposing a budget cut that would take away the Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions testing lab. A Trump administration budget document was discovered and posted online by The Washington Post showing the president wants to eliminate $48 million that goes to EPA vehicle and fuel testing and certification. http://www.hybridcars.com/trump-cutting-epa-emissions-test-lab-and-wants-automakers-to-pay-for-it/ http://www.autonews.com/article/20170404/OEM/170409924/white-house-seeks-to-slash-epa-funds-for-vehicle-emissions-testing http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/05/stories/1060052632 Mulroe bill seeks to ease impact of closing of emissions test stations. After an emissions testing station in his district closed in November, state Sen. John Mulroe said he heard from constituents about the burden of traveling a greater distance and then having to wait for their vehicle to pass. "The goal of the emissions testing is to reduce air pollution from vehicles," Mulroe said. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/norridge/news/ct-nhh-emissions-testing-bill-tl-0406-20170405-story.html Plug-in electric car sales for Mar: Leaf beats Bolt EV, plug-in hybrids beat electrics (updated). The Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid again took the crown among plug-in electric cars whose makers report monthly sales. A total of 2,132 Volts were sold in March, bringing its three-month sales to 5,563 units, higher than any other car with a plug over the same period. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109695_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-mar-leaf-beats-bolt-ev-plug-in-hybrids-beat-electrics Here’s the gorgeous electric car Porsche is making to take on Tesla. Porsche is doubling down on its electric car efforts and plans to roll out its first fully electric vehicle, dubbed the Mission E, by 2020. The German automaker also plans to sell different variants of the electric vehicles with varying power outputs, according to an Autocar report published in March. http://www.businessinsider.com/porsche-mission-e-all-electric-concept-car-2017-3 GREEN ENERGY U.K. Seeks to Abandon Green Goal That May Sour Brexit. Officials in the Treasury and the business department are looking for a way to abandon the national goal of getting 15 percent renewable energy by 2020, which is almost double the current level, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-05/u-k-said-to-seek-end-for-clean-energy-goal-that-may-sour-brexit Rural landowners could be in for windfall as Alberta shifts to green energy. Alberta farmers who historically have profited from having oil and gas wells on their land have a new opportunity blowing in the wind, though experts advise landowners seek legal counsel before signing contracts. The province’s planned move toward 30 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 has made Alberta the most attractive… http://calgaryherald.com/business/local-business/rural-landowners-could-be-in-for-windfall-as-alberta-shifts-to-green-energy Exelon sells $400M stake in wind, solar generation portfolio. Exelon Corp., the nation's largest utility owner, has agreed to sell nearly half an interest in a 1,300-megawatt renewable generation portfolio to John Hancock Life Insurance Co. for $400 million. The sale, announced late Monday in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, will give John Hancock a 49 percent stake in ExGen Renewables… http://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/05/stories/1060052598 MISCELLANEOUS Some GOP lawmakers push back against EPA cuts. As President Donald Trump introduces a series of budget cuts and regulatory rollbacks that would cripple the Environmental Protection Agency, he faces one unpredictable obstacle: resistance from fellow Republicans. A small but vocal number of GOP lawmakers have rallied in support of popular programs in their districts… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article142802164.html#storylink=cpy OPINIONS To Curb Global Warming, Science Fiction May Become Fact. Remember “Snowpiercer”? In the delirious sci-fi thriller by the Korean director Bong Joon-ho, an attempt to engineer the climate and stop global warming goes horribly wrong. The planet freezes. Only the passengers on a train endlessly circumnavigating the globe survive. Those in first class eat sushi and quaff wine. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/business/economy/geoengineering-climate-change.html California gas-tax hike for roads? Oh, heck no. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic lawmakers brag about California’s booming economy and their cutting-edge leadership. So, if both of those claims are true, an obvious question arises: Why must Californians, especially the estimated 15.6 million living below or just slightly above the poverty line, dig deeper into their pockets to fix the state’s notoriously deteriorating roads? http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article142640384.html#storylink=cpy California stormwater ‘fee’ bill should be flushed down the drain Senate Bill 231, set for a legislative hearing today, is the second attempt by Sen. Robert Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, to pass a bill that redefines “sewer” to include stormwater. It’s more than a matter of definition. It’s an attempt to evade the requirements of Proposition 218, which prevents local governments from calling taxes “fees” to get… http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bill-748486-nuys-attempt.html Platt: Cap-and-trade off to a good start, but the trouble still lies ahead. So far, so good. Ontario’s first cap-and-trade auction is in the books, and it went essentially as planned. Businesses snapped up the emissions allowances on offer, the price was low but not too low, and the government now has $472 million to spend on various climate change mitigation programs. http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/platt-cap-and-trade-off-to-a-good-start-but-the-trouble-still-lies-ahead BLOGS California Air Resources Board Ratchets Up Emissions Regulations. Continuing a years-long push, the California Air Resources Board cracked down further on emissions, sharpening the debate over the scope of its plans. “The new rules, green-lighted [March 23] … seek to curb methane emissions at oil and gas production plants by up to 45 percent over the next nine years,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported. http://www.publicceo.com/2017/04/california-air-resources-board-ratchets-up-emissions-regulations/ First Ontario cap and trade auction will lower emissions, save money. Ontario's first cap and trade auction is a crucial step on the road to climate protection and cleaner air, the David Suzuki Foundation said. "We've long supported the principle of polluter pays," said Foundation climate change policy analyst Gideon Forman. "Cap and trade embodies that principle so we're very gratified to see its implementation." http://www.davidsuzuki.org/media/news/2017/04/first-ontario-cap-and-trade-auction-will-lower-emissions-save-money/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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, 7 Apr 2017 15:39:17 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 7, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 7, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Today the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board hosted a press conference at the Goodwill distribution facility in San Francisco regarding the latest California Climate Investments project. http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/communications-and-outreach/publications/news-releases/2017/2017_030_goodwill_electric_truck_project_040717-pdf.pdf?la=en The California Air Resources Board will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ California Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm CAP AND TRADE COUR OF APPEALS DECISION Appeals court upholds California's anti-greenhouse gas program. A state appeals court on Thursday ruled California's high profile market system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions does not amount to an illegal tax, a decision that could lift a pall over the so-called cap-and-trade program's marketplace for buying and selling pollution allowances. The California Chamber of Commerce and others had filed a pair of lawsuits challenging the anti-pollution program, which requires large producers of greenhouse gases to either lower their emissions or purchase pollution rights from the state or others.. http://in.reuters.com/article/us-usa-california-carbon-idINKBN1782ZG https://www.bna.com/californias-capandtrade-auctions-n57982086366/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/court-backs-california-fees-for-polluters-who-exceed-limits/2017/04/06/c7389664-1b29-11e7-8598-9a99da559f9e_story.html?utm_term=.8ff352289235 http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-cap-trade-decision-20170406-story.html http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2017/apr/06/state-appeals-court-upholds-cap-and-trade-program-/ http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/California-court-upholds-cap-and-trade-11056429.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article143164634.html http://www.fresnobee.com/latest-news/article143164634.html https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/04/06/appeals-court-upholds-californias-cap-trade-plan/ http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2017/04/07/california-transportation-programs-win-in.html https://yubanet.com/california/court-upholds-californias-landmark-cap-and-trade-program/ http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20170406/california-appeals-court-panel-upholds-california-carbon-fee https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/court-upholds-californias-cap-and-trade-program/ https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07042017/california-cap-and-trade-climate-change-global-warming-ab-32-jerry-brown http://dailycaller.com/2017/04/07/california-court-rules-cap-and-trade-is-not-a-tax/ http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/california-court-of-appeal-upholds-cap-82171/ https://www.courthousenews.com/court-upholds-calif-cap-trade-emissions-scheme/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/california-court-upholds-cap-and-trade-ruling-clears_us_58e7b56ee4b0acd784ca5794 http://www.natlawreview.com/article/california-court-appeal-upholds-cap-and-trade-program http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/110048-state-appeals-court-affirms-californias-cap-and-trade-program http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060052786 AIR POLLUTION Texas House Votes to Cut $20 Million from Air Quality Budget to Fund Anti-Abortion Program. After more than 15 hours of debate, the Texas House passed its two-year, $218.2 billion state budget early Friday morning. One of the biggest winners? Anti-abortion activists. Two House Republicans, Rep. Mike Schofield and Rep. Matt Krause, successfully moved $20 million in two years’ worth… http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/04/07/texas-house-votes-to-cut-20-million-from-air-quality-budget-to-fund-anti-abortion-program CARB approves air quality plan. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved on March 23 an air quality plan that includes rules on refineries and other polluters, setting deadlines for warehouses and ports to clean up before tougher rules are approved. Prior to the vote, CARB listened to concerns from residents, some of whom called for tougher rules. http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/carb-approves-air-quality-plan/article_528b7c92-1aec-11e7-911e-733f348e9e09.html State officials inspect I.V. air quality, say it needs improvement Comite Civico del Valle Director Luis Olmedo said Imperial Valley residents are under attack by particles invisible to the naked eye.“It seems that we are constant assault of these particulates that are being generated through industrial sources, anthropogenic sources, in other words, human movement, industrial operations,” Olmedo said. http://www.kyma.com/news/state-officials-inspect-iv-air-quality-say-it-needs-improvement/440291944 CLIMATE CHANGE Global warming means dangerously rocky rides for fliers. Fasten your seatbelts – even tighter. White-knuckle turbulence powerful enough to seriously injure unbuckled passengers in airplanes could become much more common because of global warming, a new study found. “Anthropogenic climate change is expected to strengthen the vertical wind shears at aircraft cruising altitudes… http://nypost.com/2017/04/06/global-warming-means-dangerously-rocky-rides-for-fliers/ The U.S. is abdicating its role as the world’s climate leader. Can China take its place? As recently as 2009, China believed that climate action was a Western conspiracy. The U.S. tried to convince Beijing to reduce its emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, and China refused. The U.S., its leaders thought, was simply devising new ways to suppress growth in the developing world. http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-climate-20170405-story.html Climate Change Could Mean Way More Turbulence. Turbulence could increase dramatically thanks to more CO2 in the air. A new study from University of Reading indicates that climate change could dramatically increase the levels of turbulence experienced by airplanes. The researchers found that light turbulence would increase by 59 percent, moderate turbulence would go up by 94 percent… http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a25987/climate-change-turbulence/ Money to burn: As the wealthy get wealthier, carbon emissions grow in US states. Across the U.S., state-level carbon emissions are higher in states where income is more highly concentrated among the wealthiest residents, according to a new study by two Boston College researchers. On a global level, the connection between national wealth and carbon emissions has been well documented. https://yubanet.com/usa/money-to-burn-as-the-wealthy-get-wealthier-carbon-emissions-grow-in-us-states/ Global warming speeds diversity threats to native fish. Global warming is intensifying the hybridization of native and non-native trout in the northern Rocky Mountains, according to a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey and other scientists. The trend is a serious threat to the biodiversity of Rocky Mountain aquatic ecosystems, says the study published in the journal Global Change Biology. https://summitcountyvoice.com/2017/04/07/global-warming-speeds-diversity-threats-to-native-fish/ VOLKSWAGEN Automaker to 'challenge Tesla' on EV infrastructure. Volkswagen AG will "very soon" start building thousands of electric vehicle charging stations to correct the environmental harm of its polluting diesel cars, a top employee said yesterday. The automaker must invest at least $2 billion in electric vehicle charging… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060052785/search?keyword=california GREEN ENERGY Court ruling leaves Macquarie as preferred bidder for Green Investment Bank. Australian investment bank Macquarie looked set to acquire Britain's Green Investment Bank (GIB) after a court rejected the claim of a rival bidder on Friday. The British government set up GIB, which backs green projects with public funds, in 2012 as a commercial venture to spur private sector investment in green projects. http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL8N1HF5H2 NRG, a Power Company Leaning Green, Faces Activist Challenge. Over the years, NRG, a leading independent power producer whose fleet once depended heavily on coal, has made big bets on low-carbon energy technologies and publicized its embrace of sustainability as essential to its future. It pursued developing renewable energy for customers large and small… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/07/business/dealbook/nrg-elliott-management-climate.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0 Oakland school monitors solar power, energy use. Students, parents and faculty at Hillcrest School celebrated their environmental activism and the arrival of a new data kiosk that will monitor the campus’ energy consumption and highlight the contributions of a small array of solar panels stationed in front of the K-8 school. Years in the planning, the small kiosk… http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/04/07/oakland-school-monitors-solar-power-energy-use/ Duke Energy may seek legislative action on controversial solar development proposals. Duke Energy is likely to take its proposal to establish a competitive bidding system for N.C. solar development and other renewable energy issues to the N.C. General Assembly for action this year. But solar developers and their supporters fear that Duke will use the legislative route as an end-run around the… http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2017/04/07/duke-energy-may-seek-legislative-action-on.html ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Small California towns are facing off against oil companies — and winning. Last fall, as presidential candidate Donald Trump promised America more oil and coal production, a small refinery town in Northern California stood up against its biggest employer and taxpayer. Valero, the Texas-based petroleum giant, had sought routine approval for a huge crude-by-rail project. The city council of Benicia, however, decisively rejected Valero’s proposal. http://grist.org/article/small-california-towns-are-facing-off-against-oil-companies-and-winning/ OPINIONS The changing world of climate change. With its rollback of climate rules, the Trump administration taps the brakes on the unsettled ‘settled science’. The climate of climate science is experiencing a world of change. For decades, climate science has been rolling along conforming to the mantra that man is manufacturing a planet in peril. Apparently to some, living comfortably in the modern world is sending us… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/6/climate-change-doubters-have-champion-in-donald-tr/ Is this the end of U.S. participation in the Paris climate deal? Not necessarily, says Obama's former envoy. Under President Obama, the United States was seen as a leader on climate change, forging alliances with China and other big polluters that were pivotal to an agreement reached in Paris two years ago that aims to avert the most dangerous effects of global warming. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-trump-climate-change-20170405-story.html Scott Pruitt undermines the EPA with anti-scientific ignorance. Donald Trump’s foreign policy and legislative agenda may be a confused mess due to amateurism, impulsiveness and understaffing, but his administration’s attack on the environment is operating with the focus and zeal of the Spanish Inquisition. Led by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the Trump team is moving quickly to return national environmental policy… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-pruitt-undermines-20170406-story.html BLOGS Church Leaders Are Begging Their State’s Senator To Give Up Global Warming Denial. “We see no conflict between our religious faith and the findings of science.” Four Christian church leaders in Montana are urging their state’s Republican senator to quit rejecting the widely accepted science behind man-made global warming. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/christians-climate-change_us_58e7a018e4b00de14102b496 California court of appeal redefines taxes to evade Prop 13. Today the California Court of Appeal issued this disappointing ruling in Morning Star Packing Co. v. California Air Resources Board. Our clients are challenging the state’s greenhouse gas emissions allowance auction under Proposition 13, which requires a supermajority vote for new taxes. http://blog.pacificlegal.org/california-court-appeal-redefines-taxes-evade-prop-13/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 13:21:56 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 10, 2017 From: dchelini@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. AIR POLLUTION It’s not just climate: EPA hints that it could roll back Obama’s smog rule. The Trump administration has given its strongest indication to date it may not stand in the way of lawsuits aimed at undoing Obama-era environmental protections for smog-forming pollutants. In a court filing, the Environmental Protection Agency sought on Friday to postpone oral argument in a case involving an Obama-era standard limiting an air pollutant that forms smog, arguing it needs “adequate time to fully review” the rule. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/07/trumps-epa-makes-first-moves-on-obama-era-smog-protections/?utm_term=.84c165cf7268 Trump may change or scrap Obama ozone standard. The Trump administration is considering whether to change the national ozone standard set by the Obama administration in 2015, a court filing reveals. On Friday evening, U.S. EPA filed a motion seeking to postpone next week's oral arguments over the standard, saying the new administration is "closely scrutinizing" whether the agency should "reconsider the rule or some part of it." https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/10/stories/1060052869 Tracking Air Quality Block By Block. A local environmental advocacy group last week launched a first-of-its kind monitoring project, installing air quality sensors in the densely packed neighborhoods near this city’s port to give the people who live and work there on-the-ground readings of pollutants that can seriously injure their health. http://californiahealthline.org/news/tracking-air-quality-block-by-block/ Students learn about San Juan County’s air quality. Islanders are about to find out exactly what is in the air they are breathing. Samuel Garson, a science teacher at Friday Harbor High School, and his junior and senior AP environmental class are on a quest to test air quality. http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/life/students-learn-about-san-juan-countys-air-quality/ CAP AND TRADE Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme Upheld in CA. California’s cap-and-trade system, which allows companies to purchase carbon credits through an auction or a secondary market, is not an illegal tax, a state appeals court has found. The system, because of voluntary participation and the purchase of a specific thing of value, preclude a finding that the auction system has the hallmarks of a tax, said Judge Elena J. Duarte. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/carbon-emissions-trading-scheme-upheld-ca/ CLIMATE CHANGE What’s at Stake in Trump’s Proposed E.P.A. Cuts. What is at stake as Congress considers the E.P.A. budget? Far more than climate change. The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget are deep and wide-ranging. It seeks to shrink spending by 31 percent, to $5.7 billion from $8.1 billion, and to eliminate a quarter of the agency’s 15,000 jobs. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/climate/trump-epa-budget-cuts.html Trump's energy review blocks Group of Seven from consensus. Top energy officials from the Group of Seven industrial nations failed to agree on language for a joint declaration on Monday because of the U.S. administration's review of policies related to climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Italy's economic development minister, Carlo Calenda, told a news conference that those areas remained "key priorities for other G-7 countries and the EU" but that the United States "reserves its position" while the review is underway. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ITALY_G7_ENERGY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT U.S. scuppers G7 bid to find joint stance on energy and climate. The U.S. administration of Donald Trump on Monday scuppered efforts by the Group of Seven industrialized countries to reach a common stance on energy when it asked for more time to work out its policies on climate change. Trump signed an order in March to undo climate change regulations drawn up under his predecessor Barack Obama, calling into question U.S. support for an international deal to fight global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g7-energy-u-s-idUSKBN17C1F3 China may take lead on fighting climate change. With climate change seemingly absent from the agenda, the weekend meeting between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping underscored that the U.S. has all but abandoned its status as the international leader on global warming and ceded that position to China. Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi said nothing publicly about past commitments between the two nations to work together to fight climate change, and there seems to be a growing understanding among Chinese officials that their country may now have the responsibility — and a key economic opportunity, activists say — to become the global leader on the issue. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/9/china-may-take-lead-on-fighting-climate-change/ New York, California Lead State Efforts on Climate Change as Trump Retreats. It’s a precarious time for federal climate change action in the U.S., to say the least. Just last week, a sweeping executive order signed by President Trump moved to roll back the Obama administration’s flagship Clean Power Plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions from power plants—the latest in a series of efforts by Congress and the White House to repeal various Obama-era rules. But even as the Trump administration continues reversing federal environmental regulations, state governments are stepping up as the nation’s new front line of defense against climate change. http://www.newsweek.com/new-york-california-state-efforts-climate-change-trump-retreats-580704 Great Barrier Reef Hit By Bleaching For The Second Year In A Row. For the second consecutive year, aerial surveys show severe coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. While severe bleaching events have occurred three other times in the past 20 years — in 1998, 2002 and 2016 — this year marks the first time it's known to have happened two years in a row. Scientists say the damage is caused by higher water temperatures due to global warming. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/10/523254085/great-barrier-reef-hit-by-bleaching-for-the-second-year-in-a-row The Single Shining Hope to Stop Climate Change. Science is under attack at the very moment when we need it most. President Donald Trump’s March 28 executive order went much further than simply throwing a lifeline to fossil fuels, as industry-funded congressional climate change–deniers have done in the past. It intentionally blinded the federal government to the impacts of climate change by abolishing an interagency group that measured the cost of carbon to public health and the environment. Now, the government won’t have a coordinated way to account for damages from climate change when assessing the costs and benefits of a particular policy. http://time.com/4731632/climate-change-2020-trump/ Climate change: Turbulence to get a whole lot worse on airplanes. A scary new study has warned one of the worst things about flying is about to get much worse: turbulence. Bouts of turbulence that are strong enough to toss passengers around the cabin could become up to three times more common - and it's all thanks to climate change, according to news.com.au. Scientists at the University of Reading in the UK have carried out a first-ever study into the relationship between anthropogenic climate change and clear-air turbulence. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11835733 Allergies will be even more miserable in the future — thanks to global warming. It’s spring in California: the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and my sinuses are so swollen they might just pop right out of my face. I’m one of the 36 million or so Americans lucky enough to suffer from seasonal allergies. And experts tell me that I might suffer from this eye-itching, sinus-pounding misery even more in the future. Warming global temperatures may lead to longer blooming seasons, and rising CO2 levels could help weeds and trees grow more, and faster. That could mean more allergy-causing pollen, according to a growing crop of studies. This is especially bad news for people with allergic asthma, who can suffer from life-threatening attacks. http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/10/15203522/allergies-hay-fever-seasonal-spring-pollen-global-warming-climate-change DIESEL ACTIVITIES San Joaquin Valley farmers might get state financial help for off-road mobile ag equipment. Farmers and ranchers in the San Joaquin Valley that trade up old off-road mobile agricultural equipment to new, cleaner operating models might eventually get some financial help from the California Air Resources Board. The trade-up pilot project is expected to aid CARB in its efforts to assess the feasibility of a new, multi-step type of equipment incentive intended for owners of high-emitting mobile agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin that may not qualify for existing voluntary incentive funding such as the Carl Moyer Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and others and for which new equipment purchases are not practical. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32422 GREEN ENERGY Renewable energy tax credits challenge markets. In the spring and fall, the wind blows so hard at night that wind turbines supply all of the power that Texas needs in the wee hours of the morning. More surprising is that all of that wind means the price of electricity turns negative. That's right, electric power is not just free, but generators have to pay the grid operator to take their electricity. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/tomlinson/article/Renewable-energy-tax-credits-challenge-markets-11058236.php Renewable energy production in South Australia at 50 per cent, eight years ahead of schedule. Green energy production in South Australia has reached record levels, with the state poised to meet its 50 per cent renewable energy target almost eight years ahead of schedule. Latest figures obtained from sources including the Australian Energy Market Operator indicate SA has derived 53 per cent of its electricity in the past 12 months from sun and wind. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/sa-power-crisis-renewable-energy-production-in-sa-at-50-per-cent-eight-years-ahead-of-schedule/news-story/2e3a6fcb3c40a0ca61b25eba87206d68 Silicon Valley Clean Energy launches with 100% carbon-free power. A new "community choice" agency began providing cleaner energy to Californians last week. Silicon Valley Clean Energy says it provides 100 percent carbon-free energy to 11 cities in California. Most of its energy comes from renewables such as wind and solar, while the remainder comes from large-scale hydropower. The agency is one of the latest players in the "community choice" movement, which is picking up steam in the Golden State as an alternative to traditional utilities' hegemony. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/10/stories/1060052833 SoCalGas eyes injection of 'renewable natural gas' into pipelines. A $100 million project on track for completion this spring will inject "renewable natural gas" derived from organic waste into Southern California Gas Co.'s pipeline system for the first time. The landmark project is part of the state's push to harness methane emitted at farms and landfills as an alternative to fossil fuels for transportation, heating and power generation. http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/our-thinking/news/socalgas-eyes-injection-of-renewable-natural-gas-into-pipelines California is getting so much power from solar that wholesale electricity prices are turning negative. The extraordinary success of solar power in some pockets of the world that combine sunshine with high investment in the technology mean that governments and energy companies are having radically to rethink the way they manage—and charge for—electricity. California is one such a place. https://qz.com/953614/california-produced-so-much-power-from-solar-energy-this-spring-that-wholesale-electricity-prices-turned-negative/ Massachusetts requests supply of Canadian renewable energy. A request by the state of Massachusetts for a supply of clean, renewable electricity could give a boost to proposals to carry Canadian renewable energy to southern New England via proposed transmission lines in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. There are a handful of proposals across the three states designed to help energy-hungry states Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut make use of the renewable energy available in Canada and experts say the Massachusetts request gives a huge boost to those efforts. http://globalnews.ca/news/3366788/massachusetts-canadian-renewable-energy/ Mayor Emanuel Announces City Buildings to be Powered by 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2025. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Forest Claypool, Chicago Park District CEO Mike Kelly, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Eugene Jones, Jr., Fleet and Facility Management Commissioner David Reynolds, and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) leadership today announced their commitment to move their buildings’ electricity use to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. When implemented, Chicago will be the largest major city in the country to have a 100 percent renewable energy supply for its public buildings. https://enewspf.com/2017/04/10/mayor-emanuel-announces-city-buildings-powered-100-percent-renewable-energy-2025/ Getting Green Energy for Less in Underserved Communities. In the past, some energy providers have claimed that fossil fuels are needed to keep electricity costs low for the poorest consumers. But research has shown this “cheap” energy comes at a high price for the poor and minorities that are most susceptible to the effects of pollution. The Energy Efficiency for All published a study in 2016, which found that the vast majority of families living under 80% of the poverty line struggle to afford energy month-to-month. http://www.theenergycollective.com/ryank/2401949/getting-green-energy-less-underserved-communities VEHICLES Ford says hybrid police car catches bad guys, saves gas too. The next time the cops chase you down for speeding, they could be driving a fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid. Ford Motor Co., which sells more police vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, says it will offer a police pursuit version of the hybrid Fusion midsize sedan, in response to requests from cities nationwide. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FORD_HYBRID_POLICE_CAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-10/warning-to-crooks-new-ford-cop-car-may-be-green-but-it-s-fast Diesel cars CAN improve air quality and ‘tackle climate change’, claims industry group. Diesel cars can help to improve air quality and play a positive role in the fight against climate change, a key motor industry group has claimed. In light of the raft of new taxes and regulations being slapped on diesel vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have released a report to champion the fuel. https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/3297351/diesel-cars-can-improve-air-quality-and-tackle-climate-change-claims-industry-group/ Amazon Finds There's Nothing Foolish in Fuel Cells. Victims of tech hype should be a bit wary of Elon Musk’s dismissal of hydrogen fuel cells as "fool cells." A figure as iconic in the tech industry, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, appears to disagree. Amazon has acquired the right to buy 23 percent of Plug Power, a Latham, New York-based company that went public back in 1999, has never made a profit, and was until recently a penny stock. Plug Power shares almost doubled in price immediately after the Amazon announcement. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-06/amazon-finds-there-s-nothing-foolish-in-fuel-cells SF Goodwill Puts 11 Electric Trucks On the Road. The San Francisco Goodwill will start using electric trucks as part of a test project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Friday. The project, which is product of the Goodwill's partnership with the BAAQMD, the California Air Resources Board, the Center for Transportation and the Environment and BYD Corp., will bring 11 electric trucks to Goodwill locations in San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin counties. https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/sf-goodwill-puts-11-electric-trucks-road Huntington to install second electric vehicle charging location. Huntington officials are set to install a public electric vehicle charging station at Town Hall as part of a statewide clean-energy initiative. Town officials purchased the station to meet one of the conditions for inclusion in the state’s Clean Energy Communities initiative, which will make the town eligible to apply for $250,000 in state funding for future energy projects. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/huntington-to-install-second-electric-vehicle-charging-location-1.13373472 MISCELLANEOUS California attorney general requests documents on EPA chief. California's attorney general announced Friday he is seeking documents that could show conflicts of interest and ethics violations by the man President Donald Trump appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the latest episode in the ongoing feud between Golden State officials and the Trump administration. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_PRUITT_RECORDS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT California's environmental crusaders helped save our state. Now, they face down Trump. It did not begin well for Alicia Rivera, who carried a stack of fliers as she made her way around the parking lot of a Wilmington shopping center. The first person she approached brushed past her, uninterested in her spiel about polluted air in the harbor area’s smokestack neighborhoods. The next guy shook his head; he didn’t want the flier calling residents to an April 29 climate change march protesting the planned expansion of the nearby Tesoro refinery. https://flipboard.com/@flipboard/flip.it%2FsgMK1h-californias-environmental-crusaders-hel/f-e751774395%2Flatimes.com Dear Earth Talk, what is meant by “environmental justice”? Environmental justice is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.” In layperson’s terms, it means making sure specific groups of people don’t bear a disproportionate burden from potential and existing environmental threats. http://smdp.com/dear-earth-talk-what-is-meant-by-environmental-justice/160383 OPINIONS California Fights Back. When Donald Trump threatened on the campaign trail to deport every single immigrant living in the country illegally, bring back offshore drilling and reverse the anti-pollution policies that help clear smoggy skies, Californians immediately understood that our state would be disproportionately affected — and disproportionately harmed — by the reckless policies he was hoping to enact. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-california-fights-back/ Quora: Trump’s Policies Will Only Accelerate Climate Change. Climate change will accelerate slightly under Donald Trump, and our ability to mitigate the damage will decrease significantly. Here’s the thing about climate change: it’s potentially very “teetery.” What I mean by that is that our climate was, until very recently (geologically, of course), really well balanced. Heat in and heat out were nearly the same, and so the temperature on this planet was remarkably constant and predictable over time. Constant and predictable will hereafter be referred to as “good” for simplicity’s sake. http://www.newsweek.com/quora-question-how-will-trump-affect-climate-change-579765 Courts Jump on Revenue Raising Bandwagon. Tax and revenue increases are piling up on Californians–passed by voters, approved by legislators, and now the courts are getting into the act. On the same day that the legislature passed the $52 billion gas tax, California’s Third District Court of Appeal on a 2 to 1 vote upheld a lower court ruling that businesses paying for auction allowances in the cap-and-trade program were not being subjected to an illegal tax. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/04/courts-jump-revenue-raising-bandwagon/ BLOGS Climate Change Is Ruining Farmers’ Lives, But Only A Few Will Admit It. When Christina Carter started growing vegetables 12 years ago, she looked forward to winters because they offered her the chance to recover from the strenuous growing and harvesting seasons. That’s no longer the case. Summers are hotter and stormier than they used to be, and fall never seems to come. A true winter also seems to be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean spring won’t bring the occasional surprise hailstorm. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-farmers_us_58e3c1d8e4b0d0b7e16502d5 Farmers could lead the way on climate action. Here’s how. President Trump, congressional Republicans, and most American farmers share common positions on climate change: They question the science showing human activity is altering the global climate and are skeptical of using public policy to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. But farmers are in a unique position to tackle climate change. We have the political power, economic incentive, and policy tools to do so. What we don’t yet have is the political will. http://grist.org/article/farmers-could-lead-the-way-on-climate-action-heres-how/ Electrek green energy brief: California ‘cap and trade’ not a tax, tax credit worth 29GW of green energy, more. Solar and wind tax credit extension worth 29GW of utility scale wind/solar from 2016-2020 – Another interesting number, $23B in economic activity in the USA from wind and solar in 2017. Roughly – $5B will be given to solar power installations in the form of a federal 30% tax credit. There will be $25B’ish in solar power sales in the USA in 2017. https://electrek.co/2017/04/10/california-can-trade-tax-credit-flow-battery/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 15:53:20 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 10, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss: (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next two meetings will be held at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building as follows: Monday, April 17, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, Including Biomethane From Dairy and Livestock Operations Monday, May 15, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Today’s notice is intended to confirm the dates, provide the times and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with discussion papers and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm . AIR POLLUTION It’s not just climate: EPA hints that it could roll back Obama’s smog rule. The Trump administration has given its strongest indication to date it may not stand in the way of lawsuits aimed at undoing Obama-era environmental protections for smog-forming pollutants. In a court filing, the Environmental Protection Agency sought on Friday to postpone oral argument in a case involving an Obama-era standard limiting an air pollutant that forms smog, arguing it needs “adequate time to fully review” the rule. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/07/trumps-epa-makes-first-moves-on-obama-era-smog-protections/?utm_term=.84c165cf7268 Related: http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/04/11/70664/smog-rule-may-be-next-on-trump-s-chopping-block/ Trump may change or scrap Obama ozone standard. The Trump administration is considering whether to change the national ozone standard set by the Obama administration in 2015, a court filing reveals. On Friday evening, U.S. EPA filed a motion seeking to postpone next week's oral arguments over the standard, saying the new administration is "closely scrutinizing" whether the agency should "reconsider the rule or some part of it." https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/10/stories/1060052869 Tracking Air Quality Block By Block. A local environmental advocacy group last week launched a first-of-its kind monitoring project, installing air quality sensors in the densely packed neighborhoods near this city’s port to give the people who live and work there on-the-ground readings of pollutants that can seriously injure their health. http://californiahealthline.org/news/tracking-air-quality-block-by-block/ Students learn about San Juan County’s air quality. Islanders are about to find out exactly what is in the air they are breathing. Samuel Garson, a science teacher at Friday Harbor High School, and his junior and senior AP environmental class are on a quest to test air quality. http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/life/students-learn-about-san-juan-countys-air-quality/ Epic Fight Over Diesel Pollution And California’s Future Clean Air Authority Governor Jerry Brown swore last December that if the federal government stopped collecting crucial climate data, the Golden State would launch its own satellite. Repeatedly since then California leaders have vowed to continue their pursuit of clean air and climate progress, no matter how the Trump administration proceeds. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/apr/11/lawyer-hopes-undo-california-diesel-law-help-trump/ CAP AND TRADE Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme Upheld in CA. California’s cap-and-trade system, which allows companies to purchase carbon credits through an auction or a secondary market, is not an illegal tax, a state appeals court has found. The system, because of voluntary participation and the purchase of a specific thing of value, preclude a finding that the auction system has the hallmarks of a tax, said Judge Elena J. Duarte. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/carbon-emissions-trading-scheme-upheld-ca/ California's Cap-and Trade Program Wins in Court, Program's Future Still Unclear For climate policy advocates, California has been a kind of sanctuary state, unflagging in its commitment to ambitious mitigation strategies even as the Trump Administration moves to unwind programs at the federal level. http://www.natlawreview.com/article/california-s-cap-and-trade-program-wins-court-program-s-future-still-unclear CLIMATE CHANGE What’s at Stake in Trump’s Proposed E.P.A. Cuts. What is at stake as Congress considers the E.P.A. budget? Far more than climate change. The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget are deep and wide-ranging. It seeks to shrink spending by 31 percent, to $5.7 billion from $8.1 billion, and to eliminate a quarter of the agency’s 15,000 jobs. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/climate/trump-epa-budget-cuts.html Trump's energy review blocks Group of Seven from consensus. Top energy officials from the Group of Seven industrial nations failed to agree on language for a joint declaration on Monday because of the U.S. administration's review of policies related to climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Italy's economic development minister, Carlo Calenda, told a news conference that those areas remained "key priorities for other G-7 countries and the EU" but that the United States "reserves its position" while the review is underway. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ITALY_G7_ENERGY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT U.S. scuppers G7 bid to find joint stance on energy and climate. The U.S. administration of Donald Trump on Monday scuppered efforts by the Group of Seven industrialized countries to reach a common stance on energy when it asked for more time to work out its policies on climate change. Trump signed an order in March to undo climate change regulations drawn up under his predecessor Barack Obama, calling into question U.S. support for an international deal to fight global warming. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g7-energy-u-s-idUSKBN17C1F3 China may take lead on fighting climate change. With climate change seemingly absent from the agenda, the weekend meeting between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping underscored that the U.S. has all but abandoned its status as the international leader on global warming and ceded that position to China. Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi said nothing publicly about past commitments between the two nations to work together to fight climate change, and there seems to be a growing understanding among Chinese officials that their country may now have the responsibility — and a key economic opportunity, activists say — to become the global leader on the issue. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/9/china-may-take-lead-on-fighting-climate-change/ Related: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinas-xi-outshines-trump-as-the-worlds-future-energy-leader/ New York, California Lead State Efforts on Climate Change as Trump Retreats. It’s a precarious time for federal climate change action in the U.S., to say the least. Just last week, a sweeping executive order signed by President Trump moved to roll back the Obama administration’s flagship Clean Power Plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions from power plants—the latest in a series of efforts by Congress and the White House to repeal various Obama-era rules. But even as the Trump administration continues reversing federal environmental regulations, state governments are stepping up as the nation’s new front line of defense against climate change. http://www.newsweek.com/new-york-california-state-efforts-climate-change-trump-retreats-580704 Great Barrier Reef Hit By Bleaching For The Second Year In A Row. For the second consecutive year, aerial surveys show severe coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. While severe bleaching events have occurred three other times in the past 20 years — in 1998, 2002 and 2016 — this year marks the first time it's known to have happened two years in a row. Scientists say the damage is caused by higher water temperatures due to global warming. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/04/10/523254085/great-barrier-reef-hit-by-bleaching-for-the-second-year-in-a-row The Single Shining Hope to Stop Climate Change. Science is under attack at the very moment when we need it most. President Donald Trump’s March 28 executive order went much further than simply throwing a lifeline to fossil fuels, as industry-funded congressional climate change–deniers have done in the past. It intentionally blinded the federal government to the impacts of climate change by abolishing an interagency group that measured the cost of carbon to public health and the environment. Now, the government won’t have a coordinated way to account for damages from climate change when assessing the costs and benefits of a particular policy. http://time.com/4731632/climate-change-2020-trump/ Climate change: Turbulence to get a whole lot worse on airplanes. A scary new study has warned one of the worst things about flying is about to get much worse: turbulence. Bouts of turbulence that are strong enough to toss passengers around the cabin could become up to three times more common - and it's all thanks to climate change, according to news.com.au. Scientists at the University of Reading in the UK have carried out a first-ever study into the relationship between anthropogenic climate change and clear-air turbulence. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11835733 Allergies will be even more miserable in the future — thanks to global warming. It’s spring in California: the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and my sinuses are so swollen they might just pop right out of my face. I’m one of the 36 million or so Americans lucky enough to suffer from seasonal allergies. And experts tell me that I might suffer from this eye-itching, sinus-pounding misery even more in the future. Warming global temperatures may lead to longer blooming seasons, and rising CO2 levels could help weeds and trees grow more, and faster. That could mean more allergy-causing pollen, according to a growing crop of studies. This is especially bad news for people with allergic asthma, who can suffer from life-threatening attacks. http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/10/15203522/allergies-hay-fever-seasonal-spring-pollen-global-warming-climate-change DIESEL ACTIVITIES San Joaquin Valley farmers might get state financial help for off-road mobile ag equipment. Farmers and ranchers in the San Joaquin Valley that trade up old off-road mobile agricultural equipment to new, cleaner operating models might eventually get some financial help from the California Air Resources Board. The trade-up pilot project is expected to aid CARB in its efforts to assess the feasibility of a new, multi-step type of equipment incentive intended for owners of high-emitting mobile agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin that may not qualify for existing voluntary incentive funding such as the Carl Moyer Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and others and for which new equipment purchases are not practical. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32422 GREEN ENERGY Renewable energy tax credits challenge markets. In the spring and fall, the wind blows so hard at night that wind turbines supply all of the power that Texas needs in the wee hours of the morning. More surprising is that all of that wind means the price of electricity turns negative. That's right, electric power is not just free, but generators have to pay the grid operator to take their electricity. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/tomlinson/article/Renewable-energy-tax-credits-challenge-markets-11058236.php Renewable energy production in South Australia at 50 per cent, eight years ahead of schedule. Green energy production in South Australia has reached record levels, with the state poised to meet its 50 per cent renewable energy target almost eight years ahead of schedule. Latest figures obtained from sources including the Australian Energy Market Operator indicate SA has derived 53 per cent of its electricity in the past 12 months from sun and wind. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/sa-power-crisis-renewable-energy-production-in-sa-at-50-per-cent-eight-years-ahead-of-schedule/news-story/2e3a6fcb3c40a0ca61b25eba87206d68 Silicon Valley Clean Energy launches with 100% carbon-free power. A new "community choice" agency began providing cleaner energy to Californians last week. Silicon Valley Clean Energy says it provides 100 percent carbon-free energy to 11 cities in California. Most of its energy comes from renewables such as wind and solar, while the remainder comes from large-scale hydropower. The agency is one of the latest players in the "community choice" movement, which is picking up steam in the Golden State as an alternative to traditional utilities' hegemony. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/10/stories/1060052833 SoCalGas eyes injection of 'renewable natural gas' into pipelines. A $100 million project on track for completion this spring will inject "renewable natural gas" derived from organic waste into Southern California Gas Co.'s pipeline system for the first time. The landmark project is part of the state's push to harness methane emitted at farms and landfills as an alternative to fossil fuels for transportation, heating and power generation. http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/our-thinking/news/socalgas-eyes-injection-of-renewable-natural-gas-into-pipelines California is getting so much power from solar that wholesale electricity prices are turning negative. The extraordinary success of solar power in some pockets of the world that combine sunshine with high investment in the technology mean that governments and energy companies are having radically to rethink the way they manage—and charge for—electricity. California is one such a place. https://qz.com/953614/california-produced-so-much-power-from-solar-energy-this-spring-that-wholesale-electricity-prices-turned-negative/ Massachusetts requests supply of Canadian renewable energy. A request by the state of Massachusetts for a supply of clean, renewable electricity could give a boost to proposals to carry Canadian renewable energy to southern New England via proposed transmission lines in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. There are a handful of proposals across the three states designed to help energy-hungry states Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut make use of the renewable energy available in Canada and experts say the Massachusetts request gives a huge boost to those efforts. http://globalnews.ca/news/3366788/massachusetts-canadian-renewable-energy/ Mayor Emanuel Announces City Buildings to be Powered by 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2025. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Forest Claypool, Chicago Park District CEO Mike Kelly, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Eugene Jones, Jr., Fleet and Facility Management Commissioner David Reynolds, and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) leadership today announced their commitment to move their buildings’ electricity use to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. When implemented, Chicago will be the largest major city in the country to have a 100 percent renewable energy supply for its public buildings. https://enewspf.com/2017/04/10/mayor-emanuel-announces-city-buildings-powered-100-percent-renewable-energy-2025/ Getting Green Energy for Less in Underserved Communities. In the past, some energy providers have claimed that fossil fuels are needed to keep electricity costs low for the poorest consumers. But research has shown this “cheap” energy comes at a high price for the poor and minorities that are most susceptible to the effects of pollution. The Energy Efficiency for All published a study in 2016, which found that the vast majority of families living under 80% of the poverty line struggle to afford energy month-to-month. http://www.theenergycollective.com/ryank/2401949/getting-green-energy-less-underserved-communities VEHICLES Ford says hybrid police car catches bad guys, saves gas too. The next time the cops chase you down for speeding, they could be driving a fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid. Ford Motor Co., which sells more police vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, says it will offer a police pursuit version of the hybrid Fusion midsize sedan, in response to requests from cities nationwide. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FORD_HYBRID_POLICE_CAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-10/warning-to-crooks-new-ford-cop-car-may-be-green-but-it-s-fast Diesel cars CAN improve air quality and ‘tackle climate change’, claims industry group. Diesel cars can help to improve air quality and play a positive role in the fight against climate change, a key motor industry group has claimed. In light of the raft of new taxes and regulations being slapped on diesel vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have released a report to champion the fuel. https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/3297351/diesel-cars-can-improve-air-quality-and-tackle-climate-change-claims-industry-group/ Amazon Finds There's Nothing Foolish in Fuel Cells. Victims of tech hype should be a bit wary of Elon Musk’s dismissal of hydrogen fuel cells as "fool cells." A figure as iconic in the tech industry, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, appears to disagree. Amazon has acquired the right to buy 23 percent of Plug Power, a Latham, New York-based company that went public back in 1999, has never made a profit, and was until recently a penny stock. Plug Power shares almost doubled in price immediately after the Amazon announcement. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-06/amazon-finds-there-s-nothing-foolish-in-fuel-cells SF Goodwill Puts 11 Electric Trucks On the Road. The San Francisco Goodwill will start using electric trucks as part of a test project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Friday. The project, which is product of the Goodwill's partnership with the BAAQMD, the California Air Resources Board, the Center for Transportation and the Environment and BYD Corp., will bring 11 electric trucks to Goodwill locations in San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin counties. https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/sf-goodwill-puts-11-electric-trucks-road http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/photos/267346/byd-trucks-partners-with-goodwill/34748.aspx (photo montage) Huntington to install second electric vehicle charging location. Huntington officials are set to install a public electric vehicle charging station at Town Hall as part of a statewide clean-energy initiative. Town officials purchased the station to meet one of the conditions for inclusion in the state’s Clean Energy Communities initiative, which will make the town eligible to apply for $250,000 in state funding for future energy projects. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/huntington-to-install-second-electric-vehicle-charging-location-1.13373472 MISCELLANEOUS California attorney general requests documents on EPA chief. California's attorney general announced Friday he is seeking documents that could show conflicts of interest and ethics violations by the man President Donald Trump appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the latest episode in the ongoing feud between Golden State officials and the Trump administration. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_PRUITT_RECORDS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT California's environmental crusaders helped save our state. Now, they face down Trump. It did not begin well for Alicia Rivera, who carried a stack of fliers as she made her way around the parking lot of a Wilmington shopping center. The first person she approached brushed past her, uninterested in her spiel about polluted air in the harbor area’s smokestack neighborhoods. The next guy shook his head; he didn’t want the flier calling residents to an April 29 climate change march protesting the planned expansion of the nearby Tesoro refinery. https://flipboard.com/@flipboard/flip.it%2FsgMK1h-californias-environmental-crusaders-hel/f-e751774395%2Flatimes.com Dear Earth Talk, what is meant by “environmental justice”? Environmental justice is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.” In layperson’s terms, it means making sure specific groups of people don’t bear a disproportionate burden from potential and existing environmental threats. http://smdp.com/dear-earth-talk-what-is-meant-by-environmental-justice/160383 OPINIONS California Fights Back. When Donald Trump threatened on the campaign trail to deport every single immigrant living in the country illegally, bring back offshore drilling and reverse the anti-pollution policies that help clear smoggy skies, Californians immediately understood that our state would be disproportionately affected — and disproportionately harmed — by the reckless policies he was hoping to enact. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-california-fights-back/ Quora: Trump’s Policies Will Only Accelerate Climate Change. Climate change will accelerate slightly under Donald Trump, and our ability to mitigate the damage will decrease significantly. Here’s the thing about climate change: it’s potentially very “teetery.” What I mean by that is that our climate was, until very recently (geologically, of course), really well balanced. Heat in and heat out were nearly the same, and so the temperature on this planet was remarkably constant and predictable over time. Constant and predictable will hereafter be referred to as “good” for simplicity’s sake. http://www.newsweek.com/quora-question-how-will-trump-affect-climate-change-579765 Courts Jump on Revenue Raising Bandwagon. Tax and revenue increases are piling up on Californians–passed by voters, approved by legislators, and now the courts are getting into the act. On the same day that the legislature passed the $52 billion gas tax, California’s Third District Court of Appeal on a 2 to 1 vote upheld a lower court ruling that businesses paying for auction allowances in the cap-and-trade program were not being subjected to an illegal tax. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/04/courts-jump-revenue-raising-bandwagon/ BLOGS Climate Change Is Ruining Farmers’ Lives, But Only A Few Will Admit It. When Christina Carter started growing vegetables 12 years ago, she looked forward to winters because they offered her the chance to recover from the strenuous growing and harvesting seasons. That’s no longer the case. Summers are hotter and stormier than they used to be, and fall never seems to come. A true winter also seems to be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean spring won’t bring the occasional surprise hailstorm. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-farmers_us_58e3c1d8e4b0d0b7e16502d5 Farmers could lead the way on climate action. Here’s how. President Trump, congressional Republicans, and most American farmers share common positions on climate change: They question the science showing human activity is altering the global climate and are skeptical of using public policy to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. But farmers are in a unique position to tackle climate change. We have the political power, economic incentive, and policy tools to do so. What we don’t yet have is the political will. http://grist.org/article/farmers-could-lead-the-way-on-climate-action-heres-how/ Electrek green energy brief: California ‘cap and trade’ not a tax, tax credit worth 29GW of green energy, more. Solar and wind tax credit extension worth 29GW of utility scale wind/solar from 2016-2020 – Another interesting number, $23B in economic activity in the USA from wind and solar in 2017. Roughly – $5B will be given to solar power installations in the form of a federal 30% tax credit. There will be $25B’ish in solar power sales in the USA in 2017. https://electrek.co/2017/04/10/california-can-trade-tax-credit-flow-battery/ ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:12:45 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 11, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 11, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss: (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next two meetings will be held at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building as follows: Monday, April 17, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, Including Biomethane From Dairy and Livestock Operations Monday, May 15, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Today’s notice is intended to confirm the dates, provide the times and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with discussion papers and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm . The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm CAP AND TRADE Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme Upheld in CA. The decision keeps the program safe through 2020, when the program will “still be vulnerable to legal challenges that cite Proposition 26, a 2010 initiative that extended Proposition 13 to apply to fees as well as taxes,” writes Scientific American. The case, which can still be appealed to the California Supreme Court, began four years ago with a lawsuit… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/carbon-emissions-trading-scheme-upheld-ca/ California's Cap-and Trade Program Wins in Court, Program's Future Still Unclear. Introduction. For climate policy advocates, California has been a kind of sanctuary state, unflagging in its commitment to ambitious mitigation strategies even as the Trump Administration moves to unwind programs at the federal level. In 2016, the California Legislature enacted an aggressive target for the state: reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. http://www.natlawreview.com/article/california-s-cap-and-trade-program-wins-court-program-s-future-still-unclear Industry groups stump for cap and trade. As California debates the future direction of its climate policies, businesses are weighing in in favor of largely maintaining the status quo. The state has launched a wide-ranging consideration of which policies it should use to meet its 2030 target of 40 percent below 1990 emissions levels. One of the key questions is whether the state will retain a cap-and-trade system… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060052908/search?keyword=california AIR POLLUTION Tracking Air Quality Block By Block. A local environmental advocacy group last week launched a first-of-its kind monitoring project, installing air quality sensors in the densely packed neighborhoods near this city’s port to give the people who live and work there on-the-ground readings of pollutants that can seriously injure their health. http://californiahealthline.org/news/tracking-air-quality-block-by-block/ http://khn.org/news/tracking-air-quality-block-by-block/ Epic Fight Over Diesel Pollution And California’s Future Clean Air Authority. Governor Jerry Brown swore last December that if the federal government stopped collecting crucial climate data, the Golden State would launch its own satellite. Repeatedly since then California leaders have vowed to continue their pursuit of clean air and climate progress, no matter how the Trump administration proceeds. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/apr/11/lawyer-hopes-undo-california-diesel-law-help-trump/ http://inewsource.org/2017/04/11/contractors-sue-epa-over-california-diesel/ Smog rule may be next on Trump's chopping block. An Obama Administration smog standard may be the next federal environmental regulation on President Trump’s chopping block. Late last week, attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice said the Environmental Protection Agency was "reviewing" the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone issued by EPA in 2015. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/04/11/70664/smog-rule-may-be-next-on-trump-s-chopping-block/ Appeals court slams EPA for exempting farms from reporting air pollution. A federal appeals court on Tuesday reversed a decision the Environmental Protection Agency took nearly a decade ago, which may result in livestock farmers coming under more scrutiny for their air emissions under President Trump. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/appeals-court-slams-epa-for-exempting-farms-from-reporting-air-pollution/article/2619991 London's toxic air pollution is killing thousands every year. Decades ago, London suffocated under poisonous smogs. Now, deadly air is back. Diesel-burning vehicles are causing record levels of pollution linked to thousands of deaths in the United Kingdom, and the British government could face fines from the European Court of Justice if the smog is not controlled. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/04/10/london-toxic-air-pollution-killing-thousands-every-year/100304958/ CLIMATE CHANGE 'Witness Tree': An engrossing book on what a tree teaches us about climate. "Witness Tree," by Lynda Mapes, is science writing of a high order, a book that is lucid, learned, all the while and rooted in its author's infectious pleasure at sharing a journey of personal discovery. Mapes is environment reporter with The Seattle Times, and fixed on the 4,000 acre Harvard Forest, a research laboratory like none other… http://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/Witness-Tree-A-witness-to-global-warming-in-11064293.php U.S. emissions generally lower last year. Federal data show that the transportation sector was the only one without declines last year. The only U.S. sector where emissions of carbon dioxide increased last year was in the transportation sector, an Energy Department division reported. A daily brief from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported CO2 emissions from the transportation sector increased 1.9 percent from 2015 levels. http://www.upi.com/US-emissions-generally-lower-last-year/5701491827525/ A powerful new tool reveals how climate change could transform your hometown. The climate is changing. Most people know that it's changing, and a sizeable majority even say they worry about those changes. But at the same time, just 40% of Americans think it's going to harm them personally. And just 33% of Americans say they talk about climate change "even occasionally." http://www.businessinsider.com/what-will-climate-change-do-2017-4 Global Warming Could Thaw Far More Permafrost Than Expected, Study Says. Research says more than 40 percent of the frozen tundra could un-freeze if global temperatures continue to rise, scientists find. More than 40 percent of the world's permafrost—landscape covered in frozen soil—is at risk of thawing even if the world succeeds in limiting global warming… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10042017/permafrost-climate-change-arctic-carbon-release Legendary Climate Scientist Likes a GOP Proposal on Global Warming. James Hansen, the “father of climate change awareness,” wants the same carbon fee–and-dividend strategy proposed by Republicans. Pres. Donald Trump issued a major executive order last week that, if successful, could undercut the nation’s fight against global warming. In particular, the order kicks off an attempt to dismantle the… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/legendary-climate-scientist-likes-a-gop-proposal-on-global-warming/ China's Xi Outshines Trump as the World's Future Energy Leader. Failure by the two presidents to discuss climate change leaves China ahead, based on actions if not words. Much of Pres. Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach, Fla., sits less than two meters above the Atlantic Ocean, meaning big parts of the resort could rest beneath the waves by the end of this century as seas rise in response to global warming. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinas-xi-outshines-trump-as-the-worlds-future-energy-leader/ Carbon emissions from energy sector drop. Carbon dioxide emissions from the United States’ energy sector fell last year, due mainly to a significant drop in the use of coal. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported Monday that energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common human-emitted greenhouse gas, were down 1.7 percent in 2016, compared with the previous year. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/328070-carbon-emissions-from-energy-sector-drop Trump can't affect global climate-change progress, says Mayor Bloomberg. Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has gone on record saying publicly what most analysts have discussed privately: the notion that Washington can direct the energy market back towards coal is wrong. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109843_trump-cant-affect-global-climate-change-progress-says-mayor-bloomberg Ruins, Not Reefs: How Climate Change Is Fast-Forwarding Coral Science. “It’s a complete change in the phenomenon that all of us study.” At about the same moment that millions of Americans sat staring at their television or laptop or phone—watching the results from the presidential election stream in, seeing state after state called for… https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/04/how-catastrophe-is-changing-the-science-of-coral-reefs/522648/ EPA Budget Slashes Emissions Testing Funds, Hikes Fees For Manufacturers. US automakers have been pleading for relief from what they consider burdensome fuel economy rules, but in an odd twist to the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it,” the Trump administration has announced plans to not only loosen those rules but to slash the funding that pays for EPA emissions testing as well. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/11/epa-budget-slashes-emissions-testing-funds-hikes-fees-manufacturers/ Assessing the impact of climate risks on the financial system. In the wake of 2015 Climate Paris Agreements to limit global temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, many governmental and private stakeholders have advocated for the introduction of policies to mitigate climate change. This would affect directly only the fossil-fuel and utility sector, but it would also expose indirectly many other economic sectors… http://www.enn.com/lifestyle/article/51009 DIESEL ACTIVITIES BYD Partners with Goodwill on Electric Delivery Trucks in Bay Area. BYD, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, joined the California Air Resources Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and SF Goodwill on the launch of a new project that will bring 11 clean, zero-emission battery electric trucks to operate throughout the Bay Area communities of San Francisco, Redwood City and Burlingame. http://fleetnewsdaily.com/byd-partners-goodwill-electric-delivery-trucks-bay-area/ http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/photos/267346/byd-trucks-partners-with-goodwill/34748.aspx GREEN ENERGY Wholesale energy prices dip below zero because of California’s solar power. Solar power shines bright in California, and wholesale energy prices prove it. Last winter and early spring’s dependence on solar drove wholesale energy prices to negative prices, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Solar power in the California Independent System Operator accounted for nearly 40%... https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/04/11/wholesale-energy-prices-dip-below-zero-because-californias-solar-power/100317896/ German power company examining new wind energy options. E.ON said giant sails or fixed-wing options could be a development option for offshore wind power. Technology for wind energy could use fixed-wing or sails for power in a way that would make deployment easier for deep waters, a German company said. German energy company E.ON said it made an investment commitment with Ampyx Power to test so-called airborne wind energy technology. http://www.upi.com/Energy-News/2017/04/11/German-power-company-examining-new-wind-energy-options/9381491906813/ OPINIONS Column: Clean energy makes economic sense. President Donald Trump’s new executive order on climate change isn’t a green light to ramp up spending on coal plants. As more utilities and decision makers throughout the country are finally acknowledging, the market has turned against coal, regardless of what happens in Washington. For utility customers and taxpayers, this is a good thing. http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2017/04/11/climate-change/100300256/ ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:51:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 12, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 12, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss: (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next two meetings will be held at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building as follows: Monday, April 17, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, Including Biomethane From Dairy and Livestock Operations Monday, May 15, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Today’s notice is intended to confirm the dates, provide the times and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with discussion papers and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm The California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will jointly conduct a workshop to discuss potential methodologies to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030 to be used by California’s local publicly owned electric utilities (POUs) when preparing their individual integrated resource plans (IRP), as mandated by Senate Bill 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (de León, Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015). SB 350 calls for the ARB to establish 2030 GHG reduction targets in coordination with the Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The workshop will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The location of the workshop will be: CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 Ninth Street First Floor, Art Rosenfeld Hearing Room Sacramento, California CAP AND TRADE Vt. Dems push 'carbon pollution' fee. Democratic representatives in Vermont are introducing bills that would tax fossil fuels and siphon that money into other sectors. The first bill, which was announced by Vermont state Rep. Martin LaLonde (D) from South Burlington, will use the tax money to bolster state education and, in turn, reduce property taxes that otherwise go into funding public schools. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052961 AIR POLLUTION Air Pollution Might Make Dangerous Bacteria Harder to Kill. Inhaling black carbon could boost some disease-causing bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics. Air pollution—particulates tossed into the air from car exhaust, factory fumes, and power plants—is nasty stuff. Breathing it in causes damage to your lung tissue. It can trigger asthma attacks. It increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/04/air-pollution-bacteria/522777/ California urges EPA not to withdraw information collection request for oil companies' methane emissions. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced April 3 that he has joined eight attorneys general in sending a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt. The letter opposes the EPA’s withdrawal of an information collection request involving oil and natural gas company use of methane. http://legalnewsline.com/stories/511102742-california-urges-epa-not-to-withdraw-information-collection-request-for-oil-companies-methane-emissions Federal appeals court freezes ozone litigation. A federal appeals court threw a massive tangle of litigation over U.S. EPA's 2015 ozone standard into limbo yesterday, agreeing to the agency's request to indefinitely delay oral arguments as Trump administration officials review their position on the 70-parts-per-billion air quality benchmark. In an unsigned order issued late in the day, a three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/12/stories/1060053004 CLIMATE CHANGE As Trump threatens world climate pact, will India keep its promises to cut emissions? Not long ago, global environmental activists looked at India with worry. The world’s fastest growing major economy — and one of its fastest growing emitters of carbon — was building coal-fired power plants at a rapid clip while its leaders argued that burning the carbon-spewing fossil fuel was necessary for the country’s development. http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-india-climate-2017-story.html Federal Climate Research, Targeted for Elimination by Trump, Lauded by Scientists National Academies of Sciences endorses the program overseeing federal research, calls for even more emphasis on bringing carbon emissions to zero. The federal program overseeing climate change research has won an important endorsement from the authoritative National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine just as it faces the threat of budget cuts under the Donald Trump administration. An expert National Academies review panel issued a ringing endorsement… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/12042017/climate-change-research-national-academies-sciences-global-warming-donald-trump Changing winds another tough break for polar bears: University of Alberta study. Changing Arctic wind patterns could be bad news for polar bears, according to a new study into how the predators use their noses to track prey. Relying on 11 years of satellite data on 123 polar bears in Canada’s Hudson Bay, University of Alberta researchers found polar bears use a technique called crosswind… http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/changing-winds-another-tough-break-for-polar-bears-university-of-alberta-study http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-threatens-polar-bears-using-arctic-wind-hunt-seals-2524707 Will National Park Service continue to care about climate? Marcy Rockman started fielding excited calls from other federal agencies soon after the National Park Service created her unique position in 2011 to address how climate change will affect buildings and other cultural resources embedded in America's recreation meccas." I remember picking up the phone and hearing… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052953 Trump taps carbon tax supporter for White House team. President Trump's choice to lead a White House economics group has supported carbon taxes and written extensively on the economics of climate change. Trump last week announced he will nominate Kevin Hassett, an expert on tax policy at the… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052970 DROUGHT >From extreme drought to record rain: Why California's drought-to-deluge cycle is getting worse. California’s climate has long been dominated by cycles of intense dry conditions followed by heavy rain and snow. But never before in recorded history has the state seen such an extreme drought-to-deluge swing. Experts and state water officials say California is seeing more of these intense weather swings… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-record-rains-20170410-story.html The drought is over, but now L.A. is being swarmed by bugs. The flowers aren’t the only things flourishing from all that rain. A long, wet winter followed by warm temperatures has created the perfect conditions for the insects currently swarming Southern California. Those things that look like giant mosquitoes and tiny black gnats invading your house are an unfortunate side effect of the end of the drought. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-gnats-insects-bugs-rain-20170411-story.html California water allocations hit 100 percent – here’s why farmers are still miffed. Central Valley farmers learned Tuesday they will get a full allocation of water this year for the first time since 2006. But their celebrations were muted. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said it will provide a 100 percent allocation to Central Valley Project customers this year, including the large agricultural districts in the San Joaquin Valley. http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article144007699.html#storylink=cpy http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ http://www.capradio.org/93561 Commercial salmon season slashed by lingering California drought impacts. California’s commercial salmon industry is being slashed this year because of lingering environmental impacts from the drought. In a decision expected to make chinook salmon scarcer at markets and restaurants, federal fishery managers called Tuesday for sharp restrictions on commercial catches… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/11/commercial-salmon-season-shortened-by-lingering-drought-impacts/ FUELS New System to Convert Methane into Deep Green, Energy-Rich, Gelatin-Like Substance. Oil and gas wells and even cattle release methane gas into the atmosphere, and researchers are working on ways to not only capture this gas but also convert it into something useful and less-polluting. Now scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new system to convert methane into a deep green, energy-rich… http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24008 Groups urge Zinke to review methane rule before altering it. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke should conduct an extensive review of an Obama-era rule regulating methane waste on public lands before changing it, groups representing veterans, religious organizations and conservationists said today. The groups, including the Colorado Council of Churches and Vet Voice Foundation… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052994 VEHICLES Mercedes-Benz undecided if it will sell future U.S. diesels. Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz USA chief said the German automaker has not decided whether to resume selling diesel vehicles in the United States. The German automaker has not received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sell 2017 model diesel vehicles.The EPA said in September 2015 that it would review all U.S. diesel vehicles following… http://finance.yahoo.com/news/mercedes-benz-undecided-sell-future-u-diesels-205836568--finance.html;_ylt=A86.J3QDsu5YmwoAGEMnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByNWU4cGh1BGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw-- EPA Budget Slashes Emissions Testing Funds, Hikes Fees For Manufacturers. US automakers have been pleading for relief from what they consider burdensome fuel economy rules, but in an odd twist to the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it,” the Trump administration has announced plans to not only loosen those rules but to slash the funding that pays for EPA emissions testing as well. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/11/epa-budget-slashes-emissions-testing-funds-hikes-fees-manufacturers/ Sensing trouble, automakers prepare to bargain with EPA, CARB on emissions. For most new-car buyers, haggling is a necessary evil. Now, car companies themselves are learning just how unpleasant haggling can be, as they try to find common ground with the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board on the subject of auto emissions. http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1109879_sensing-trouble-automakers-prepare-to-bargain-with-epa-carb-on-emissions Sometimes charging is pricier than gassing up. Fueling a car with electricity could be more expensive and difficult than widely thought. Automakers and environmental advocates have long touted electric vehicles as a cheaper long-term alternative to gasoline vehicles because electricity costs less on a per-mile basis. But new studies by the auto and EV charging industries show there are exceptions. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052954 White House seeks deal with Calif. on emission standards. The White House has told automakers it will seek to broker an agreement on emissions standards with California to avoid a patchwork of rules. Car companies that have pushed the administration for relief on stringent emissions and mileage requirements are also urging consistency around the country. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060052982/search?keyword=california VOLKSWAGEN Volkswagen just made a big move to regain customers' trust after the emissions' scandal. The German automaker announced that its all-new 2018 Tiguan and Atlas SUVs, will come with warranties that beat competitors like the Honda CR-V and Ford Explorer. Volkswagen said on Tuesday it will offer six-year or 72,000-mile warranties, whichever occurs first, for the SUVs, which are transferable beyond the first owner. http://www.businessinsider.com/volkswagen-big-move-regain-trust-after-fuel-emissions-scandal-2017-4 GREEN ENERGY Renewable energy myths abound. Over the past year “alternative facts” and “fake news” have become regrettable buzzwords used to dismiss any viewpoint that does not support one’s own preconceived notions. But when it comes to renewable energy, there truly are numerous myths that perpetuate throughout the media and culture that are not supported by any fair reading of the available data. http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2017/04/12/renewable-energy/100343640/ The Cows Of America Have A Renewable Energy Message For You. The Trump Administration has been tooting the domestic energy production horn, so it stands to reason they would enthuse over the latest development from the US Department of Energy. Scientists at the agency’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered a new secret to tapping the renewable energy potential of that all-American resource, the domesticated cow. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/12/cows-america-renewable-energy-message/ A 'quiet' year so far in clean energy investment. Global clean energy investment cooled considerably in early 2017, punctuated by a $5 billion drop in U.S. and Chinese spending compared with the first quarter of 2016, according to data released yesterday by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Overall, global investment in clean energy was down 17 percent year-on-year… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052955 Survey: Most enviro officials tied to fossil fuel industry. A new survey has found almost a quarter of the Trump administration appointees at federal agencies that handle environmental regulations had ties to energy companies, and about half have no regulatory experience. Of the 88 publicly revealed agency officials, 25 were connected to the energy industry… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/12/stories/1060052956 OPINIONS EPA — the Eviscerated Protection Agency. Our new denier-in-chief believes “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” His hand-picked director of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, former Oklahoma attorney general, has sued the agency at least 13 times. He has sued over cross-state air pollution rules, air toxic standards, waters of the U.S. rule, ground level ozone and others. Pruitt, who has received nearly a half million dollars in political contributions from the fossil fuel industry since 2002 has, apparently, never met an EPA rule that he liked. http://www.smokymountainnews.com/outdoors/item/19728-epa-the-eviscerated-protection-agency LOIS HENRY: OK, done with drought now on to the next California disaster. I thought now might be a good time to mention the dark side to the “end of California’s drought” — fire. I know, I’m such a buzzkill. All this rain is filling up reservoirs, replenishing our water table and reviving the ski industry but it’s also making lots and lots of grass grow all over the state. http://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/lois-henry-ok-done-with-drought-now-on-to-the/article_5fd43063-ffee-50bc-9c5f-a215f4d282e4.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, 13 Apr 2017 16:19:01 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 13, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 13, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss: (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building as follows: Monday, April 17, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, Including Biomethane From Dairy and Livestock Operations Today’s notice is intended to confirm the dates, provide the times and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with discussion papers and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm The California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will jointly conduct a workshop to discuss potential methodologies to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030 to be used by California’s local publicly owned electric utilities (POUs) when preparing their individual integrated resource plans (IRP), as mandated by Senate Bill 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (de León, Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015). SB 350 calls for the ARB to establish 2030 GHG reduction targets in coordination with the Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The workshop will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The location of the workshop will be: CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 Ninth Street First Floor, Art Rosenfeld Hearing Room Sacramento, California The Draft SB 350 Clean Transportation Access Guidance Document is an initial step in identifying the main barriers and providing initial recommendations as a framework to address them moving forward. Recommendations include steps that the Legislature, communities, State and local planning, transportation, and air quality agencies can take to overcome specific barriers and begin to formulate innovative, meaningful solutions. Many of the recommendations build upon current actions State and local agencies are implementing to increase access to transportation electrification for all Californians. The guidance documents are now available for public review and comment at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/transoptions CARB is seeking public input on the Draft SB 350 Clean Transportation Access Guidance Document. To submit written feedback, please contact Ms. Ashley Dunn, Air Pollution Specialist, at (626) 459-4385 or by email at ashley.dunn@arb.ca.gov. CAP AND TRADE California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Survives Legal Challenge. Last week, California’s Cap-and-Trade Program to reduce carbon emissions was handed a victory when a state appeals court ruled that program’s auction of emissions permits does not constitute an illegal tax because the program is voluntary and the emissions permits have value. http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/13/californias-cap-and-trade-program-survives-legal-challenge/ Group of US States Considers Carbon Pricing Options. A handful of US states are looking at the possibility of passing legislation aimed at slashing carbon emissions, including through the use of a carbon tax, with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island among those considering such a move. The three states are already part of the market-based Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)… http://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/bridges/news/group-of-us-states-considers-carbon-pricing-options AIR POLLUTION Sensing trouble, automakers prepare to bargain with EPA, CARB on emissions. For most new-car buyers, haggling is a necessary evil. Now, car companies themselves are learning just how unpleasant haggling can be, as they try to find common ground with the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board on the subject of auto emissions. http://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/sensing-trouble-automakers-prepare-to-bargain-with-epa-carb-on-emissions/2017/04/13/38da20a6-2004-11e7-bb59-a74ccaf1d02f_story.html?utm_term=.1f8803c482a9 There's fear that the EPA's request for a court delay may lead to dirtier air. When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted a stricter smog limit in 2015, forcing states to reduce emissions, many people were disappointed. At the time, the agency reduced the ground-level ozone standard to 70 parts per billion, down from the 75-ppb standard adopted in 2008 under the George W. Bush administration. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-epa-smog-rules-20170412-story.html Akron, Cleveland, Youngstown air pollution still is among Ohio's worst. Three metropolitan areas in Northeast Ohio were among 72 areas in the U.S. that suffered through more than 100 days of unhealthy air pollution in 2015, according to a report released today by the Environment America Research & Policy Center. The Akron area paced Northeast Ohio with 188 days of moderate to unhealthy levels of soot particles in the air… https://www.law360.com/california/articles/912897/vw-dealer-class-attys-who-asked-for-29m-in-fees-get-3m?nl_pk=b680a054-4635-45ae-aa8d-034a58a44dd9&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=california CLIMATE CHANGE Scientists seek holy grail of climate change in Oman's hills. Deep in the jagged red mountains of Oman, geologists are drilling in search of the holy grail of reversing climate change: an efficient and cheap way to remove carbon dioxide from the air and oceans. They are coring samples from one of the world's only exposed sections of the Earth's mantle to uncover how a spontaneous natural process millions of years ago… https://apnews.com/366018c9cda94eec91a5e2c3c822fbb6/Scientists-seek-holy-grail-of-climate-change-in-Oman's-hills Scott Pruitt Faces Anger From Right Over E.P.A. Finding He Won’t Fight. When President Trump chose the Oklahoma attorney general, Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, his mission was clear: Carry out Mr. Trump’s campaign vows to radically reduce the size and scope of the agency and take apart President Barack Obama’s ambitious climate change policies. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/climate/scott-pruitt-epa-endangerment-finding.html?_r=0 California looks to hire federal government’s science expats turned off by Trump’s climate rhetoric. Over 400 inquiries after CPUC president urges career environmental experts to ‘come west’ More than 400 environmental scientists and experts have sought work in California following the Trump administration’s clampdown on climate science, according to the California Public Utilities Commission. https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/california-looks-to-hire-federal/content?oid=24092726 The Strange Case of the Liana Vine and Its Role in Global Warming. On a hot, buggy morning in January, Stefan Schnitzer, a Marquette University biologist, spritzed insect repellant on his forearms, tucked khakis into knee-high rubber boots, and hiked three miles from his lab at The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to a study plot in the Panamanian jungle. Ticks and, on occasion, dengue fever-carrying mosquitos infest … http://e360.yale.edu/features/the-strange-case-of-the-liana-vine-and-its-role-in-global-warming Okla. bill targets 'existing scientific theories'. A bill moving through the Oklahoma Legislature encourages public school teachers to question hot-button scientific issues like climate change and evolution. The proposed law by state Sen. Josh Brecheen (R) would provide assurance to teachers that they can help students parse the "scientific strengths and weaknesses of existing scientific theories." https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060053039 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Group wants emissions settlement to pay for clean-energy school buses. A Nevada trust fund whose money was born from an automaker’s cheating on emissions tests should be used to buy clean-energy school buses, a local political advocacy group said today. Chispa Nevada, a UNLV-based division of the Washington, D.C.-based League of Conservation Voters, says the Clean Buses for Healthy Niños… https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/12/group-wants-emissions-settlement-to-pay-for-clean/ FUELS British Columbia was once a leader in fighting climate change. Now, it's embracing fossil fuels. British Columbia promotes itself as “Super, Natural,” and for many years it was praised for walking that talk. Nearly a decade ago, the province enacted North America’s first tax on carbon emissions, putting it on the cutting edge of government efforts to fight climate change. The economy grew even as emissions declined. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-fg-trans-mountain-pipeline-2017-story.html Carbon Emissions Factor Into Major Oil Sands Shakeup. As global companies abandon the Canadian oil sands at a time of low oil prices and huge losses, some of them are also concerned that producing one of the world’s most carbon-laden fossil fuels may be bad business in a warming world. A wave of sell-offs began last year when Murphy Oil and Norway’s Statoil decided to pull out of the oil sands. http://www.standard.net/Government/2017/04/13/Carbon-Emissions-Factor-Into-Major-Oil-Sands-Shakeup Shell releases sustainability report, says it spent $193 million on 'social investments'. Royal Dutch Shell spent nearly $193 million worldwide last year on voluntary social investments, including hundreds of thousands spent in Beaver County. The company released that figure in an annual report Wednesday that tracks Shell’s progress in enacting sustainable principles across its vast portfolio. https://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/shellcracker/shell-releases-sustainability-report-says-it-spent-million-on-social/article_eecaabf2-424b-5a62-b291-16cad1209f35.html VEHICLES California Boosts Funding For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Plans to build more electric vehicle charging stations in California received a boost Wednesday in the form of a $15 million grant that state officials hope will grow much larger. The initial money was approved by the state’s Energy Commission to create incentives for business parks, apartment complexes and individuals to install charging stations. http://www.capradio.org/93623 Ford faults VW's charging station plan. Competing automakers are joining the chorus of opposition to Volkswagen's plan to invest in electric vehicle charging stations following its emissions cheating. Volkswagen's settlement with environmental regulators and drivers requires it to spend $2 billion over the next 10 years to spur sales of clean vehicles by building out the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060053068/search?keyword=california GREEN ENERGY Hydrogen fuel cell cars creep up _ slowly _ on electrics. Hydrogen fuel cell cars could one day challenge electric cars in the race for pollution-free roads — but only if more stations are built to fuel them. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai have leased a few hundred fuel cell vehicles over the past three years, and expect to lease well over 1,000 this year. But for now, those leases are limited to California… https://apnews.com/b2619c9200b4428cbbf2d9158986fab2/Hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-creep-up-_-slowly-_-on-electrics Wal-Mart pairs energy storage with solar in Southern Calif. Wal-Mart, the country's largest brick-and-mortar retailer, announced on Tuesday that it will install 40 megawatt-hours of batteries at its outlets in Southern California. It is the first large-scale energy storage project at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which has previously tried out batteries at pilot scale. This bigger adoption will trim energy costs and help the company… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/13/stories/1060053033 MISCELLANEOUS Meet the congressman who is pushing for a Charles Darwin Day. U.S. Rep. Jim Himes has taken on the role of promoting Darwinism in the House of Representatives, saying he believes it's the type of legislation his southwestern Connecticut constituents want him to pursue at a time when skepticism surrounds science. https://apnews.com/3bccf53188ea425f9d0cd9626ddc30ed/Meet-the-congressman-who-is-pushing-for-a-Charles-Darwin-Day OPINIONS As Trump threatens world climate pact, will India keep its promises to cut emissions? Not long ago, global environmental activists looked at India with worry. The world’s fastest growing major economy — and one of its fastest growing emitters of carbon — was building coal-fired power plants at a rapid clip while its leaders argued that burning the carbon-spewing fossil fuel was necessary for the country’s development. http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-india-climate-2017-story.html Will Interior secretary’s visit to Yosemite inspire him to protect our national treasures? Ryan Zinke should forgive Californians for any skepticism as he confers with Gov. Jerry Brown on his first visit to California as President Donald Trump’s Interior secretary. The former state senator and congressman from Montana arrives in Sacramento on Thursday representing a president who denies climate change, advocates… http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article144258264.html#storylink=cpy The death of diesel: has the one-time wonder fuel become the new asbestos? Diesel was the dream fuel, promoted by governments and the car industry as a cheaper way to save the planet. Then the cracks started to appear. A shopper at a supermarket asks for a plastic bag, only to have his head slammed into the checkout counter by the “green police” (“You picked the wrong day to mess with the ecosystem, plastic boy”). https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/apr/13/death-of-diesel-wonder-fuel-new-asbestos Is Your Fund Manager Paying Attention to Climate Risk? Most Americans believe climate change is real. A recent Yale University survey found that 70% think global warming is happening while only 13% think it isn't. Those who understand that global warming is mainly caused by humans outnumber those who think it is mostly just a natural occurrence (55% to 30%), and that margin has been growing over time. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fund-manager-paying-attention-climate-110000283.html BLOGS As Oil and Gas Industry Goes Big in the Permian, Efforts to Tackle Emissions Will Be Telling. Much ink has been spilled recently about big new oil and gas investments in the Permian Basin across West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. What some are dubbing “Permania” includes a more than $6 billion investment by ExxonMobil in New Mexico acreage and an almost $3 billion one… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/04/13/curb-your-enthusiasm-and-your-methane-as-oil-and-gas-industry-goes-big-in-the-permian-efforts-to-tackle-emissions-will-be-telling/ ====================================================================== 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, 14 Apr 2017 15:03:16 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 14, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 14, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss: (1) changes to the pathway carbon intensity application and evaluation process, (2) improvements to reporting and credit generation processes, and (3) the integration of third-party verification requirements under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building as follows: Monday, April 17, 2017, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. • Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, Including Biomethane From Dairy and Livestock Operations Today’s notice is intended to confirm the dates, provide the times and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with discussion papers and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm The California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will jointly conduct a workshop to discuss potential methodologies to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030 to be used by California’s local publicly owned electric utilities (POUs) when preparing their individual integrated resource plans (IRP), as mandated by Senate Bill 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (de León, Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015). SB 350 calls for the ARB to establish 2030 GHG reduction targets in coordination with the Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The workshop will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The location of the workshop will be: CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION 1516 Ninth Street First Floor, Art Rosenfeld Hearing Room Sacramento, California The Draft SB 350 Clean Transportation Access Guidance Document is an initial step in identifying the main barriers and providing initial recommendations as a framework to address them moving forward. Recommendations include steps that the Legislature, communities, State and local planning, transportation, and air quality agencies can take to overcome specific barriers and begin to formulate innovative, meaningful solutions. Many of the recommendations build upon current actions State and local agencies are implementing to increase access to transportation electrification for all Californians. The guidance documents are now available for public review and comment at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/transoptions CARB is seeking public input on the Draft SB 350 Clean Transportation Access Guidance Document. To submit written feedback, please contact Ms. Ashley Dunn, Air Pollution Specialist, at (626) 459-4385 or by email at ashley.dunn@arb.ca.gov The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted two discussion papers and draft CI calculators for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Working Meeting on April 17, 2017, that will focus on Fossil and Renewable Natural Gas, including Biomethane from Dairy and Livestock Operations. The materials can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm . CAP AND TRADE California’s carbon market in the clear? Not so fast. Opponents of California’s “cap and trade” carbon market said Friday they will take their fight to the state Supreme Court. The Pacific Legal Foundation, a conservative nonprofit law firm based in Sacramento, announced it will appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The announcement came a week after the Third District Court of Appeal dismissed the group’s lawsuit by a 2-1 vote. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article144634284.html#storylink=cpy California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Survives Legal Challenge. Last week, California’s Cap-and-Trade Program to reduce carbon emissions was handed a victory when a state appeals court ruled that program’s auction of emissions permits does not constitute an illegal tax because the program is voluntary and the emissions permits have value. In a 2–1 vote, the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District upheld the… http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/13/californias-cap-and-trade-program-survives-legal-challenge/ Court backs California fees for polluters who exceed limits. In a win for environmentalists, a California appeals court on Thursday upheld a key component of the state's landmark climate change effort that requires companies to buy credits if they exceed pollution limits. The cap-and-trade law limits carbon emissions and auctions off permits that allow companies to release excess greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. http://www.wtoc.com/story/35092237/court-backs-california-fees-for-polluters-who-exceed-limits Chevron CEO voices opposition to carbon tax. Chevron Corp. CEO John Watson this week signaled his opposition to taxing greenhouse gas emissions, making him an outlier among oil executives. Watson said in an interview for a podcast that the oil and gas industry shouldn't be subject to a carbon tax because the sector is already helping the United States lower its carbon emissions. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/14/stories/1060053098 CLIMATE CHANGE U.S. weather forecaster sees chance of El Niño later this year. A U.S. government weather forecaster on Thursday projected the possibility of closely-watched El Niño phenomenon developing in the Northern Hemisphere late summer or fall. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC), an agency of the National Weather Service, in its monthly forecast said neutral conditions are favored to continue through at least the spring… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-weather-elnino-idUSKBN17F1MA Environmentalists Sue EPA for Data to Back Pruitt Climate Remarks. Environmentalists sued the EPA on April 13 to provide documents that back Administrator Scott Pruitt’s assertion that human activity isn’t the largest factor driving global climate change, a statement that contradicts a scientific consensus and the agency’s own website. The Environmental Protection Agency violated the Freedom of Information Act… https://www.bna.com/environmentalists-sue-epa-n57982086677/ EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s claim that China and India have ‘no obligations’ until 2030 under the Paris Accord. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” the EPA administrator denounced the Paris Accord, the global agreement on curbing climate change, as a “bad deal for America” that “we need to exit in my opinion.” Asked his biggest objection to the accord, he claimed that China and India had no obligations until 2030, even though “they are polluting far more than we are.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/04/14/epa-administrator-scott-pruitts-claim-that-china-and-india-have-no-obligations-until-2030-under-the-paris-accord/?utm_term=.94bf9526cf45 3 ways climate change could ruin Easter. There's a lot to love about Easter. Kids running around the front yard searching for brightly colored plastic eggs full of candy. The decadent ham dinner. And of course the squeal-inducing imagery of baby bunnies, chicks and lambs. Yet while the beloved springtime celebration packs a delightful punch, climate change doesn't take off for holidays. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/14/stories/1060053092 DROUGHT Why celebrate the latest rainstorm? Because Northern California has set a new record. While you sidestep the puddles and wrestle with your umbrella, be comforted by this: Northern California is going through the wettest rainy season on record. The region broke the 34-year-old record for precipitation in one year, the Department of Water Resources reported early Thursday. http://www.sacbee.com/news/weather/article144379334.html#storylink=cpy The Drought Is Over, Right? Not in These 4 Counties. Gov. Jerry Brown recently lifted his emergency drought declaration for all of California except four counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Tuolumne. These counties tend to rely on groundwater, which takes longer to recharge after a drought than surface water. But that’s not really what keeping the emergency declaration in place is about. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/04/13/the-drought-is-over-right-not-in-these-4-counties/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES Elon Musk says Tesla semi truck to debut in September, kicking clean-truck race into high gear. Tesla Inc. plans to unveil an electric cargo truck in September, Chief Executive Elon Musk said Thursday, heating up the race to get a zero-emissions semi truck on the road. “Tesla Semi truck unveil set for September,” Musk said on Twitter. “Team has done an amazing job. Seriously next level.” http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tesla-semi-truck-20170413-story.html FUELS California Court Rules Against Air Resources Board over LCFS but Preserves 2017 Status Quo. In two recent posts, we discussed how California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) had been thrown into a state of potential upheaval by two interrelated legal challenges commonly known as POET I and POET II, including a recent oral argument before the California Court of Appeal for the Fifth Appellate District (Court of Appeal) in POET I. http://www.cleanenergylawreport.com/environmental-and-approvals/california-court-chastises-air-resources-board-over-lcfs/ VW RECALL Calif. is pushed to help poorer areas with cash settlement. Automakers, lawmakers and environmental groups are pushing California regulators to revise their portion of Volkswagen's spending on electric vehicle charging stations in the wake of the company's emissions cheating scandal. Volkswagen's settlement with environmental regulators and drivers requires it to spend $2 billion… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/14/stories/1060053089 OPINIONS These policy changes will help California prepare for the next drought. Gov. Jerry Brown has declared the drought over. What did we learn from more than five years of drought that could help us better manage the next one? California’s urban economy remained strong, even as residents and businesses across the state responded to calls to save water. The agricultural economy also kept moving forward despite 50 percent… http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article144493739.html#storylink=cpy A chance for Ryan Zinke to do right by California. Ryan Zinke should forgive Californians for their skepticism as he confers with Gov. Jerry Brown on his first visit to California as Donald Trump’s Interior secretary. The former state senator and congressman from Montana arrives in Sacramento representing a president who denies climate change, advocates a revival of coal and urges that more federal lands be opened to greater resource extraction. All of that is anathema to the views of most Californians. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article144245924.html#storylink=cpy Poisons Are Us. When you bite into a piece of fruit, it should be a mindless pleasure. Sure, that steroidal-looking strawberry with a toothpaste-white interior doesn’t seem right to begin with. But you shouldn’t have to think about childhood brain development when layering it over your cereal. The Trump administration, in putting chemical industry toadies between our food and public safety… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/opinion/poisons-are-us.html?_r=1 House Republicans held an insane hearing just to attack climate science. The Trump administration has been nothing if not a master class in gaslighting—the art of manipulating people, often through lies, into questioning their own sanity—and its pupils on Capitol Hill have clearly been taking notes. On Wednesday, the Republicans on the House Science Committee held a three-hour hearing on the merits of climate change science… https://newrepublic.com/minutes/141716/house-republicans-held-insane-hearing-just-attack-climate-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, 17 Apr 2017 16:46:14 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm CAP AND TRADE That $52-billion road bill just made California's next climate change move a heavy lift. It took late-night cajoling and nearly $1 billion in deal sweeteners for Gov. Jerry Brown and top Democrats to muscle through a $52-billion tax-and-fee plan just over a week ago to repair California’s roads. Now they have to do it all again. Brown and legislative leaders have another daunting battle ahead over the fate of the cap-and-trade program, the centerpiece of California’s efforts to combat climate cha http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-transportation-climate-change-politics-20170414-story.html AIR POLLUTION China’s bad air adds to the San Joaquin Valley’s problems, but the toxic nightmare is already here. Fireworks erupted late on a clear Sunday morning – a wedding during Golden Week celebrations honoring Chinese independence. It was in full swing only a short time before a cloud of soot turned the air into a murky mess in this port city of 9 million. The air-quality index leaped from a healthy green to a lung-searing red. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article144777599.html#storylink=cpy Calif. Air Resources Board Asks Federal Government To Toughen Train Emission Standards. California's top air quality agency is asking the federal government to toughen emission standards for trains. The California Air Resources Board says pollutants coming from locomotives are dangerous for communities living near rail yards. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/04/14/calif-air-resources-board-asks-federal-government-to-toughen-train-emission-standards/ https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053161 https://ngtnews.com/carb-submits-petition-stricter-locomotive-emissions-standards Tracking air quality block by block. A local environmental advocacy group last week launched a first-of-its kind monitoring project, installing air quality sensors in the densely packed neighborhoods near this city’s port to give the people who live and work there on-the-ground readings of pollutants that can seriously injure their health. http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20170415/tracking-air-quality-block-by-block Air pollution as bad for wellbeing as partner's death, say researchers. Authors of Can Clean Air Make You Happy? say exposure to nitrogen dioxide can be as damaging as ‘big-hitting’ life events. The effect on wellbeing of exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a gas mostly produced in diesel fumes, is comparable to the toll from losing a job, ending a relationship or the death of a partner, research suggests. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/17/air-pollution-as-bad-for-wellbeing-as-partners-death-say-researchers "Bad" air may impact "good" cholesterol increasing heart disease risk. Traffic-related air pollution may increase cardiovascular disease risk by lowering levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as “good” cholesterol, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. Scientists have long known that air pollution increases the risk of… http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/51035 U.S. air quality improves 'dramatically' — report. Toxic air releases are down by half over the last 10 years, according to a new report. The report from the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies compares U.S. EPA and other agency data from states, including the 20 states that serve on the AAPCA board of directors, to show that federal, state and local air quality agencies have made progress in "virtually every measure of air pollution control." https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053167 CLIMATE CHANGE Wintry wolverine has cub in Belgium, beating climate-change odds. The wolverine, a carnivore confined to colder climates since the last Ice Age, has re-established a tenuous foothold further south in a Belgian wildlife park. A female cub of the species that also includes badgers and martens was born in February in the Domain of the Caves of Han park south of Brussels… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-belgium-wildlife-idUSKBN17G0TJ Scientists just found a strange and worrying crack in one of Greenland’s biggest glaciers. Scientists examining satellite images of one of Greenland’s largest glaciers believe they have found an unexpected new crack in its floating ice shelf that could contribute to a dramatic break in coming years. The Petermann Glacier, located in the high Arctic at 80 degrees North latitude… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/14/scientists-just-found-a-strange-and-worrying-crack-in-one-of-greenlands-biggest-glaciers/?utm_term=.ea2916f954f3 Climate Change Reroutes a Yukon River in a Geological Instant. In the blink of a geological eye, climate change has helped reverse the flow of water melting from a glacier in Canada’s Yukon, a hijacking that scientists call “river piracy.” This engaging term refers to one river capturing and diverting the flow of another. It occurred last spring at the Kaskawulsh Glacier, one of Canada’s largest, with a suddenness that startled scientists. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/science/climate-change-glacier-yukon-river.html?_r=0 Salesforce Achieves Net-Zero Emissions, Improves Greenpeace Standings. Cloud computing company Salesforce has achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, more than 30 years ahead of schedule, the company announced. Salesforce achieved this in part by executing two 12-year renewable energy agreements in the last year and supporting sustainable development projects through… https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/salesforce-achieves-net-zero-emissions-improves-greenpeace-standings/ How Climate Change Altered One Glacier and Two Watersheds With Alarming Speed. Researchers document how quickly one melting glacier in Canada that used to feed two rivers began feeding only one. The accelerated melting of one of Canada's largest glaciers from climate change reached a tipping point last May, scientists reported Monday. That event triggered a rare phenomenon known as "river piracy,"… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17042017/global-warming-glaciers-melt-canada-yukon-kaskawulsh-climate-change-river-piracy Why people have to learn to live with wildfires. Communities across the Western U.S. and Canada may have to adapt to living with the ever-increasing threat of catastrophic wildfires as global warming heats up and dries out forests across the West, according to a University of Colorado study published Monday. Residents living in neighborhoods adjacent to forests — known as “wildland-urban interface” zones… http://grist.org/article/why-people-have-to-learn-to-live-with-wildfires/ How to study ancient climate? With a time machine, of course. A young American geologist, Julie Brigham-Grette, traveled to Russia in 1991 to study a question that had puzzled U.S. scientists for years. They saw accumulating geological evidence that the Arctic and the Antarctic had been much warmer in the distant past than the poles are today. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053132 Climate and coal policies may sink or swim together. A safe climate and a future for the coal industry have long been viewed as diametric opposites, but in a world where the Paris Agreement is in force and Donald Trump is in the White House, their fortunes may now be linked. Some coal advocates argue that domestic policies to promote carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053140 Climate change dogging Republicans at town halls. A new issue is pushing its way into Republican town hall meetings already boiling over with anger over health care, the refugee ban and Trump's ties to Russia: climate change. Over the Easter recess, constituents blasted a number of GOP lawmakers for their views on basic climate science. And while few voters ever list climate change as an issue that brings them to the polls… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053137 DROUGHT How the drought changed California forever. California’s historic five-year drought is officially over, washed away with the relentlessly drenching rains, floods and snowstorms of this winter. But just as tougher building codes and better emergency planning follow major earthquakes, the brutally dry years from 2012 to 2016 are already leaving a legacy, experts say, changing the way Californians use water for generations to come. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/15/how-the-drought-changed-california-forever/ >From Moonscape To Lush: Photographs Capture California Drought's Story. In California, an extremely wet winter put an end to the state's record-breaking drought. Heavy rainfall also produced welcome spring scenes — like replenished reservoirs and fields in bloom. "It's a completely different look," says Justin Sullivan, a Getty Images photographer who took before-and-after style photos of drought-stricken areas. http://www.npr.org/2017/04/17/523969466/from-moonscape-to-lush-photographs-capture-california-droughts-story DIESEL ACTIVITIES Tesla set to unveil electric semi-truck this September, Musk says. The electric car maker's CEO also said the company will give buyers a first look at a pickup truck within 24 months. Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk says the company plans to unveil an electric semi-truck in September. Musk tweeted the announcement Thursday. He offered no other details about the semi, such as whether it will be equipped… http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/manufacturing/musk-says-tesla-to-unveil-electric-semi-truck-this-september-190766/ FUELS Alaska brings ambitious LNG export project to FERC. The state of Alaska plans to submit an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today for construction of a $40 billion to $45 billion pipeline and export project aimed at commercializing the state's giant North Slope natural gas reserve. The Alaska Gasline Development Corp. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053123 Enviros push to continue legal battle over EPA standards. A coalition of environmental groups is urging a federal court to allow litigation to continue over Obama-era standards for methane emissions from new oil and gas operations. The Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Defense Fund… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053134 Ky. city hires climate resilience chief. Kentucky coal country just hired someone to address the impacts of climate change. Eric Friedlander, previously with Louisville's Department of Community Services, was named the city's chief resilience officer last week. The title comes with a broad portfolio — but in a city that's one of the fastest-warming heat islands in the country, climate change is a significant issue. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053145 VEHICLES Companies building battery cars, drones and hyperloops part of new tech-transit cluster in Southern California. When the space race faded and the Cold War cooled, that signaled the beginning of the end of Southern California’s aerospace industry. But the decline of that once dominant industry opened up opportunities for others in need of high-skilled help. http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20170416/companies-building-battery-cars-drones-and-hyperloops-part-of-new-tech-transit-cluster-in-southern-california China car dilemma: Beijing wants electric, buyers want SUVs. Automakers face a dilemma in China’s huge but crowded market: Regulators are pushing them to sell electric cars, but buyers want gas-guzzling SUVs. The industry is rattled by Beijing’s proposal to require that electric cars make up 8 percent of every brand’s production as early as next year. Consumers are steering the other way: http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/04/17/china-car-dilemma-beijing-wants-electric-buyers-want-suvs/100577518/ Germany Increased Electric Car Charging Points 27% In 2016. The vitality and satisfaction of early EV adopters keeps on increasing. A vast market of electric car enthusiasts is prompting companies to offer more electric cars and more charging stations. Cleaner air, quieter roads, quieter neighborhoods, and precision autonomous features are where it’s at. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/17/germany-increased-electric-car-charging-points-27-2016/ General Electric : GE and Southern California Edison Debut World’s First Battery-Gas Turbine Hybrid. GE (NYSE: GE) and Southern California Edison (SCE), an Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company today unveiled the world's first battery-gas turbine hybrid system in Norwalk, California. This is the first of two units that GE has delivered for SCE only months… http://www.4-traders.com/GENERAL-ELECTRIC-COMPANY-4823/news/General-Electric-GE-and-Southern-California-Edison-Debut-World-rsquo-s-First-Battery-Gas-Turbine-H-24217892/ Lobbyist urges restraint on CAFE changes. Automakers are urging restraint as academics propose alternatives to vehicle mileage and emissions standards that the Trump administration has started reconsidering. Car companies have told the government the current emissions standards through 2025 are difficult to meet because Americans are buying gas-guzzling trucks. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053139 VW RECALL Proposed $800 million VW diesel settlement vexes companies, activists. A proposed $800 million state settlement with Volkswagen over its emission-cheating scandal could shape the highway landscape for electric vehicle drivers and boost sales of green cars in California for the next decade. But as regulators consider the German automaker’s plan, companies and environmentalists are fighting… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/17/proposed-800-million-vw-diesel-settlement-vexes-companies-activists/ Volkswagens pile up by the thousands awaiting fix or scrap yard in buyback. Volkswagen is making progress settling U.S. legal claims from its emission-cheating scandal, but one challenge looms unresolved: What to do with the hundreds of thousands of diesel cars it is being forced to buy back? The German automaker agreed last year to buy back about 500,000 diesels… http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2017/04/volkswagens_pile_up_by_thousan.html VW Reveals Nationwide EV Charging Plans. Volkswagen will rapidly build a nationwide EV charging network at hundreds of sites across 40 states within the next 3 years, according to new plans revealed last week. The new network stands to dramatically expand the long-distance driving utility of current and future all-electric vehicles. http://www.hybridcars.com/vw-reveals-nationwide-ev-charging-plans/ GREEN ENERGY Apple Says Three More Suppliers to Use Solely Renewable Power. IPhone maker expands sustainability push into its supply chain. Another three Apple Inc. suppliers committed to using solely renewable energy to manufacture components for the iPhone maker. Compal Electronics Inc., Sunwoda Electronic Co. and Biel Crystal Manufactory Ltd. have made the pledge, bringing the total number of Apple suppliers seeking to use just renewable… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-13/apple-says-three-suppliers-to-use-solely-renewable-power Saudis Target 30 Solar, Wind Projects in $50 Billion Pledge. Saudi Arabia will develop 30 solar and wind projects over the next 10 years as part of the kingdom’s $50 billion program to boost power generation and cut its oil consumption. The world’s biggest exporter of crude oil will produce 10 percent of its power from renewables by 2023, Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said Monday at a conference in Riyadh. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-17/saudis-seek-30-solar-wind-projects-in-50-billion-pledge Oklahoma to end tax credit that propelled wind production. A state tax credit that helped propel Oklahoma to third in the nation in its capacity to generate electricity from wind is coming to an end, but it will be years before state coffers see results of the change. Gov. Mary Fallin on Monday signed legislation that rolls back a 10-year tax credit for electricity generated by zero-emission facilities that was launched in 2003. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/77f7d58a9ada42c5b54fae2225fc59df/oklahoma-legislation-would-end-tax-credits-wind-energy Germany Strikes Offshore Wind Deals, Subsidy Not Included. European governments have spent large sums of money in recent years subsidizing giant offshore wind projects in hopes of creating a clean source of energy that could eventually pay for itself. Now that moment may be here — and a lot sooner than expected. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/14/business/energy-environment/offshore-wind-subsidy-dong-energy.html?_r=0 Big Business Pushes Coal-Friendly Kentucky To Embrace Renewables. Kevin Butt's job is to find cleaner ways to power Toyota. One of the hardest places to do that is at the automaker's sprawling plant in central Kentucky, a state where nearly 90 percent of energy still comes from coal. Butt points out a new engine assembly line, where a conveyor belt moves in a slow circle. http://www.capradio.org/news/npr/story?storyid=523763826 Unsubsidized wind and solar now the cheapest source for new electric power. Between 2015 and 2021, China is expected to install 40% of all worldwide wind energy and 36% of all solar. While investments in renewable energy slumped last year, a big drop in unsubsidized costs for new wind and solar power installations indicated that they remain popular energy alternatives. http://www.computerworld.com/article/3190409/sustainable-it/unsubsidized-wind-and-solar-now-the-cheapest-source-for-new-electric-power.html Microsoft strikes deal to buy more renewables. Microsoft Corp. has struck a deal with Washington state's largest utility to boost the technology giant's supply of renewable energy. Under the terms of a preliminary settlement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE), renewables will account for at least 25 percent of Microsoft's power purchases through 2020 and 40 percent of its electricity consumption beyond 2021. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/17/stories/1060053144 OPINIONS Governor Brown fails the environmental justice test. Gov. Jerry Brown is one of those environmentalists, the kind that think globally and neglect locally. Brown recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to emphasize the state’s commitment to climate change mitigation and nuclear disarmament. Those issues are important, and I admire his commitment… http://www.sfexaminer.com/governor-brown-fails-environmental-justice-test/ Lawmakers face a new decision that will affect your wallet. Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature got a reprieve when the California Court of Appeal upheld the legality of the cap-and-trade program, the complicated mechanism that seeks to curb greenhouse gas emissions by placing a price on carbon. Cap-and-trade certainly has generated revenue for the state, $4.4 billion and counting. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article144554914.html#storylink=cpy LOIS HENRY: 'Unpopular' science plays a vital role in getting at the truth. Is PM2.5 killing people, or not? It seems like a basic scientific question. Yet, as a recently published study shows, the science is anything but settled. Despite significant questions in this new paper, which echo a growing number of other studies published in recent years, there is almost zero discussion in the scientific… http://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/lois-henry-unpopular-science-plays-a-vital-role-in-getting/article_f491737f-15a6-54a9-a023-82799ea75c85.html California’s war on carbon: Is it winning? The centerpiece of California’s effort to reduce carbon emissions, an auction system for pollution credits known as cap and trade, has faltered badly in the past year. Businesses have bought far fewer credits than expected, depriving the state of an expected windfall for such big-ticket items as high speed rail. That doesn’t mean the state isn’t making progress in its crusade against carbon, however: http://www.fresnobee.com/article144648379.html#storylink=cpy 5 toughest challenges that Southern California’s ports face in months ahead. Rough seas ahead? Mario Cordero knows that. Cordero, former chair of the Federal Maritime Commission and longtime figure in the shipping industry, was chosen Friday to run the Port of Long Beach. The cargo hub partners with the Port of Los Angeles to comprise the busiest port complex in the nation. http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20170415/5-toughest-challenges-that-southern-californias-ports-face-in-months-ahead Surprise: 70% Of Millenials Do Not Want Electric Vehicles. 70 percent of millenials do not want to buy an electric car and are much more interested in puchasing a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, according to a new report. In addition, about two thirds would have significant reservations about riding in a self-driving car. However, Tesla, the car manufacturer most closely associated with electric vehicles… https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/04/17/surprise-70-of-millenials-do-not-want-electric-vehicles/#78bd98213f66 BLOGS Researchers Produce High-Quality Ink from Air Pollution. The pollution coming out of your tailpipe could be recycled into high-quality ink according to a group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Their “KAALINK” device hooks onto the vehicle’s tailpipe and captures some of the air pollution produced by the combustion engine. This “soot” is then recycled into high-quality ink. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/researchers-produce-high-quality-ink-from-air-pollution/ More than ever, EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Program is Vital to Understanding Methane Emissions. In its 2017 GHGI Inventory, published last week, EPA estimates 2015 methane emissions from the U.S. oil and gas industry were 8.1 million metric tons, which is enough to fulfill the domestic heating needs for over 5 million homes. In addition to estimating 2015 emissions… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/04/17/more-than-ever-epas-greenhouses-gas-inventory-program-is-vital-to-understanding-methane-emissions/ Electric Car Drivers/Utilities Key To Emissions-Free Future. San Diego County leads the nation in Solar PV and EV adoption. As a ten year practitioner of both EV driving & Solar PV renewable energy generation, and nine years as a San Diego County Planning Commissioner leading on complex energy and transportation issues, allow me to share some of my “lessons learned” and insights with you. http://insideevs.com/electric-car-driversutilities-key-to-emissions-free-future/ US West enters 'new era' of unstoppable wildfires because of climate change, experts warn. 'This is bigger than us and we're going to have to adapt to wildfire, rather than the other way around'. The western United States has entered a “new era of wildfires” with average temperatures now two degrees Celsius higher and the burning season nearly three months longer than during the 1970s, researchers have warned. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/wildfires-global-warming-climate-change-us-west-california-oregon-firefighters-a7686996.html Lunar-Based Solar Power Concept Could Solve The World’s Energy Crisis. If the moon can be turned into a solar power station, our energy problems for sustainable and affordable electric power on a global scale will be solved. For forty years now, Dr. David Criswell — retired physicist from the University of Houston — has been advocating the use of sunlight on the moon as a source of electricity. http://wallstreetpit.com/113206-lunar-based-solar-power-solve-worlds-energy-crisis/ Biofuels backers still trying to get a read on President Trump. A biofuels industry leader says the jury is still out on the Trump administration’s attitude toward biofuels. Doug Durante, executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, says the industry is still trying to figure out how to deal with the new administration. One thing is for sure, Durante says the ethanol industry’s argument that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions… http://www.radioiowa.com/2017/04/17/biofuels-backers-still-trying-to-get-a-read-on-president-trump/ 'Detergent' Molecules May Drive Recent Methane Changes. A new NASA- and Department of Energy-funded study finds that recent increases in global methane levels observed since 2007 are not necessarily due to increasing emissions, but instead may be due to changes in how long methane remains in the atmosphere after it is emitted. The second most important human-produced greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, methane is colorless, odorless... https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6814 Volkswagen Spending $300M to Begin Electrifying America. New effort to install chargers in 11 markets part of $15B settlement. Volkswagen is getting ready to build $300 million worth of new EV chargers in 11 markets. Volkswagen is making the first “payment” on its $15 billion settlement with the United States as it unveiled its spending $300 million on new chargers for electric vehicles through its Electrify America subsidiary. http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2017/04/volkswagen-spending-300m-to-begin-electrifying-america/ U.S. scientist suggests focusing on shared benefits of addressing climate change. Arguing that people care more about improving human health than reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a leading U.S. scientist at Stanford University suggests focusing on the shared benefits of addressing climate change, including job creation, health and safety, instead of talking about the polarized topic. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-04/17/c_136213856.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: Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:13:41 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 18, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 18, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm AIR POLLUTION EPA stalling Harley-Davidson settlement — source. U.S. EPA is reportedly slow-walking a settlement with Harley-Davidson over emissions violations amid Republican concerns about a clean air project set up by the deal. The motorcycle giant agreed last August to pay $12 million in civil penalties and $3 million on a pollution mitigation project after EPA found the company had manufactured… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053229 CLIMATE CHANGE 3M-year-old sediment tells the story of today's climate. In 2009, studies of deep sediment layers from a largely unknown, unexplored lake in the tundra of Russia's eastern Arctic released a flood of new evidence about what global warming had done to the Arctic 3 million years ago. It is a distant mirror reflecting an image of growing climate instability that scientists warn is beginning to reappear today. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053182 Sea-level rise will shift U.S. populations. Migration from sea-level rise could reshape America's population in the coming decades as people move out of harm's way, a new demographic analysis suggests. Florida could lose as many as 2.5 million people, and Texas could gain nearly 1.5 million residents, according to predictions… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053199 Your guide to who's who in the Paris Agreement showdown. Trump and cabinet President Trump will meet with Cabinet secretaries, his National Security Council advisers and likely also his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for a final decision on how to proceed with the Paris Agreement. Photo courtesy of President Trump twitter account. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053205 Warming climate requires new approach to blazes — study. Land managers across the West must fundamentally change the way they address wildfires as the climate warms and the risk of blazes increases, according to a new study that argues against the Trump administration's calls for more logging to reduce fuel loads. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053225 DROUGHT What a difference! How drought-buster winter has changed NorCal. But it will take a long time to fully recover from the worst dry spell in 450 years. he Great California Drought is over, Gov. Jerry Brown declared earlier this month, but it's too early to parade in our rain, scientists say. A new study by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists found that while October 2011 to September 2015… http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/What-a-difference-How-a-rainy-winter-has-changed-11078953.php Now that the governor declared the drought is history, what’s a conservationist to do? Seems like California is not the only land mass to benefit from a surplus of water these days. The moon of Saturn, Enceladus, is swimming in warm liquid water, enough to create plumes of hydrogen gas erupting from the subsurface of the ocean floor, NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists reported Thursday. http://www.record-bee.com/article/NQ/20170418/LOCAL1/170419857 Sierra Nevada Mountain Snowpack Is Larger Than Previous 4 Years Combined. Measurements of the Tuolumne River Basin show there's enough snow to fill the Rose Bowl in Pasadena about 1,600 times. The monster snowpack in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains is larger than it has been in the four previous years combined, new NASA data shows. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california/California-Water-Drought-Sierra-Nevada-Mountains-Snowpack-419756113.html California Hits Precipitation Record. California hits precipitation record as spring warming commences By Daniel Swain on April 16, 2017. Record wet in Northern California; huge snowpack threatens floods. It’s official: the Northern Sierra “8-Station Index”–comprised of 8 precipitation observation sites in the northern half of the Sierra Nevada watershed–has eclipsed 1982-1983 to become the wettest Water Year (Oct-Sep) period on record! http://knau.org/post/california-hits-precipitation-record#stream/0 As historic drought ends, Californians vow to retain water-saving habits surfacing models of thought. California Gov. Jerry Brown announced the end of the state's six-year drought earlier this month, but Golden State residents say they have no plans to return to their wasteful ways. Cooper Olson was relieved when he first heard that California Gov. Jerry Brown had declared the end of the state’s drought this month. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2017/0418/As-historic-drought-ends-Californians-vow-to-retain-water-saving-habits FUELS States, industry debate litigation's fate as EPA reviews rule. Supporters and opponents of an Obama-era effort to slash methane emissions from the oil and gas industry made their pitches last night for whether litigation over U.S. EPA's rule should continue. As expected, industry and state critics of the methane standards argued to freeze a legal battle while the Trump administration reviews New Source Performance Standards… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053194 Does methane rule review shut out public input? Don Nelson estimates he can spot 60 or 70 natural gas flares from his North Dakota ranch — even now that the state has raised its gas capture rate to nearly 90 percent. Ahead of the release of the Bureau of Land Management's final Methane and Waste Prevention Rule, Nelson attended two hearings to testify in support of the regulation to curb gas flaring… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053185 GREEN ENERGY Benefiting from Green Jobs. The renewable energy industry and its proponents regularly draw attention to the industry’s job creation potential. For example, the American Wind Energy Association reported that the US wind industry supported 88,000 jobs at the start of 2016, a 20% increase in one year. The Solar Foundation announced there were over 260,000 solar workers in 2016, which was a 25% increase over the prior year. https://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2017/04/17/benefiting-from-green-jobs/ Study of how renewables hurt the grid puzzles analysts. Energy Secretary Rick Perry's call for a report on the grid and market impacts of renewable energy is raising eyebrows among clean energy experts. In a memo dated April 14, Perry directed his chief of staff, Brian McCormack, to develop a study by tomorrow to look at "[t]he extent to which continued regulatory burdens… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053204 World's first battery-gas peaker plant arrives in Calif. General Electric Co. and a Southern California utility announced yesterday that they have for the first time added batteries to a peaker plant, a tweak that could slash carbon emissions and water use while making it easier to incorporate renewable energy onto the grid. Peaker plants are used only when energy demand is cresting, but their energy and carbon footprint is wider than the peak. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/18/stories/1060053202 OPINIONS Why Big Oil wants Trump to stay in Paris climate deal. President Trump could deal the landmark Paris climate agreement a massive blow this week. The U.S. president is huddling with advisers on Tuesday to explore whether he should yank America from the international accord aimed at slowing global warming. But some powerful forces -- with real skin in the game -- are urging Trump not to abandon the 2015 Paris deal brokered among more than 175 nations. http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/18/investing/big-oil-paris-deal-trump/ Now that the governor declared the drought is history, what’s a conservationist to do?. Seems like California is not the only land mass to benefit from a surplus of water these days. The moon of Saturn, Enceladus, is swimming in warm liquid water, enough to create plumes of hydrogen gas erupting from the subsurface of the ocean floor, NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists reported Thursday. http://www.record-bee.com/article/NQ/20170418/LOCAL1/170419857 What the end of the emergency drought means to HOAs. On April 7, 2017, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-40-17, formally ending the drought emergency. The order is not only confirmation of good news for California, but also immediately changes the applicability of two important statutes in the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. http://www.pe.com/2017/04/17/what-the-end-of-the-emergency-drought-means-to-hoas/ ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:49:31 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 19, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 19, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm AIR POLLUTION Sweeping climate control plan adopted by Bay Area air board. A blueprint for reducing greenhouse gases, smog and soot in the Bay Area over the next three decades was adopted Wednesday by the region’s air pollution board. Bay Area Air Quality Management District leaders boasted the plan will make the region a national leader in controlling pollution at a time when the Trump Administration is backing away from federal actions to control greenhouse gases. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/19/sweeping-bay-area-climate-control-plan-headed-for-vote/ Bay Area ranked among nation’s worst spots for air pollution. Even as the nation makes strides cleaning up dirty air, many parts of California, including the Bay Area, are struggling to reduce air pollution in the face of climate change. The hordes of fossil-fuel-burning cars and trucks that have become emblematic of the Golden State are combining with overall hotter, dryer weather… http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Bay-Area-ranked-among-nation-s-worst-spots-for-11082028.php Southern California’s smog clean-up future is far from clear. Southern California has once again won the distinction of having the worst summer smog in the nation but earned praised for its long-term efforts to improve air quality. Such were results of this year’s American Lung Association State of the Air report, a national air pollution analysis. http://www.pe.com/2017/04/18/southern-californias-smog-clean-up-future-is-far-from-clear/ Valley cities continue to dominate dirty-air report card. California has made progress in cleaning up air pollution since the first American Lung Association’s State of the Air report 18 years ago, but the state continues to have the most polluted cities in the country. And the Valley continues to rank among the most ozone and soot-filled areas. Now, climate change and threats to the federal Clean Air Act… http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article145305364.html#storylink=cpy California again leads list with 6 of the top 10 most polluted U.S. cities. California's smoggy reputation appears to be deserved: Six of the USA's 10 cities with the worst air pollution are in the Golden State, according to a new report. Bakersfield, Calif., again holds the dubious distinction of having the USA's most days of highly polluted air, based on data from 2013-2015, the American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air”… https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2017/04/19/most-polluted-cities-california/100615102/ More Than 90 Percent of Californians Live With Unhealthy Air. The American Lung Association says California cities continue to have the most polluted air in the country. The annual State of the Air report also finds wildfires and drought are contributing to an increased number of days with air pollution from soot. The report analyzes the most recent data available from air quality monitors. http://www.capradio.org/93928 EPA methane emission policy likely to cost less, miss 2025 targets, Stanford researchers find. Stanford research shows plugging methane leaks will cost about a third less than the EPA estimates, further underscoring the cost-effectiveness of emissions mitigation – but the agency will also likely fall short of its 2025 reduction targets. Regulations recently enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce methane emissions from oil… http://news.stanford.edu/2017/04/18/epa-methane-emission-policy-likely-cost-less-miss-2025-targets-stanford-researchers-find/ Fewer Americans breathing unhealthy air — report. The number of Americans exposed to unhealthy air has fallen steeply in recent years, but short-term spikes in fine-particle pollution have worsened in some areas and climate change could impede further progress, the American Lung Association said in its latest annual report card, released this morning. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060053285/search?keyword=california CLIMATE CHANGE Policy Advisers Urge Trump to Keep U.S. in Paris Accord. President Trump’s most influential policy advisers are urging him to keep the United States in the landmark Paris climate accord of 2015, a move that would break one of his signature campaign promises and further downgrade the counsel of his senior strategist, Stephen K. Bannon. Mr. Trump plans to make a final decision… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/us/politics/trump-advisers-paris-climate-accord.html?hpw&rref=politics&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0 San Francisco hits greenhouse gas reduction target 2 years early. While federal officials may be signaling a reduced commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the national level, San Francisco has reached an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gases locally two years ahead of schedule, city officials said Tuesday. Recently compiled figures show the city's overall greenhouse gas emissions had fallen to 28 percent below 1990 levels by 2015. http://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/ In new paper, scientists explain climate change using before/after photographic evidence. A group of scientists offers photographic proof of climate change using images of retreating glaciers in a new paper, “Savor the Cryosphere,” appearing in GSA Today, a peer-reviewed publication of the Geological Society of America. Along with Gregory Baker, adjunct professor of geology at the University of Kansas, co-authors include an Emmy Award-winning… http://news.ku.edu/2017/04/18/new-paper-scientists-explain-climate-change-using-beforeafter-photographic-evidence DIESEL ACTIVITIES Toyota opens a portal to the future of zero emission trucking. Picture the 710 Freeway heading south, bumper-to-bumper semis hauling cargo to and from the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Now imagine those trucks are moving that cargo, quietly, quickly and without producing any emissions. Toyota is working to make this vision a reality. Today Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) revealed “Project Portal”… http://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/toyota-opens-portal-future-zero-emission-trucking/ http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1109999_toyota-project-portal-hydrogen-fuel-cell-heavy-duty-semi-tractor ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Carbon Tax Next Target for California’s Disadvantaged Communities. Advocates for California’s disadvantaged communities are flexing their newly honed political muscle with a new goal in mind: replacing the state’s landmark greenhouse gas trading program with a carbon tax. It’s a call that puts environmental justice advocates on a collision course with state regulators, powerful industry groups… https://www.bna.com/carbon-tax-next-n57982086840/ OPINIONS Surprise us, Mr. President, and embrace the Paris climate agreement. Donald Trump has been president for only three months and already he’s given up or reversed course or been stymied on a wide range of campaign promises. Given how awful some of those ideas were — ending Obamacare, declaring China a currency manipulator, ordering a blanket federal hiring freeze (done, but since lifted)… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-trump-climate-change-paris-agreement-20170419-story.html In defense of cap and trade. When it came to relocating their U.S. headquarters, electric bus manufacturer Proterra followed the market. In 2015, Proterra set up shop in Burlingame, California in response to our state’s growing appetite for electric vehicles. The company later opened a second facility in City of Industry, bringing a total of 100 new jobs to California with plans to nearly double that by the end of this year. http://capitolweekly.net/cap-and-trade-defense-california/ Is It O.K. to Tinker With the Environment to Fight Climate Change? Scientists are investigating whether releasing tons of particulates into the atmosphere might be good for the planet. Not everyone thinks this is a good idea. For the past few years, the Harvard professor David Keith has been sketching this vision: Ten Gulfstream jets, outfitted with special engines that allow them to fly safely around the stratosphere… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/magazine/is-it-ok-to-engineer-the-environment-to-fight-climate-change.html Why California Can Afford Green Energy More Than Your State. California has been at the forefront of renewable energy investment and climate change initiatives. And the former EPA under the Obama administration routinely cited California as the model for other states. Although I'm an east coaster by birth, please note that I lived in San Diego for nearly a decade, and have numerous publications… https://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2017/04/19/why-california-can-afford-green-energy-more-than-your-state/#6a04ec5f53cc BLOGS Team develops new method to create the next fuel-efficient renewable energy. Scientists have long struggled with generating and storing hydrogen, the kind that might one day provide the backbone for renewable energy fuel cells that make our cars move, warm our houses and help produce food, in a way that also won't hasten climate change or otherwise harm the environment. https://phys.org/news/2017-04-team-method-fuel-efficient-renewable-energy.html#jCp Trump Shouldn’t Mess With The Clean Air Act, American Lung Association Warns. Nearly 4 in 10 Americans live in areas with dangerous levels of pollution, according to the ALA’s “State of the Air” report. A new report from the American Lung Association comes with a clear warning for the Trump administration and Congress: Continue America’s fight against pollution or jeopardize public health. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/american-lung-association-state-of-the-air-1017-us_us_58f4f5a0e4b0bb9638e566e6 ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:27:58 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 29, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 20, 2017. 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 BUSINESS May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf On Monday, April 24th, the California Air Resources Board will host a research seminar focusing on household transportation choices and commitments of statewide greenhouse gas reductions required by SB 375. Announcement available here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/mokhtarian/mokhtarian.htm AIR POLLUTION County ranks third in clean air report. Lake County fell short of reclaiming the title of cleanest county in the nation, ranking third in the State of the Air report released on Wednesday by the American Lung Association. The report, which grades state and local air quality on an A through F scale, credited Lake County with an A for ozone and a B for short term particulate pollution. http://www.record-bee.com/general-news/20170419/county-ranks-third-in-clean-air-report Enviros slam EPA bid to delay case on plant startup rule. A federal appellate court should summarily reject U.S. EPA's bid to indefinitely delay upcoming oral arguments in litigation over tightened air pollution standards, lawyers for environmental groups argued in a filing this morning. Not only would a postponement be "hugely inefficient," but EPA officials have failed to provide the needed "extraordinary cause" for postponing arguments, now scheduled for May 8. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/20/stories/1060053361 CLIMATE CHANGE 'Stopping carbon will be like stopping a heroin addiction': Gov. Brown urges stronger action on climate change. If anyone was hoping for a feel-good message from Gov. Jerry Brown at this week's Navigating the American Carbon World conference on climate change, they didn't get one. "Don’t relax," he told the audience of environmental advocates, business representatives and government officials on Thursday. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-jerry-brown-climate-1492709142-htmlstory.html Report: Can't Blame El Nino as Global Temps Spike in March. Earth hit a new milestone for warmth in March. In what scientists call a clear sign of a warming world, Earth's temperatures in March were the most above normal on record without an El Nino spiking temperatures. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calculated that the average global temperature in March was 56.8 degrees… https://www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2017-04-19/report-cant-blame-el-nino-as-global-temps-spike-in-march Scientists discover networks of lakes and streams on Antarctica’s ice sheets. The study, which included geographers from the University of Sheffield, has found that huge lakes have been forming on the surface of Antarctica since at least the 1940s and extensive networks of streams have been draining water onto vulnerable ice shelves that are prone to collapse. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/meltwater-antarctica-surface-ice-sheets-ice-shelves-study-1.696258 http://www.sfgate.com/news/media/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES Transit Agency Nets $12.5M for Fuel Cell Buses, Hydrogen Station. On April 21, the state of California and partners SunLine Transit Agency, New Flyer and Hydrogenics will celebrate the award of $12.5 million that will bring five fuel cell buses and a renewable hydrogen generating station to serve disadvantaged communities within the Coachella Valley. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the funding for these zero-emission buses… https://ngtnews.com/transit-agency-nets-12-5m-fuel-cell-buses-hydrogen-station VEHICLES California Caravan to Promote Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles. Today, leaders from three California agencies will caravan from Sacramento to the Bay Area and back to demonstrate the benefits of driving and refueling hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, celebrating the state’s efforts to get more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. Representatives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC)… https://ngtnews.com/california-agencies-promote-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-caravan-display VOLKSWAGEN RECALL Former U.S. deputy attorney general to be named Volkswagen monitor: source. The U.S. Justice Department is expected to name a deputy attorney general under former President George W. Bush to serve as independent monitor of Volkswagen AG under a plea agreement over its diesel emissions scandal, a source briefed on the matter said on Wednesday. Larry Thompson, a lawyer at Finch McCranie LLP… http://wifc.com/news/articles/2017/apr/19/former-us-deputy-attorney-general-to-be-named-volkswagen-monitor-source/ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-4426530/Former-U-S-deputy-attorney-general-named-Volkswagen-monitor--source.html North Dakota to benefit from Volkswagen settlement. A big boost in electric vehicle charging stations in North Dakota is expected from the record settlement in the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheating scandal. That payout is headed to states, including North Dakota, for dedicated purposes. Citizens Local Energy Action Network, known as "CLEAN", is promoting the use of those charging stations. http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2017/apr/19/north-dakota-to-benefit-from-volkswagen-settlement/ GREEN ENERGY L.A. County creates a lower-cost alternative for Southern California Edison customers. Southern California Edison customers in Los Angeles County soon will have an alternative way to get their electricity — from a new government-run utility promising lower bills and easier access to clean-energy options. The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the public energy program... http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-county-utility-20170418-htmlstory.html OPINIONS Environmental sciences in danger. The defunding of environmental research programs will gradually damage the atmosphere, one columnist argues. As a college town and scientific community, Pullman students, faculty and residents need to organize and express their outrage toward the Trump Administration’s proposed budget, which slashes funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)… http://www.dailyevergreen.com/opinion/article_8ec6f9e4-239c-11e7-949d-7bbdd62cf7c3.html Cannabis and Carbon. You may drink your locally sourced tea out of a Mason jar, have gone vegan and hung up your car keys in an effort to combat climate change, but have you estimated the carbon footprint of that dab? Let's break it down. The average dab — a form of highly concentrated cannabis — contains about 10 milligrams of THC. http://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/cannabis-and-carbon/Content?oid=4892820 BLOGS Proposals to Strengthen Pollution Control Program Fall Short. This week, nine northeastern states presented three possible options for strengthening the best regional clean air and climate protection program in the country, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This program limits dangerous pollution from power plants across the region – helping to slow the warming of our planet and clean up our air. https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/04/20/proposals-strengthen-pollution-control-program-fall-short Dairy Farmers of America joins newly launched Project Gigaton initiative to reduce emissions. On April 19, during Walmart’s Sustainability Milestone Summit, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) joined the retailer and other organizations in announcing our participation in a new platform, Project Gigaton, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and supply chains one gigaton by 2030. http://www.farmforum.net/2017/04/19/dairy-farmers-of-america-joins-newly-launched-project-gigaton-initiative-to-reduce-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: Mon, 24 Apr 2017 16:41:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 24, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf AIR POLLUTION Southern California Farmers are Eligible for Technical and Financial Air Quality Assistance. Technical and financial assistance is available through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers and ranchers in Southern California to make improvements in their operations that can lead to improved air quality. http://www.smobserved.com/story/2017/04/23/news/southern-california-farmers-are-eligible-for-technical-and-financial-air-quality-assistance/2838.html Benicia oil refinery to pay $340,000 in air pollution penalties. The Valero oil refinery has agreed to pay $340,000 in penalties to settle 28 alleged air pollution violations that occurred mostly in 2014, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Friday. Two violations were for smoking flares, and five were from storage tank leaks, the air district said. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/21/oil-refinery-to-pay-34000-in-air-pollution-penalties/ Government accused of bullying judges over bid to delay clean air plan. Labour and Greens say government has failed to tackle air pollution crisis and is cajoling judges to let them miss deadline to comply with election purdah rules. The government has been accused of attempting to bully judges over its last-minute bid to delay the publication of its clean air plan. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/24/ministers-under-fire-over-bid-to-delay-publication-of-air-pollution-plan 'Life improved when I left London': readers on tackling air pollution. We asked readers to tell us what action they are taking against air pollution. Here’s what some of them said. About 40 million people in the UK are living with illegal air pollution levels, according to analysis commissioned by the Labour party. Earlier this month the Guardian reported thousands of children across England and Wales are exposed to illegal levels of air pollution from diesel traffic… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/24/readers-on-air-pollution-life-improved-when-i-left-london Air pollution study shock. Exposure to air pollution can hinder the effectiveness of antibiotics and other medication. This is one of the findings of a recently-released UK study conducted by researchers led by Shane Hussey at the University of Leicester into pollutants released into the air from industry and other sources - which, say local experts, can be extended to pollution exposure in South Africa. http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/environment/air-pollution-study-shock-8791974 RGGI will cut more carbon — but by how much? The nine Northeastern states that constitute the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have been working their way toward a reduced carbon cap for more than a year. But where the task was more of a bureaucratic afterthought, it has now assumed greater urgency for climate hawks. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/24/stories/1060053433 CLIMATE CHANGE The effects of climate change will force millions to migrate. Here’s what this means for human security. Climate change is more than melting ice caps and swamped islands. The environmental effects of climate change — droughts, floods and severe weather, for instance — have increasingly put more people on the move. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/04/23/the-effects-of-climate-change-will-force-millions-to-migrate-heres-what-this-means-for-human-security/?utm_term=.6782709f83d0 Bloomberg: Nations should continue climate work despite Trump. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pushing foreign leaders not to follow President Trump's lead on climate change. In an interview with the Associated Press, Bloomberg said other countries should continue pursuing the goals laid out in the international Paris climate accord… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/330211-bloomberg-countries-should-continue-climate-work-despite-trump http://www.dailyastorian.com/bloomberg-to-world-leaders-ignore-trump-on-climate-da-ap-webfeeds-news-nation-world9f9daf8d1960492e89edc85e77d07e2d California’s landmark climate-change program would also fight air pollution under proposal. As the Legislature weighs the future of cap and trade, California’s groundbreaking program to cut greenhouse gas emissions that expires in 2020, it is considering key changes pushed by environmentalists and fought by Big Oil and other industry groups in a proposal that has its first committee hearing Monday. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/24/californias-landmark-climate-change-program-would-also-fight-air-pollution-under-proposal/ Opportunities for Carbon Capture in California. California has demonstrated leadership in setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The state’s target: Reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. While California is reducing emissions and expanding clean energy through many means, including a cap-and-trade program, the state appears to be underestimating… http://www.theenergycollective.com/fatimaahmad/2402947/opportunities-carbon-capture-california New Project Aims to Remove Greenhouse Gases to Counteract Global Warming. A University of Bristol academic will lead one of seven topic-specific projects announced yesterday by NERC as part of a £8.6million research programme which will investigate ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to counteract global warming. The Paris agreement commits countries to limit climate warming to 'well below 2 degrees C' but modelling studies… http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24026 Climate change offers huge investment opportunity – experts. Climate change should be grasped as an opportunity to attract vast capital flows into low-carbon investments, create jobs and spur economic growth, rather than viewed as a money-absorbing burden, top officials and experts said. Yet while trillions of dollars are potentially available for climate investments and countries… http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-climate-change-offers-huge-investment-opportunity-experts-2414636 FUELS How much you'll REALLY pay in gasoline tax in California (Hint: It's probably more than you think). The Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown just passed a bill that will plow $52.4 billion in taxes and fees aimed at shoring up California’s freeways, roads and bridges. The measure, known as Senate Bill 1 or the Road Repair and Accountability Act, will eventually add 12 cents a gallon in gasoline taxes in the state. But that’s only part of the story. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-california-gastax-20170413-story.html Ethanol’s Opportunity in the Chemical Market. The future of ethanol for intermediate chemical production can be seen next door to a wet mill in Columbus, Nebraska, and thousands of miles south in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Greenyug LLC, a startup technology development company headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, intends to break ground in Nebraska this summer alongside an Archer Daniels Midland Co. facility. http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14263/ethanolundefineds-opportunity-in-the-chemical-market National Biodiesel Board going to court over biofuel requirements. The US National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is to argue before the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia regarding the 2014-2016 Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) statute. The NBB’s case will be presented on the morning of 24 April, at the Circuit E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, in Washington DC. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12211/National_Biodiesel_Board_going_to_court_over_biofuel_requirements/ VEHICLES French prosecutors open formal probe into PSA Group diesel emissions. French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into suspected diesel emissions test-cheating by PSA Group , the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, a judicial source said on Monday. The company is being investigated for alleged consumer fraud offences, the source said. http://www.businessinsider.com/r-french-prosecutors-open-formal-probe-into-psa-group-diesel-emissions-2017-4 Bay Area Caravan Demonstrates Fuel Cell Car Practicality. Executives from three California state agencies Thursday caravanned from the state capital Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and back to demonstrate how easy it is to drive and fuel hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in California. They were celebrating the state’s global leadership in getting more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. http://ens-newswire.com/2017/04/21/bay-area-caravan-demonstrates-fuel-cell-car-practicality/ California ARB approves XL Hybrids aftermarket hybrid conversions for Ford Transit vans and wagons. XL Hybrids has received a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) allowing aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered Ford Transit cargo vans and passenger wagons to be upgraded with the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System. http://electriccarsreport.com/2017/04/california-arb-approves-xl-hybrids-aftermarket-hybrid-conversions-ford-transit-vans-wagons/ VW RECALL Volkswagen gets three years' probation for diesel emissions scandal. Volkswagen has been sentenced to probation for its diesel emissions cheating scandal. After installing illegal software in more than half a million vehicles to dupe U.S. regulators, Volkswagen has agreed to allow an independent monitor to oversee its business activity for the next three years, according to Reuters. http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/volkswagen-3-years-probation-diesel-emissions-scandal-article-1.3094619 GREEN ENERGY Republican Cracks Emerge in Trump's Coal-Heavy Energy Plan. For all Donald Trump’s efforts to revive coal, market forces and some of his own supporters are vying to write their own version of America’s energy future. Divisions persist among the president’s supporters -- and even within his own cabinet -- about whether to continue subsidies for wind and solar power, enact a carbon tax… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-23/republican-cracks-emerging-in-trump-s-coal-heavy-energy-plan Lifelines for Nuclear in U.S. Seen Threatening Wind, Solar (2). The push to save U.S. nuclear plants for the sake of fighting climate change is threatening support for the bread and butter of clean power: wind and solar. New York and Illinois have already approved as much as $10 billion in subsidies to keep struggling reactors open for the next decade as part of a plan to limit fossil fuel consumption. http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OOOEII6S972H01-3DQHP8CU60496RD3D8I7QIK4L1 California Studies Energy Impact Of Marijuana Farming. As California gears up for the implementation of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana use, state regulators are trying to figure out how the new industry will impact the energy supply. In February, the California Public Utilities Commission held a workshop to assess the potential energy impacts of widespread legal pot growth. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/04/22/california-energy-impact-marijuana-farming/ Environmentalists just killed a wind farm near Las Vegas. A renewable energy developer is moving on from a Nevada wind project after years of legal wrangling, its dreams of a 200-megawatt wind farm killed by environmentalists who successfully argued the power plant could harm golden eagles and desert tortoises. Federal officials approved the Searchlight wind farm… http://www.rgj.com/story/news/environment/energy-water-summit/2017/04/21/environmentalist-just-killed-wind-farm-near-las-vegas/305796001/ http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/energy-water-summit/2017/04/21/environmentalist-just-killed-wind-farm-near-las-vegas/305796001/ NRG Completes Solar Farm for Cisco's California Headquarters. NRG Energy Inc., the largest independent U.S. power producer, completed a 20-MW solar farm in California that supplies power for Cisco Systems Inc.’s headquarters. The Blythe II solar farm in the Sonoran Desert has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Cisco… http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/04/nrg-completes-solar-farm-for-cisco-s-california-headquarters.html The US wind industry now employs more than 100,000 people. The fastest-growing occupation in the United States – by a long shot, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – might surprise you: wind turbine technician. The number of workers maintaining wind turbines, a job with a median pay of about $51,000 a year, is set to more than double between 2014 and 2024, the agency estimates. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/23/us-wind-industry/ DOE, GRID Complete 56 California Tribal Solar Installations. On Saturday, nonprofit solar installer GRID Alternatives joined the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Bishop Paiute Tribe at an Earth Day event marking the completion of 56 no-cost rooftop solar installations on tribal lands in California. GRID leveraged grants from the DOE and the California Public Utilities Commission’s Single-family Affordable Solar Housing… http://solarindustrymag.com/doe-grid-complete-56-california-tribal-solar-installations The train has left the station on renewable energy. Obscured by unending debate and hype about the merits of renewable energy, a consequential transition quietly took place in recent years: Unsubsidized renewable energy is economically viable in many regions of the world. While government subsidies for renewable power generation have played a critical role to this point… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/train-has-left-station-renewable-energy DOE SunShot recipient uses solar power to fuel food processing. Sunvapor and Horizon Nut jointly announced on the eve of Earth Day that they are teaming up to demonstrate new technology that transforms solar energy into heat that can be used for all of the food industry's needs like steam pasteurization, drying, blanching, cleaning, and roasting. http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/04/doe-sunshot-recipient-uses-solar-power-to-fuel-food-processing.html MISCELLANEOUS Tens of thousands took part in March for Science in downtown LA. The science of politics was under a microscope in downtown Los Angeles Saturday as tens of thousands of people took part in the nationwide March for Science. Demonstrators packed Pershing Square in the morning for a pro-science rally and then marched through the streets to the steps of City Hall. http://abc7.com/science/tens-of-thousands-took-part-in-march-for-science-in-dtla/1904933/ OPINIONS Doing The Math On Climate Change With Bill McKibben Adds Up To “We Are So Screwed” Bill McKibben is a mild-mannered writer and college professor from Vermont who has transformed himself, somewhat reluctantly, into one of the most outspoken critics of weak-kneed government action on climate change and the pernicious influence of the fossil fuel industry on global politics. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/24/math-climate-change-bill-mckibben-adds-screwed/ Fee for bad air might remain. A special DMV fee paid by San Joaquin Valley drivers to clean up the notoriously polluted air may not be going away, despite the fact that the region finally has met the outdated federal standard that prompted the fee in the first place. Nothing has been decided for certain. The $12 annual fee could be decreased, maintained or even increased. http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170423/fee-for-bad-air-might-remain Cities should end delays on emissions-reduction projects: Guest commentary. As companies attempt to lower air emissions and green their operations, cities and other stakeholders spend tremendous time and resources to delay their projects. Our regulators have been cracking down on industry for years in an effort to reduce air emissions in California. http://www.dailybreeze.com/opinion/20170421/cities-should-end-delays-on-emissions-reduction-projects-guest-commentary There’s only one way forward: Moving from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy. In The Tribune on April 15, I was encouraged to read about the growing interest and real possibility of wind turbines generating renewable energy here in San Luis Obispo County (“Offshore wind could generate an onshore economic boom”). Supervisor Bruce Gibson said, “That’s a big idea,” speaking at a renewable energy task force… http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article146342194.html#storylink=cpy California Electric Vehicle Drivers Await a Critical Charge. Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved its portion of an electric vehicle (EV) investment plan stemming from the 2016 Volkswagen (VW) settlement, setting in motion the first tranche of four $300 million national investments in EV infrastructure. As part of the settlement, California is set to receive $800 million… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/04/california-electric-vehicle-drivers-await-critical-charge/ BLOGS This Earth Day, 100 percent clean energy is 100 percent possible. More than 25 U.S. cities, 12 countries, and at least 89 companies have all committed to transition to 100 percent renewable energy. That’s because they all recognize the unstoppable potential clean energy has to create jobs, strengthen and protect the economy, and fight climate change. Now, U.S. states are throwing their hats into the 100-percent renewable ring. http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/04/22/this-earth-day-100-percent-clean-energy-is-100-percent-possible/ Revealed: The highly embarrassing air pollution report that the Government doesn't want you to see. The Liberal Democrats have demanded the government publish a highly embarrassing report on air pollution before the election. Ed Davey, Lib Dem former cabinet minister for Energy and Climate Change, has said the government is reportedly blocking release of its report into air pollution because it is worried the “shaming” findings would become a major election issue. http://www.libdems.org.uk/air-pollution-report-government-block OPEC’s Grand Plan To Tame U.S. Shale Has Failed. It was all so simple. By lifting restraints on output, Saudi Arabia would stop subsidizing high-cost oil producers and halt the rapid rise in U.S. production that was eating into OPEC’s market share. At least, that was the logic back in November 2014. But things haven’t gone according to plan. OPEC’s four-month experiment with production curbs has failed. http://www.thegwpf.com/opecs-grand-plan-to-tame-u-s-shale-has-failed/ French election 2017: Where the candidates stand on energy and climate change. The French presidential elections are fast approaching with the first voting round set to be held on 23 April and the run-off between the top two candidates – if neither wins a majority – on 7 May. Climate change as an issue has risen in importance in France over the past few years… https://www.carbonbrief.org/french-election-2017-where-candidates-stand-energy-climate-change March for Science draws big crowds, clever signs across US. The march on Earth Day was billed as a ‘celebration of science’ to counter the growing disregard for climate change by the Donald Trump administration. Tens of thousands of people turned out in cities across the US and beyond on Saturday for Earth Day events… http://www.livemint.com/Politics/skKRnqKZ89SvgzSJhkaUwM/March-for-Science-draws-big-crowds-clever-signs-across-US.html In Washington, the economic world meets Trump climate skepticism. The Trump administration's climate skepticism and its possible withdrawal from the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015 drew a cloud over this week's grand economic conclave in Washington. The regular meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund -- always accompanied by a gathering of G20 finance ministers -- have rung out with calls to action against global warming in recent years. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/608093/in-washington-the-economic-world-meets-trump-climate-skepticism/story#sthash.ZccqDO9Q.dpuf ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 16:44:14 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 24, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf AIR POLLUTION Southern California Farmers are Eligible for Technical and Financial Air Quality Assistance. Technical and financial assistance is available through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers and ranchers in Southern California to make improvements in their operations that can lead to improved air quality. http://www.smobserved.com/story/2017/04/23/news/southern-california-farmers-are-eligible-for-technical-and-financial-air-quality-assistance/2838.html Benicia oil refinery to pay $340,000 in air pollution penalties. The Valero oil refinery has agreed to pay $340,000 in penalties to settle 28 alleged air pollution violations that occurred mostly in 2014, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Friday. Two violations were for smoking flares, and five were from storage tank leaks, the air district said. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/21/oil-refinery-to-pay-34000-in-air-pollution-penalties/ Government accused of bullying judges over bid to delay clean air plan. Labour and Greens say government has failed to tackle air pollution crisis and is cajoling judges to let them miss deadline to comply with election purdah rules. The government has been accused of attempting to bully judges over its last-minute bid to delay the publication of its clean air plan. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/24/ministers-under-fire-over-bid-to-delay-publication-of-air-pollution-plan 'Life improved when I left London': readers on tackling air pollution. We asked readers to tell us what action they are taking against air pollution. Here’s what some of them said. About 40 million people in the UK are living with illegal air pollution levels, according to analysis commissioned by the Labour party. Earlier this month the Guardian reported thousands of children across England and Wales are exposed to illegal levels of air pollution from diesel traffic… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/24/readers-on-air-pollution-life-improved-when-i-left-london Air pollution study shock. Exposure to air pollution can hinder the effectiveness of antibiotics and other medication. This is one of the findings of a recently-released UK study conducted by researchers led by Shane Hussey at the University of Leicester into pollutants released into the air from industry and other sources - which, say local experts, can be extended to pollution exposure in South Africa. http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/environment/air-pollution-study-shock-8791974 RGGI will cut more carbon — but by how much? The nine Northeastern states that constitute the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have been working their way toward a reduced carbon cap for more than a year. But where the task was more of a bureaucratic afterthought, it has now assumed greater urgency for climate hawks. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/24/stories/1060053433 CLIMATE CHANGE The effects of climate change will force millions to migrate. Here’s what this means for human security. Climate change is more than melting ice caps and swamped islands. The environmental effects of climate change — droughts, floods and severe weather, for instance — have increasingly put more people on the move. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/04/23/the-effects-of-climate-change-will-force-millions-to-migrate-heres-what-this-means-for-human-security/?utm_term=.6782709f83d0 Bloomberg: Nations should continue climate work despite Trump. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pushing foreign leaders not to follow President Trump's lead on climate change. In an interview with the Associated Press, Bloomberg said other countries should continue pursuing the goals laid out in the international Paris climate accord… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/330211-bloomberg-countries-should-continue-climate-work-despite-trump http://www.dailyastorian.com/bloomberg-to-world-leaders-ignore-trump-on-climate-da-ap-webfeeds-news-nation-world9f9daf8d1960492e89edc85e77d07e2d California’s landmark climate-change program would also fight air pollution under proposal. As the Legislature weighs the future of cap and trade, California’s groundbreaking program to cut greenhouse gas emissions that expires in 2020, it is considering key changes pushed by environmentalists and fought by Big Oil and other industry groups in a proposal that has its first committee hearing Monday. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/24/californias-landmark-climate-change-program-would-also-fight-air-pollution-under-proposal/ Opportunities for Carbon Capture in California. California has demonstrated leadership in setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The state’s target: Reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. While California is reducing emissions and expanding clean energy through many means, including a cap-and-trade program, the state appears to be underestimating… http://www.theenergycollective.com/fatimaahmad/2402947/opportunities-carbon-capture-california New Project Aims to Remove Greenhouse Gases to Counteract Global Warming. A University of Bristol academic will lead one of seven topic-specific projects announced yesterday by NERC as part of a £8.6million research programme which will investigate ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to counteract global warming. The Paris agreement commits countries to limit climate warming to 'well below 2 degrees C' but modelling studies… http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24026 Climate change offers huge investment opportunity – experts. Climate change should be grasped as an opportunity to attract vast capital flows into low-carbon investments, create jobs and spur economic growth, rather than viewed as a money-absorbing burden, top officials and experts said. Yet while trillions of dollars are potentially available for climate investments and countries… http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-climate-change-offers-huge-investment-opportunity-experts-2414636 FUELS How much you'll REALLY pay in gasoline tax in California (Hint: It's probably more than you think). The Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown just passed a bill that will plow $52.4 billion in taxes and fees aimed at shoring up California’s freeways, roads and bridges. The measure, known as Senate Bill 1 or the Road Repair and Accountability Act, will eventually add 12 cents a gallon in gasoline taxes in the state. But that’s only part of the story. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-california-gastax-20170413-story.html Ethanol’s Opportunity in the Chemical Market. The future of ethanol for intermediate chemical production can be seen next door to a wet mill in Columbus, Nebraska, and thousands of miles south in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Greenyug LLC, a startup technology development company headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, intends to break ground in Nebraska this summer alongside an Archer Daniels Midland Co. facility. http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/14263/ethanolundefineds-opportunity-in-the-chemical-market National Biodiesel Board going to court over biofuel requirements. The US National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is to argue before the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia regarding the 2014-2016 Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) statute. The NBB’s case will be presented on the morning of 24 April, at the Circuit E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, in Washington DC. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12211/National_Biodiesel_Board_going_to_court_over_biofuel_requirements/ VEHICLES French prosecutors open formal probe into PSA Group diesel emissions. French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into suspected diesel emissions test-cheating by PSA Group , the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, a judicial source said on Monday. The company is being investigated for alleged consumer fraud offences, the source said. http://www.businessinsider.com/r-french-prosecutors-open-formal-probe-into-psa-group-diesel-emissions-2017-4 Bay Area Caravan Demonstrates Fuel Cell Car Practicality. Executives from three California state agencies Thursday caravanned from the state capital Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and back to demonstrate how easy it is to drive and fuel hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in California. They were celebrating the state’s global leadership in getting more zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. http://ens-newswire.com/2017/04/21/bay-area-caravan-demonstrates-fuel-cell-car-practicality/ California ARB approves XL Hybrids aftermarket hybrid conversions for Ford Transit vans and wagons. XL Hybrids has received a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) allowing aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered Ford Transit cargo vans and passenger wagons to be upgraded with the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System. http://electriccarsreport.com/2017/04/california-arb-approves-xl-hybrids-aftermarket-hybrid-conversions-ford-transit-vans-wagons/ VW RECALL Volkswagen gets three years' probation for diesel emissions scandal. Volkswagen has been sentenced to probation for its diesel emissions cheating scandal. After installing illegal software in more than half a million vehicles to dupe U.S. regulators, Volkswagen has agreed to allow an independent monitor to oversee its business activity for the next three years, according to Reuters. http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/volkswagen-3-years-probation-diesel-emissions-scandal-article-1.3094619 GREEN ENERGY Republican Cracks Emerge in Trump's Coal-Heavy Energy Plan. For all Donald Trump’s efforts to revive coal, market forces and some of his own supporters are vying to write their own version of America’s energy future. Divisions persist among the president’s supporters -- and even within his own cabinet -- about whether to continue subsidies for wind and solar power, enact a carbon tax… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-23/republican-cracks-emerging-in-trump-s-coal-heavy-energy-plan Lifelines for Nuclear in U.S. Seen Threatening Wind, Solar (2). The push to save U.S. nuclear plants for the sake of fighting climate change is threatening support for the bread and butter of clean power: wind and solar. New York and Illinois have already approved as much as $10 billion in subsidies to keep struggling reactors open for the next decade as part of a plan to limit fossil fuel consumption. http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OOOEII6S972H01-3DQHP8CU60496RD3D8I7QIK4L1 California Studies Energy Impact Of Marijuana Farming. As California gears up for the implementation of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana use, state regulators are trying to figure out how the new industry will impact the energy supply. In February, the California Public Utilities Commission held a workshop to assess the potential energy impacts of widespread legal pot growth. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/04/22/california-energy-impact-marijuana-farming/ Environmentalists just killed a wind farm near Las Vegas. A renewable energy developer is moving on from a Nevada wind project after years of legal wrangling, its dreams of a 200-megawatt wind farm killed by environmentalists who successfully argued the power plant could harm golden eagles and desert tortoises. Federal officials approved the Searchlight wind farm… http://www.rgj.com/story/news/environment/energy-water-summit/2017/04/21/environmentalist-just-killed-wind-farm-near-las-vegas/305796001/ http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/energy-water-summit/2017/04/21/environmentalist-just-killed-wind-farm-near-las-vegas/305796001/ NRG Completes Solar Farm for Cisco's California Headquarters. NRG Energy Inc., the largest independent U.S. power producer, completed a 20-MW solar farm in California that supplies power for Cisco Systems Inc.’s headquarters. The Blythe II solar farm in the Sonoran Desert has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Cisco… http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2017/04/nrg-completes-solar-farm-for-cisco-s-california-headquarters.html The US wind industry now employs more than 100,000 people. The fastest-growing occupation in the United States – by a long shot, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – might surprise you: wind turbine technician. The number of workers maintaining wind turbines, a job with a median pay of about $51,000 a year, is set to more than double between 2014 and 2024, the agency estimates. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/23/us-wind-industry/ DOE, GRID Complete 56 California Tribal Solar Installations. On Saturday, nonprofit solar installer GRID Alternatives joined the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Bishop Paiute Tribe at an Earth Day event marking the completion of 56 no-cost rooftop solar installations on tribal lands in California. GRID leveraged grants from the DOE and the California Public Utilities Commission’s Single-family Affordable Solar Housing… http://solarindustrymag.com/doe-grid-complete-56-california-tribal-solar-installations The train has left the station on renewable energy. Obscured by unending debate and hype about the merits of renewable energy, a consequential transition quietly took place in recent years: Unsubsidized renewable energy is economically viable in many regions of the world. While government subsidies for renewable power generation have played a critical role to this point… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/train-has-left-station-renewable-energy DOE SunShot recipient uses solar power to fuel food processing. Sunvapor and Horizon Nut jointly announced on the eve of Earth Day that they are teaming up to demonstrate new technology that transforms solar energy into heat that can be used for all of the food industry's needs like steam pasteurization, drying, blanching, cleaning, and roasting. http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/04/doe-sunshot-recipient-uses-solar-power-to-fuel-food-processing.html MISCELLANEOUS Tens of thousands took part in March for Science in downtown LA. The science of politics was under a microscope in downtown Los Angeles Saturday as tens of thousands of people took part in the nationwide March for Science. Demonstrators packed Pershing Square in the morning for a pro-science rally and then marched through the streets to the steps of City Hall. http://abc7.com/science/tens-of-thousands-took-part-in-march-for-science-in-dtla/1904933/ OPINIONS Doing The Math On Climate Change With Bill McKibben Adds Up To “We Are So Screwed” Bill McKibben is a mild-mannered writer and college professor from Vermont who has transformed himself, somewhat reluctantly, into one of the most outspoken critics of weak-kneed government action on climate change and the pernicious influence of the fossil fuel industry on global politics. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/24/math-climate-change-bill-mckibben-adds-screwed/ Fee for bad air might remain. A special DMV fee paid by San Joaquin Valley drivers to clean up the notoriously polluted air may not be going away, despite the fact that the region finally has met the outdated federal standard that prompted the fee in the first place. Nothing has been decided for certain. The $12 annual fee could be decreased, maintained or even increased. http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170423/fee-for-bad-air-might-remain Cities should end delays on emissions-reduction projects: Guest commentary. As companies attempt to lower air emissions and green their operations, cities and other stakeholders spend tremendous time and resources to delay their projects. Our regulators have been cracking down on industry for years in an effort to reduce air emissions in California. http://www.dailybreeze.com/opinion/20170421/cities-should-end-delays-on-emissions-reduction-projects-guest-commentary There’s only one way forward: Moving from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy. In The Tribune on April 15, I was encouraged to read about the growing interest and real possibility of wind turbines generating renewable energy here in San Luis Obispo County (“Offshore wind could generate an onshore economic boom”). Supervisor Bruce Gibson said, “That’s a big idea,” speaking at a renewable energy task force… http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article146342194.html#storylink=cpy California Electric Vehicle Drivers Await a Critical Charge. Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved its portion of an electric vehicle (EV) investment plan stemming from the 2016 Volkswagen (VW) settlement, setting in motion the first tranche of four $300 million national investments in EV infrastructure. As part of the settlement, California is set to receive $800 million… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/04/california-electric-vehicle-drivers-await-critical-charge/ BLOGS This Earth Day, 100 percent clean energy is 100 percent possible. More than 25 U.S. cities, 12 countries, and at least 89 companies have all committed to transition to 100 percent renewable energy. That’s because they all recognize the unstoppable potential clean energy has to create jobs, strengthen and protect the economy, and fight climate change. Now, U.S. states are throwing their hats into the 100-percent renewable ring. http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/04/22/this-earth-day-100-percent-clean-energy-is-100-percent-possible/ Revealed: The highly embarrassing air pollution report that the Government doesn't want you to see. The Liberal Democrats have demanded the government publish a highly embarrassing report on air pollution before the election. Ed Davey, Lib Dem former cabinet minister for Energy and Climate Change, has said the government is reportedly blocking release of its report into air pollution because it is worried the “shaming” findings would become a major election issue. http://www.libdems.org.uk/air-pollution-report-government-block OPEC’s Grand Plan To Tame U.S. Shale Has Failed. It was all so simple. By lifting restraints on output, Saudi Arabia would stop subsidizing high-cost oil producers and halt the rapid rise in U.S. production that was eating into OPEC’s market share. At least, that was the logic back in November 2014. But things haven’t gone according to plan. OPEC’s four-month experiment with production curbs has failed. http://www.thegwpf.com/opecs-grand-plan-to-tame-u-s-shale-has-failed/ French election 2017: Where the candidates stand on energy and climate change. The French presidential elections are fast approaching with the first voting round set to be held on 23 April and the run-off between the top two candidates – if neither wins a majority – on 7 May. Climate change as an issue has risen in importance in France over the past few years… https://www.carbonbrief.org/french-election-2017-where-candidates-stand-energy-climate-change March for Science draws big crowds, clever signs across US. The march on Earth Day was billed as a ‘celebration of science’ to counter the growing disregard for climate change by the Donald Trump administration. Tens of thousands of people turned out in cities across the US and beyond on Saturday for Earth Day events… http://www.livemint.com/Politics/skKRnqKZ89SvgzSJhkaUwM/March-for-Science-draws-big-crowds-clever-signs-across-US.html In Washington, the economic world meets Trump climate skepticism. The Trump administration's climate skepticism and its possible withdrawal from the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015 drew a cloud over this week's grand economic conclave in Washington. The regular meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund -- always accompanied by a gathering of G20 finance ministers -- have rung out with calls to action against global warming in recent years. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/608093/in-washington-the-economic-world-meets-trump-climate-skepticism/story#sthash.ZccqDO9Q.dpuf ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 15:52:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 25, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB NEWSCLIPS FOR April 25, 2017. 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 BUSINESS May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Cap and trade faces protests from the left. California's climate policy architects are beginning to reckon with the demands of social justice groups that fundamentally disagree with the state's approach. Organizations that advocate for poor communities across California have long argued that emissions trading does not reduce pollution or even guarantee emissions reductions… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060053522/search?keyword=california California lawmakers push to link public health efforts to climate programs. California’s fight against climate change would be overhauled under legislation advanced by an Assembly committee on Monday. The legislation, a revised version of a measure introduced earlier this year, would link the state’s efforts against greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-1493070437-htmlstory.html California’s climate-change program would fight air pollution under proposal. As the Legislature weighs the future of cap and trade, California’s groundbreaking program to cut greenhouse gas emissions that expires in 2020, it is considering key changes pushed by environmentalists and fought by Big Oil… http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170424/NEWS/170429833 AIR POLLUTION Tories 'on very dodgy ground' over delay of air pollution plan, say experts. Constitutional experts say government is on ‘very dodgy ground’ claiming election purdah forces it to postpone publishing pollution strategy. The government’s attempt to delay publishing its air pollution strategy because of the election is “dishonest” and leaves ministers on “very dodgy ground”, according to constitutional experts. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/25/government-delay-air-pollution-plan-due-to-election-dishonest Online tool to track air pollution in Texas debuts. Air pollution happens every day in Houston. Sometimes, that pollution is well within permit limits, considered safe by state environmental regulators, and sometimes, it's not. So how do Houston residents who care about air quality tell the difference? Several environmental groups have recently debuted a handy new tool that… http://www.chron.com/local/planet-texas/article/Texas-environmental-groups-debut-online-tool-to-11097258.php Court cancels arguments over EPA's plant startup rule. A federal appellate court, acting in response to a Trump administration request, has canceled oral arguments in a legal fight over U.S. EPA regulations intended to reduce air pollution releases from industrial plant startups, shutdowns and malfunctions. In an order issued late yesterday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/04/25/stories/1060053555 CLIMATE CHANGE Record-challenging heat possible for climate march in Washington on Saturday. On the second-to-last-day of what’s destined to be Washington’s warmest April on record, tens of thousands of marchers will congregate on the Mall to call for climate action. And, perhaps as a symbolic point of exclamation, the mercury is predicted to soar to near-record levels. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/04/25/record-challenging-heat-possible-for-peoples-climate-march-in-washington-saturday/?utm_term=.09056661a8d7 Millions of Colombians at Risk to Climate Change-Minister. Climate change has put nearly 12 million Colombians at risk from natural disasters like flooding and landslides, which could kill hundreds and cause serious infrastructure damage, the environment minister said on Tuesday. Recent heavy rains have endangered residents in dozens of towns and cities, especially in neighbourhoods of makeshift construction… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/04/25/world/americas/25reuters-colombia-environment.html?_r=0 Ventura moves on climate change plan. Shrinking Ventura’s carbon footprint, examining ways to prepare and adapt to changes in weather patterns and how to pay for such strategies could be part of a new climate change action plan. First, city staff will look at how much it would cost to put a plan like that together. The Ventura City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to take the first step in the process. http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2017/04/25/ventura-moves-climate-change-plan/100872872/ Pruitt won't kill EPA 'endangerment' finding on climate change. The current EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, does not accept the scientific consensus on human contribution to climate change, though he has given some contradictory statements on that matter. His views correspond closely to those of his boss, President Donald Trump, who notoriously compared the science to bovine excrement… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110101_pruitt-wont-kill-epa-endangerment-finding-on-climate-change At least global warming may get Americans off the couch more. Global warming’s milder winters will likely nudge Americans off the couch more in the future, a rare, small benefit of climate change, a new study finds. With less chilly winters, Americans will be more likely to get outdoors, increasing their physical activity by as much as 2.5 percent by the end of the century… http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/at-least-global-warming-may-get-americans-off-the-couch/article_c8466f95-6852-50c8-8b7b-e0f643b0be43.html Climate Change Altering the Arctic Faster Than Expected. Evidence continues to mount that climate change has pushed the Arctic into a new state. Skyrocketing temperatures are altering the essence of the region, melting ice on land and sea, driving more intense wildfires, altering ocean circulation and dissolving permafrost. A new report chronicles all these changes and warns that even… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/rapid-climate-change-arctic-21389 Consumers see AI as solution to climate change, cybersecurity: survey. American consumers believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will provide solutions to complex societal problems such as climate change, according to a new survey. Sixty-three percent of U.S. consumers believe AI will help solve complex problems, and 59 percent say… http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/330412-consumers-see-artificial-intelligence-as-solution-to-climate-change Today's Arctic is a 'profoundly different place'. The Arctic is experiencing a profound shift into a new state as it loses ice and breaks high temperature records, a clear sign that some of the worst effects of climate change are already happening. And as the region warms and ice melts, a new survey shows that sea levels may rise an additional foot on top of previous efforts… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/25/stories/1060053501 Study finds climate link to large share of extreme events. When extreme weather strikes, people want to know: Was it climate change? Now they have some answers. A new Stanford University study found that climate change increased the probability of the hottest days happening for more than 80 percent of the world where there's recorded data. For drought, it was about half. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/25/stories/1060053521 Agency asks for comments, gets an earful on climate. Green groups yesterday swamped U.S. EPA phone lines urging the agency to keep climate and pollution protections on the books. The comments were solicited as part of a three-hour call-in session hosted by EPA's Office of Air and Radiation aimed at airing public views about whether the agency should reform or review regulations. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/25/stories/1060053519 Fortune 500 companies forging ahead on climate policies. The Trump administration's efforts to eliminate eight years of climate change policies have not deterred the private sector from forging ahead with greenhouse gas emission reductions, according to a new study of America's wealthiest companies. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/25/stories/1060053502 DROUGHT Emergency water restrictions will extend beyond end of California drought. Former White House chief of staff and current Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s most quotable words are frequently cited as the apogee of cynicism, but they simply point to reality in the political system: “You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” http://calwatchdog.com/2017/04/25/emergency-water-restrictions-will-extend-beyond-end-california-drought/ GREEN ENERGY China to boost non-fossil fuel use to 20 percent by 2030: state planner. China aims for non-fossil fuels to account for about 20 percent of total energy consumption by 2030, increasing to more than half of demand by 2050, its state planner said on Tuesday, as Beijing continues its years-long shift away from coal power. In a policy document, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)... http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-energy-idUSKBN17R0QK ACWA Power Will Bid to Build Saudi Arabian Solar Energy Project. ACWA Power International will bid to build a solar energy project in Saudi Arabia, part of the kingdom’s $50 billion push to temper domestic oil use. Riyadh-based ACWA received a request for proposals last week from Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry to develop the 300-megawatt solar project in Sakaka, Rajit Nanda, ACWA’s chief investment officer… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-25/acwa-power-will-bid-to-build-saudi-arabian-solar-energy-project Home to World's Biggest Wind-Turbine Maker to End All Subsidies. After more than four decades of relying on subsidies, Denmark’s renewable energy industry is ready to survive on its own much sooner than anyone expected. The Danish energy minister, Lars Christian Lilleholt, says that “in just a few years,” renewable energy providers won’t need state support anymore. https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-04-24/surprising-profits-and-how-an-energy-trail-was-blazed-in-denmark Today’s Energy Jobs Are in Solar, Not Coal. President Trump has promised to revive the coal industry and double down on fossil fuels, creating “so many energy jobs,” but he has not focused on the increasingly important role of renewable power in America’s energy economy. Last year, the solar industry employed many more Americans than coal, while wind power topped 100,000 jobs. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/04/25/climate/todays-energy-jobs-are-in-solar-not-coal.html ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Two Latinos Win Prestigious Prize as ‘Grassroots Environmental Heroes’ Two Latinos, one from East Los Angeles, California and one from Guatemala are the recipients of a prestigious prize honoring "grassroots environmental heroes." mark! Lopez, 32, has been leading efforts against lead contamination in East Los Angeles, while Rodrigo Tot, of the indigenous tribe the Q'eqchi… http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/two-latinos-win-prestigious-prize-grassroots-environmental-heroes-n750441 http://www.ktvu.com/news/250534290-story http://la.streetsblog.org/2017/04/24/mark-lopez-named-winner-of-the-green-nobel-the-goldman-environmental-prize/ http://grist.org/article/environmental-justice-starts-with-everyday-folks-who-feel-like-enough-is-enough/?utm_campaign=weekly-static&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=EDIT%20Weekly OPINIONS Did 'people power' save a trove of EPA data from a shutdown by Trump? The notice over the weekend shocked scientific and technical researchers on environmental issues: The Environmental Protection Agency’s 5-year-old open data website, a trove of data on air, water and ground pollution and the sources of toxic chemical releases, was about to be shut down. One day later, following an uproar on social media, the EPA seemed to backpedal. http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-epa-opendata-20170424-story.html VW drives past disadvantaged Valley communities to the land of the fat cats. Volkswagen, one of the single-largest criminal polluters in U.S. history, is once more trying to weasel out of its responsibility to make good for damaging the lungs of low-income residents who were forced to breathe unlawful exhausts spewing from their modified diesel engines. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article146454914.html#storylink=cpy The itsy bitsy spider explosion coming to Southern California. Earlier this month, California Governor Jerry Brown declared the drought officially over. We've all seen the before and after pictures ... Winter rains have replenished fallow fields They've made our hillsides more verdant, giving rise to bunches of wildflowers ...But with the extra green comes extra critters to munch on it. And the things that like to munch on those critters. That's right, spiders. http://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2017/04/24/56366/the-itsy-bitsy-spider-explosion-coming-to-southern/ Editorial: Time running out for drought relief. It appears right now the state will cut off all funding it has been providing for months now to assist families who have been hurt by the prolonged drought, which obviously has ended, but the suffering for many has not ended. Tulare County officials said last week the state has indicated it is cutting off its Disaster Assistance… http://www.recorderonline.com/opinion/editorial-time-running-out-for-drought-relief/article_efe19344-2958-11e7-b423-03460335a9e1.html Accepting climate change first step to protecting Florida land | Opinion. In the administration in Washington, D.C., it was announced that the Energy Department may no longer use the term "climate change." The governor of Florida has kept the state's Department of Environmental Resources from using the term "climate change." So how do we plan for the eventual risks of sea level rise? http://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/commentary/fl-viewpoint-south-florida-climate-change-20170425-story.html BLOGS Arctic Ice Melt Could Cost The World Trillions Of Dollars By 2100. But President Trump still might abandon the Paris climate accord. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is causing the Arctic to warm “faster than any other region on Earth,” according to a new international assessment. The thaw there is expected to have “major consequences for ecosystems and society,”… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/arctic-ice-melt-report-2017_us_58fe1cabe4b018a9ce5d44c0?ncid=edlinkushpmg00000314&yptr=yahoo Ontario’s Government Makes Climate Change Challenge. Recently the Government of Ontario issued the following Challenge to local and international companies to develop the next generation of transformative clean technologies to help fight climate change: “Transformative technologies drive change… whether evolutionary, revolutionary or disruptive. http://tsss.ca/2017/04/ontarios-government-makes-climate-change-challenge/ That ridiculous heatwave really was caused by climate change. Or at least there’s a greater that 80 percent chance that it was. If you have ever been reprimanded by some insufferable pedant (maybe me) for blaming the record-breaking heat on climate change, prepare to receive some validation. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that you were likely right. http://grist.org/briefly/that-ridiculous-heat-wave-really-was-caused-by-climate-change/ New research clarifies how climate change influences severe weather. Floods, droughts, heatwaves and other incidents of nasty weather are on the rise. Each time one of these incidents happens, journalists want to know if climate change is to blame — and some scientists have been quick to say “yes.” http://www.scienceandtechnologyresearchnews.com/new-research-clarifies-climate-change-influences-severe-weather/ To understand climate change, look at it from a mussel's perspective. The phrase “climate change” triggers images of a huge, global phenomenon. Rising seas. Drought. Ocean acidification. But it's actually experienced on a much smaller scale, by individual plants, animals and people. And most of the world’s organisms experience it much differently than humans do. “As humans, we have this really biased view of the world. https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-04-25/understand-climate-change-look-it-mussels-perspective UCR Project to Install Solar Microgrid for San Bernardino County’s Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, together with a team of industry partners, have begun work to install a power system that integrates solar panels, battery storage, advanced data analytics, and smart energy management controls on the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe reservation near Lake Havasu, CA. https://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/46571 ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 15:41:45 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 26, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 26, 2017. 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 BUSINESS May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider Truck Field Enforcement Activities and New Screening Technology for High Emitting Vehicles. DATE: April 27, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 WEBCAST: http://www.cal-span.org/ Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CLIMATE CHANGE Europe's meat and dairy farming vulnerable as climate change worsens water scarcity – study. Water scarcity half a world away caused by climate change could push up prices for meat and diary products in Europe by disrupting supplies of soybean, which is widely used as feed for livestock, researchers said Wednesday. The European Union sources most soybean from outside the 28-nation bloc… http://www.reuters.com/article/eu-farming-climatechange-idUSL8N1HY5X3 Global Warming Costs Mount as Heatwave Hits Chile’s Glaciers. High, high up in the Andes mountains above Chile’s capital, at the foot of the glaciers that date from the last ice age, the temperatures were almost balmy this summer. That threatens long-term water supplies to the city of seven million spread out on the plain below. At the Olivares Alfa glacier, 4,420 meters above sea level… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-26/global-warming-costs-mount-as-heatwave-hits-chile-s-glaciers . Huge storms in northern Africa have tripled since the 1980s. Scientists blame climate change. Intense storms in northern Africa have tripled in frequency since the 1980s, new research finds. And scientists say rising temperatures in the Sahara — one of the most rapidly warming regions of the world — are the likely culprit. The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, examined satellite records of storms… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/04/26/huge-storms-in-northern-africa-have-tripled-since-the-1980s-scientists-blame-climate-change/?utm_term=.e42033bcc5ca With Government in Retreat, Companies Step Up on Emissions. The Trump administration may be pondering a retreat from the United States’ climate commitments, but corporate America is moving ahead with its own emissions goals. Nearly half of the Fortune 500 biggest companies in the United States have now set targets to shrink their carbon footprints… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/climate/with-government-in-retreat-companies-step-up-on-emissions.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20170426&_r=0 CAPP rejects findings in methane emissions reports. Canada’s oil and gas industry emits far more methane into the atmosphere than was previously known, according to two reports from environmental groups that are urging Ottawa to speed up plans to regulate reductions. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/capp-rejects-findings-in-methane-emissions-reports/article34824117/ Trump's already making his mark on climate. His policies mean the U.S. could release billions more tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in the coming decades compared with what Barack Obama envisioned. President Donald Trump's aggressive rollback of the Obama administration's climate policies is already changing the trajectory of the world's efforts on global warming… http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/26/trumps-climate-change-237611 Climate change is making algal blooms worse. Rising ocean temperatures drive more intense and longer lasting toxic outbreaks. Researchers have long suggested that climate change could mean more damage from algal blooms — runaway growths of algae that can strangle marine ecosystems and devastate coastal economies. http://www.nature.com/news/climate-change-is-making-algal-blooms-worse-1.21884 DROUGHT California’s drought is over, but we’re still toting up the costs. Californians paid for the drought in many ways. Homeowners saw their water rates rise. Farmers sacrificed revenue when they idled fields. And practically everyone spent more on electricity.Californians’ electricity costs jumped by a combined $2.45 billion from 2012 to 2016 because of severe shortages of cheap hydroelectricity http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article146786244.html#storylink=cpy Heavy rain won't lessen Calif. wildfires – it will fuel them. California emerged from its five-year drought after heavy winter rains filled reservoirs and turned our golden hills green. But don't be fooled by the emerald hues. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) expects wildfires to burn just as fiercely as they did during drought years – if not more so. http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/wildfire-season-california-rain-calfire-11098661.php California’s brutal five-year drought did more than lead to water shortages and dead lawns. It increased electricity bills statewide by $2.45 billion and boosted levels of smog and greenhouse gases, according to a new study released Wednesday. Why? A big drop-off in hydroelectric power. With little rain or snow between 2012 and 2016, cheap, clean power from dozens of large dams around California was scarce, and cities and utilities… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/26/new-study-california-drought-increased-electricity-bills-and-air-pollution/ Big water year leaves huge dearth of information. In this remarkable water year, which ended more than five years of severe drought in California, there are still plenty of noteworthy water questions to contemplate and act upon. Here’s the central one: Three years after California passed what’s often called a landmark groundwater regulation law… http://www.thecalifornian.com/story/opinion/2017/04/26/big-water-year-leaves-huge-dearth-information/100890822/ FUELS Trump Is Expected to Sign Orders That Could Expand Access to Fossil Fuels. After moving last month against Barack Obama’s efforts to limit fossil fuel exploration and combat climate change, President Trump will complete his effort to overturn environmental policy this week, signing two executive orders to expand offshore drilling and roll back conservation on public lands. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/us/politics/national-monuments-energy-drilling.html?hpw&rref=us&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=2 VEHICLES French prosecutors open Peugeot diesel-cheating probe. French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into suspected diesel emissions test-cheating by carmaker PSA Group, a court official said on Monday. The probe was opened earlier this month into alleged consumer fraud offences, the official said, confirming a report in daily newspaper Liberation. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-peugeot-diesel-idUSKBN17Q1S0 https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/26/psa-group-now-subject-diesel-emissions-cheating-investigation-france/ OPINIONS The Dried-Up Heart of California's Water Dilemma. California's Tulare Lake was once the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi. It was shallow, and it varied in size from year to year and season to season. But it was home to lots of salmon, turtles, otters and even, in the latter half of the 19th century, a few schooners and steamboats. It was also at the heart of a 400,000-acre network of lakes and wetlands… https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-04-26/the-dried-up-heart-of-california-s-water-dilemma Global climate change demands a local response. The enemy has changed, and so has the battlefront. In 1983, our enemy in Lebanon had bullets and bombs. Now, the greatest danger to America’s future is global climate change and environmental degradation. With Donald Trump in the White House, we must act locally if we are to meet this threat. http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2017/04/26/Bob-Lee-Global-climate-change-demands-a-local-response/stories/201704260040?pgpageversion=pgevoke Don Paul: The paradoxes of climate change. Now that Earth Day and the March for Science are behind us, I’d like to bring you a look at ongoing climate science and some seeming paradoxes surrounding it. Carbon dioxide is up more than 40 percent since around 1880, and humans have caused nearly all of that increase. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, the longest-running site for precise carbon dioxide measurement… http://buffalonews.com/2017/04/26/paradoxes-climate-change/ Letters: Politics of climate change. The story “Thousands rally as part of nationwide March for Science” [News, April 23] was properly placed under “Politics.” Galileo agreed that his findings were incorrect when his life was threatened. If the current climate scientists want to pay their mortgages and feed their families, they fall in line. The U.S. government alone paid $64 billion to climate researchers… http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/25/letters-politics-of-climate-change/ BLOGS How Air Pollution Gets Into The Bloodstream And Damages The Heart. “There is no doubt that air pollution is a killer, and this study brings us a step closer to solving the mystery of how air pollution damages our cardiovascular health.” Inhaled nanoparticles like those pumped out in vehicle exhausts can work their way through the lungs and into the bloodstream where they can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-air-pollution-gets-into-the-bloodstream-and-damages-the-heart_us_5900c845e4b0026db1dd7227 ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 15:47:36 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 27, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 27, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf AIR POLLUTION Appeals court grants Trump request to delay mercury air pollution case. A U.S. appeals court on Thursday granted a request from the Trump administration to put litigation on hold in which states and industry groups are challenging an Obama administration pollution control rule for mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-mercury-idUSKBN17T2ZC Britain loses case to delay submission of air pollution plan. The British government has failed in a legal bid to delay the publication of its plan to tackle air pollution until after the general election on June 8. The government had gone to the High Court to extend an April 24 deadline to submit its plan to improve air quality and comply with nitrogen dioxide limits set by the European Union (EU). http://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-emissions-delay-idUKKBN17T2N7 http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39737981 Air pollution in subways is worse than you think. Looks like there’s more unfortunate subway news approaching the platform. A new study revealed that the Toronto Transit Commission has air pollution levels 10 times greater than the levels above ground. And that’s just in Canada. “We don’t really know the health risks of riding subways,” Greg Evans, lead author of the study, told Gizmodo. “It’s an understudied area.” http://nypost.com/2017/04/26/air-pollution-in-subways-is-worse-than-you-think/ Los Angeles County gets a 'C' on UCLA's latest environmental report card. Anew UCLA environmental report card gives Los Angeles County a “C” in energy use and persistent air pollution, while rating parts of the region slightly higher for addressing other challenges. The 2017 Sustainable LA Environmental Report Card for Energy and Air Quality handed the region… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-ucla-report-20170427-story.html Air pollution plan cannot be delayed, high court tells government. Court rules that immediate publication is essential and rejects Defra’s plea to delay until after the general election. The government has been ordered to publish tough new plans to tackle air pollution after the high court rejected attempts by ministers to keep the policy under wraps until after the general election. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/27/air-pollution-plan-election-campaign-bomb-court-government CLIMATE CHANGE Republicans are rethinking their disdain for the Paris accord – creating a political headache for Trump. Supporters of Donald Trump worried he has lost his appetite for poking the establishment would probably be reassured if he were to make good on his promise to swiftly kick to the curb the Paris agreement on climate change. But the promise to snub Paris is fast becoming a political albatross for the president. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-paris-20170427-story.html The fight against climate change in California gains an unlikely ally: Republicans. Stepping further into its role as the nation’s pioneer on climate issues, California might soon clear a hurdle that has long frustrated environmental advocates: Republicans say they’re joining the fight against global warming. Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) and some of his colleagues are taking… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-republican-climate-change-20170427-story.html DROUGHT Despite drought’s end, conservation rules were still in place in California – until now. First the drought ended. Now the last vestiges of mandatory conservation rules are over, too. California’s main water regulatory agency ended mandatory conservation regulations for urban residents Wednesday, following Gov. Jerry Brown’s official declaration that the drought ended April 7. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article147006834.html#storylink=cpy Drought Watch: ‘Far from Over’ City, County Water Agencies Spar Over Cachuma Contract. Members of the Santa Barbara City Council were notified in no uncertain terms by assistant water director Kelley Dyer that the recent drought is “much improved, but far from over.” Thanks to this year’s Presidents’ Day weekend rain… http://www.independent.com/news/2017/apr/27/drought-watch-far-over/ FUELS Icahn's oil refiner reports plunge in biofuels bill in 1st qtr. Biofuels compliance expenses for CVR Energy's refining unit fell to the lowest level in almost five years during the first quarter, the company said on Thursday, as the U.S. government weighs an overhaul of its renewable fuels policy. The cost of compliance credits required by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) have fallen sharply in recent months… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cvr-energy-biofuels-idUSKBN17T39X VEHICLES Can California hit 1.5M zero-emission vehicles by 2025? The state is lagging on Gov. Brown's ambitious ZEV goal, but investment in chargers and customer education could build more market momentum. California officials are quick to praise efforts to electrify the transportation sector, but no one is sure the state can meet its goal of having 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2025. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/can-california-hit-15m-zero-emission-vehicles-by-2025/441020/ GREEN ENERGY The Cheap Energy Revolution Is Here, and Coal Won’t Cut It. Fifteen charts about how Trump is building a dangerous “age of plenty on steroids.” Wind and solar are about to become unstoppable, natural gas and oil production are approaching their peak, and electric cars and batteries for the grid are waiting to take over. This is the world Donald Trump inherited as U.S. president. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-26/the-cheap-energy-revolution-is-here-and-coal-won-t-cut-it 100 percent clean energy bill introduced outside capitol. A small group of environmentalists rallied outside of the Capitol building on Thursday as Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, introduced a bill designed to combat climate change. The bill, as described by the event's Facebook page, is "the most ambitious piece of climate legislation… http://www.cbsnews.com/news/100-percent-clean-energy-bill-introduced-outside-capitol/ OPINIONS Sowing Climate Doubt Among Schoolteachers. The Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank known for attacking climate science, has been mailing a slim, glossy book to public school teachers throughout the United States. The institute says it plans to send out as many as 200,000 copies, until virtually every science educator in America has one. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/27/opinion/sowing-climate-doubt-among-schoolteachers.html?hpw&rref=opinion&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=1 Remember, the drought could come back next year. When it comes to emergencies and disasters, people tend to have short memories. Much of this is human nature. When something bad happens and we’re in the thick of it we generally do whatever’s necessary to deal with the situation. But once the crisis has past we want to move on with our lives. http://www.sgvtribune.com/environment-and-nature/20170426/remember-the-drought-could-come-back-next-year Why the U.S. Should Remain in the Paris Climate Agreement. Ban Ki-moon and Robert N. Stavins. In the five decades since the first Earth Day1 was celebrated in 1970, remarkable economic growth around the world has inevitably been accompanied by significant environmental challenges. While tremendous progress has been made to address concerns about air and water quality, hazardous waste, species extinction… https://www.belfercenter.org/sites/default/files/files/publication/170400_ban-stavins_vp.pdf U.S.-China Climate Relations: Beyond Trump. The days of cooperative climate change action in Washington and Beijing were short-lived. After decades of friction in the climate arena, the United States and China spent the last three years of former U.S. President Barack Obama’s second term in office building a partnership that caught even close observers by surprise. http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2017/04/27/us-china_climate_relations_beyond_trump.html Exxon Ordered To Pay $20 Million For Air Pollution Violations At Baytown Complex. A federal judge has fined that ExxonMobil nearly $20 million for releasing 10 million pounds of pollutants into the air from its Baytown refinery and chemical complex over the past eight years. That's right, an oil company, one of the largest in the world, has actually been held accountable for polluting in Texas of all places… http://www.houstonpress.com/news/exxon-ordered-to-pay-20-million-for-air-pollution-violations-from-baytown-complex-9393634 BLOGS Youth Suing Trump Bring Climate Fight To Washington. “We are suing because none of us and none of you have time to wait,” plaintiff Kelsey Juliana said. Back home in Hawaii, Journey Zephier is a vocal opponent of the genetically modified crop industry and its extensive use of toxic pesticides. But today, the 17-year-old activist finds himself at the center of a much larger fight: climate change. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/youth-climate-lawsuit-washington_us_590202dde4b0af6d718c4595 Trump made a lot of dumb promises, but he’s following through on destroying the globe. The one area where the Trump administration has actually made considerable progress is rolling back environmental protections. On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. https://thinkprogress.org/one-hundred-days-on-planet-trump-ca135c4a5918 Lawsuit Over Diesel Pollution Challenges California's Future Clean Air Authority. If you've ever been stuck behind a big truck on a single-lane highway, you know that conventional diesel engines stink. But that exhaust is also health hazard. That's why California has strict rules on diesel engines. But a group of truckers and construction companies wants to loosen the rules. http://audio.californiareport.org/archive/R201704250850 This one's got legs: the Ontario Climate Change Solutions Deployment Corporation. On February 17, 2017, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (“MOECC”) took another step toward implementing the goals in the Ontario Climate Change Action Plan (“CCAP”). By filing the Ontario Climate Change Solutions Deployment Corporation regulation (the “regulation”), the MOECC created a new non-share capital corporation… http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=512e731f-205d-45fa-9a78-d8cc51c2cf75 Smithsonian Scientists Examine Impact of High-Severity Fires on Conifer Forests. Study Finds that Wildfire in a Warming Climate Could Transform Portions of Forested Landscapes into Shrubland. The ability of some conifer forests to recover after severe fire may become increasingly limited as the climate continues to warm… https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/smithsonian-scientists-examine-impact-high-severity-fires-conifer-forests Scott Pruitt’s Lack of Action on Climate Change Puts Fishermen in Hot Water. President Donald Trump and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt have repeatedly promised to save American coal miners’ jobs as a fundamental part of his agenda. Yet even as Trump and Pruitt seek to let polluters in the coal, oil, and gas industries… https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/04/27/431529/scott-pruitts-lack-action-climate-change-puts-fishermen-hot-water/ Our Editors Produced 32,508 Pounds of Carbon Emissions While Skiing This Winter. We added up the miles we drove and flew to ski this year—and discovered just how terrible our obsession is for the planet. ere at Outside, we love to ski. In terms of favorite pastimes, only running and competitive margarita making come close. Yet we’re acutely aware of how harmful the sport is to the environment: the water used to make snow… https://www.outsideonline.com/2176981/calculating-carbon-footprint-our-skiing ====================================================================== 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 Apr 2017 13:04:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for April 28, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for April 28, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE California Assembly weighing integrating air pollution performance into GHG cap-and-trade. The California Assembly is considering a bill (AB-378) that would integrate air quality performance into the state’s greenhouse-gas (GHG) cap-and- trade program. Assembly Bill 378 was proposed by by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, who heads the Assembly’s Committee on Natural Resources. CNR passed the proposal on Monday. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/04/20170427-ab378.html $10-per-ton carbon price could save $2.9B — study. Carbon fees in Massachusetts could save 340 lives and $2.9 billion by 2040, a new study found. The study, funded by the Merck Family Fund, looked at a $10-per-ton price on carbon that would eventually increase to $40 per ton and found that such a tax could prevent 20 heart attacks… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/04/28/stories/1060053721 AIR POLLUTION Court halts case on Clean Power Plan, paves way for dismantling of carbon emissions rule. In a major victory for the White House, the D.C. Court of Appeals on Friday suspended a case on the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, paving the way for the administration to dismantle the rule without interference from the courts. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/28/appeals-court-halts-case-clean-power-plan/ Ozone levels drop, but air pollution still severely impacts local region, report says. The Los Angeles region achieved its lowest levels ever for unhealthy ozone days and for year-round particle pollution but still remains among the most polluted areas in the country, according to the newly released State of the Air 2017 report from the American Lung Association. The Los Angeles region, which includes San Bernardino and Riverside counties, topped the national list… http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/ozone-levels-drop-but-air-pollution-still-severely-impacts-local/article_4e547f5a-2b60-11e7-b5cc-a3335d440dbb.html Air pollution plan cannot be delayed, high court tells government. Court rules that immediate publication is essential and rejects Defra’s plea to delay until after the general election. The government has been ordered to publish tough new plans to tackle air pollution after the high court rejected attempts by ministers to keep the policy under wraps until after the general election. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/27/air-pollution-plan-election-campaign-bomb-court-government European Union enforces new air pollution limits. The European Union (EU) has today (29 April) approved new air pollution limits, which could save more than 20,000 lives each year by reducing pollution derived from coal-fired power plants. The UK was amongst Member States that backed stricter limits on toxic pollutants from large combustion plants… https://www.edie.net/news/6/European-Union-enforces-new-air-pollution-limits/ Air Pollution Can Cut Solar Panel Efficiency By Up To 25%. A new study has disturbing news for India’s solar power industry. It claims that dust and particulate matter (often a by-product of diesel engines) can reduce solar panel efficiency by 17% to 25%. Half this reduction comes from dust and particles deposited on the surface of solar panels which form a physical barrier to the passage of sunlight. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/27/air-pollution-can-cut-solar-panel-efficiency-25/ Oil and gas methane emissions higher than previously thought, reports say. Canada chose to delay new methane regulations for three years last week, but a pair of new studies show emissions of the potent greenhouse gas are worse than previously thought. Two new reports from environmental groups say methane emissions in Canada’s oil and gas sector… http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/regulation/oil-and-gas-methane-emissions-higher-than-previously-thought-reports-say-191719/ Most Corporate Asset Owners Are Taking Action to Limit Carbon Emissions. Corporate assets owners, generally, are recognizing the significance of and are taking action to mitigate climate change. That is what the annual benchmark report published by Asset Owners Disclosure Project is revealing, which says that 60% of those asset owners with funds worth more than $27 trillion are being proactive. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/04/corporate-asset-owners-taking-action-limit-carbon-emissions/ CLIMATE CHANGE California says oceans could rise higher than thought. New climate-change findings mean the Pacific Ocean off California may rise higher, and storms and high tides hit harder, than previously thought, officials said. The state's Ocean Protection Council on Wednesday revised upward its predictions for how much water off California will rise as the climate warms. http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/California-says-oceans-expected-to-rise-higher-11104258.php Climate Change Could Sink Coastal Property Values, Flood Inland Cities With Refugees. Humans are programmed by genetics to react quickly to immediate threats. That’s the “fight or flight” syndrome known to every high school biology student. But the other side of the coin is that humans are also programmed by genetics to be virtually incapable of recognizing and responding to long term threats — like climate change. Rising Ocean Levels Threaten Coastal Properties. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/04/28/climate-change-sink-coastal-property-values-flood-inland-cities-refugees/ Jerry Brown Explains How Trump Could Actually Be Good For Climate Progress. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) made the case Thursday that President Donald Trump’s anti-environment rhetoric could actually be a blessing for climate advocacy. The president’s indifference to the existence of man-made global warming may inspire other people to step up and support sustainable actions, Brown said. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jerry-brown-trump-climate-change_us_59026ba4e4b02655f83b3b24 VW RECALL VW to spend billions through 2022 to beef up engines portfolio: CEO. Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) said it plans to invest billions of euros through 2022 to beef up its portfolio of combustion and electric drives as it braces for a further tightening of emissions rules in key markets. Europe's biggest carmaker last year announced a multi-billion-euro shift to embrace electric cars… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-engines-idUSKBN17U28Y GREEN ENERGY Price helps wind, solar build Midwest support. It's hardly surprising that a conference titled "Advancing Renewables in the Midwest" would feature a roster of advocates evangelizing about the benefits and bright future for wind and solar energy. But it wasn't just clean energy developers and boosters delivering the message at the two-day gathering on the University of Missouri campus this week. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/04/28/stories/1060053725 OPINIONS Despite critics’ bullets, train keeps on rolling. For all the strenuous efforts to keep California’s bullet train from leaving the station, the megaproject has acquired a certain locomotive-like momentum. With billions spent, more borrowed and bridges built, a high-speed rail line connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles looks more than ever like a question of when rather than if. That is nevertheless a big question. http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Despite-critics-bullets-train-keeps-on-rolling-11104967.php Volkswagen’s huge diesel settlement falls short. Make no mistake: Volkswagen broke air laws. It actively cheated emissions tests and lied about “clean diesel” cars that were anything but clean. Now, VW can make up for that wrong by making sure its plan to address the damage it did helps those whose lungs were most affected. The current version of VW’s $800 million California plan… http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Volkswagen-s-huge-diesel-settlement-falls-short-11104683.php LETTER: Resist self-serving climate-change theories. Financial asset managers and institutions are continually trying to develop theories that will provide insight in order to beat the “market.” The proliferation of computing makes it possible to sort through and test millions of scenarios and trading strategies. The problem is that this can lead to erroneous conclusions. http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/opinion/letters/2017/04/28/climate-change-global-warming-science-denial/101031888/ Automakers are trying to get their hands on VW’s EV charging money from its Dieselgate settlement. We reported on the main details of the plan for California, which includes installing ultra-fast 320 kW chargers, and the plan for the whole country, which includes a ‘nationwide 150 kW+ fast charging network’.Now other automakers are contesting the plans and want to have a say in how VW should spend that money. Some ideas are OK, though the contestation could result in slowing the rollout of the EV infrastructure, while other demands are plain ridiculous.https://electrek.co/2017/04/28/automakers-vw-ev-charging-dieselgate/ BLOGS Synthetic gas would cut air pollution but worsen climate damage in China. Severe air pollution has plagued China's industrial regions in recent decades, a situation that has received worldwide attention thanks to photos of Beijing and other smog-blanketed Chinese cities. More than just an eyesore, China's smog has created a public health crisis that has led the Chinese government to declare a war on air pollution. http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S49/33/14A80/index.xml?section=students This Solves Nothing. President Trump is issuing an Executive Order to promote oil and gas drilling off America’s beaches and coasts. This shapes up as a major belly flop. Or man overboard. Pick your metaphor. Trump is trying to undo permanent protections for the Arctic and Atlantic oceans put in place last December. That should fare about as well in court as his immigration order. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/niel-lawrence/solves-nothing Automakers are trying to get their hands on VW’s EV charging money from its Dieselgate settlement. Volkswagen recently submitted both its plans to invest $2 billion in electric vehicle infrastructure in the US as part of its court settlements with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the DieselGate scandal. https://electrek.co/2017/04/28/automakers-vw-ev-charging-dieselgate/ Jerry Brown Explains How Trump Could Actually Be Good For Climate Progress. He said the president’s scorn is galvanizing people to fight global warming. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) made the case Thursday that President Donald Trump’s anti-environment rhetoric could actually be a blessing for climate advocacy. The president’s indifference to the existence of man-made global warming… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jerry-brown-trump-climate-change_us_59026ba4e4b02655f83b3b24 ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 16:10:11 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 1, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 1, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Companies would face tighter environmental restrictions in California under new cap-and-trade proposal. State Senate Democrats on Monday will announce a new proposal to toughen California's cap-and-trade program in hopes of providing a more dependable revenue stream and greater incentives for industries to clean up their operations. The legislation, Senate Bill 775, would set a higher price for the permits companies… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-1493579947-htmlstory.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article147530089.html Canada’s climate minister talks jobs, California cap-and-trade. Canada and California are partners in the fight against global warming. And Canada’s top climate official, Catherine McKenna, hopes the Trump administration doesn’t entirely abandon the cause. McKenna, minister of Environment and Climate Change, met with Gov. Jerry Brown last month in San Francisco to enlist Canada… http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Canada-s-climate-minister-talks-jobs-11107925.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result AIR POLLUTION Air quality improves, but Sacramento still among nation’s most polluted cities. Every two weeks, we gather some of the most interesting and intriguing studies from health researchers around the world. Here are the latest: Despite improvements in pollution levels, the Sacramento area remains eighth in the nation for unhealthy air, according to the latest American Lung Association report. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article147514699.html#storylink=cpy Southern California Farmers are Eligible for Technical and Financial Air Quality Assistance. Technical and financial assistance is available through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers and ranchers in Southern California to make improvements in their operations that can lead to improved air quality. Assistance is made available through NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). http://www.smobserved.com/story/2017/05/01/business/southern-california-farmers-are-eligible-for-technical-and-financial-air-quality-assistance/2838.html Cirrus pays air emissions penalty. Cirrus Design Corp. and Cirrus Aircraft Corp. have agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty and complete three compliance actions as part of a settlement agreement on alleged air emissions regulation violations by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The PCA said Monday that Cirrus "failed to obtain necessary air-emissions permits prior to new construction of… http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/4259684-cirrus-pays-air-emissions-penalty CLIMATE CHANGE Oil and gas group says U.S. can cut emissions without Paris climate deal, urges withdrawal. A prominent oil and gas industry group said Monday the U.S. has dramatically reduced greenhouse-gas emissions without burdensome regulations and international deals, urging President Trump to withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement and allow market forces to drive energy policy. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/1/oil-gas-group-us-can-cut-emissions-without-paris/ California coast ocean level could rise 10 feet in 70 years. Addressing sea-level rise would cost a staggering amount of public and private money. A slow-moving emergency is lapping at California’s shores – climate-driven sea-level rise that experts now predict could elevate the water in coastal areas up to 10 feet in just 70 years, gobbling up beach front and overwhelming low-lying cities. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/30/oceans-rising-faster-than-scientific-forecasts/ EPA website removes climate science site from public view after two decades. The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday evening that its website would be "undergoing changes" to better represent the new direction the agency is taking, triggering the removal of several agency websites containing detailed climate data and scientific information. http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/EPA-website-removes-climate-science-site-from-11109007.php http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110197_epa-website-removes-climate-change-pages-because-science-contradicts-pruitt-policy-goals DROUGHT Drought’s over, rules aren’t: How local water providers are responding. With the drought officially over, and a modest spring heat wave expected this week, it might seem like a reasonable time to rediscover your sprinkler control box and crank up outdoor irrigation. But be warned: Government doesn’t always change as fast as the weather. And some of the conservation lessons we were taught during the drought are here to stay. http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170430/droughts-over-rules-arent-how-local-water-providers-are-responding DIESEL ACTIVITIES OOIDA v. CARB: Ninth Court upholds district court dismissal. OOIDA’s tenacious lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board added another chapter to its long chronicle in mid-April. OOIDA told the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco that after being bounced from court to court, the case should move forward. The court’s opinion was quick, and a disappointment to truckers. http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=33274#.WQeSQU2guUl GREEN ENERGY How Batteries Could Revolutionize Renewable Energy. All over California, there's evidence of the state's goal to lead the country in renewable energy. Enormous farms of shiny solar panels have popped up across southern California, and gigantic wind turbines dot the landscape outside nearly all the major cities. There are less flashy—and less visible—investments in renewables going on, too. http://time.com/4756648/batteries-clean-energy-renewables/ MISCELLANEOUS Emissions expert to be inducted into Inventors Hall of Fame. On May 4, former West Bloomfield resident Dr. Haren Gandhi will be posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C., in honor of his contributions to reducing emissions and improving air quality for millions around the world. During his time with Ford Motor Co., Gandhi revolutionized the automotive industry through his work with automotive exhaust catalysts… http://www.hometownlife.com/story/money/business/2017/05/01/emissions-expert-inducted-into-inventors-hall-fame/101022120/ OPINIONS The problem with calling Bret Stephens a climate change ‘denier’. In his New York Times debut last week, conservative columnist Bret Stephens wrote that Earth's warming over the past century-plus “is indisputable, as is the human influence on that warming.” Not everyone agrees. In a Gallup poll published in March, 29 percent of U.S. adults said the rise in the planet's average temperature is primarily caused by “natural changes in the environment that are not due to human activities.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/05/01/the-problem-with-calling-bret-stephens-a-climate-change-denier/?utm_term=.7e01c971ca16 Climate of Complete Certainty. In the final stretch of last year’s presidential race, Hillary Clinton and her team thought they were, if not 100 percent right, then very close. Right on the merits. Confident in their methods. Sure of their chances. When Bill Clinton suggested to his wife’s advisers that, considering Brexit, they might be underestimating the strength of the populist tide… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/opinion/climate-of-complete-certainty.html?_r=2 Answering Bret Stephens on Climate Science. To the Editor: Re “Climate of Complete Certainty” (column, April 29): Bret Stephens does not deny the reality of climate change, but he uses a familiar strategy from the skeptical playbook: misdirection. Rather than acknowledging the role of climate change denial, he blames scientists and their allies for alleged certitude. In fact, the scientific community has taken great pains to analyze and communicate the uncertainties related to climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/opinion/answering-bret-stephens-on-climate-science.html?_r=0 What If Climate Scientists Are Guessing Wrong? Newest New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, a conservative refugee from the increasingly Trumpist Wall Street Journal editorial page, uses his first column to imply, without quite stating outright, that somebody (the world? America? liberals?) overrates the certainty of climate science. Stephens concedes that the reality of global warming is “indisputable… http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/05/what-if-climate-scientists-are-guessing-wrong.html A California Republican shows his colleagues the way on climate change. To the editor: Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes’ (Yucca Valley) leadership on climate change is the best news in weeks. When Republicans in the largest state speak up and support measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s a clear sign that Californians of all political persuasions are not accepting the environmental rollbacks and rhetoric coming from Washington. (“The fight against climate change in California gains an unlikely ally: Republicans,” April 27) http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-chad-mayes-climate-change-20170501-story.html Environmentalists, Coal Companies Rally Around Technology To Clean Up Coal. Coal has long had a grip on American politics. That's why politicians worry about its fate. They tout the fossil fuel's contribution to the U.S. economy, but lately they've also been trying to find a way to clean up coal's image. President George W. Bush said in his 2008 State of the Union address, "Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions"… http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/01/524764617/environmentalists-coal-companies-rally-around-technology-to-clean-up-coal BLOGS Four Issues Impacting Public Companies’ Climate Change Disclosures. As President Trump’s administration attempts to dismantle President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, one action may be removing funding from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) for enforcement of the 2010 Commission Guidance Regarding Disclosure Related to Climate Change. http://www.natlawreview.com/article/four-issues-impacting-public-companies-climate-change-disclosures Appeals court delay on Clean Power Plan may freeze it for good. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has halted the battle over the Clean Power Plan for at least two months — and perhaps for good. Last week, the appellate judges ordered that the Clean Power Plan be held “in abeyance” for 60 days while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviews the regulatory edict and sends back status reports. http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/05/appeals-court-delay-on-clean-power-plan-may-freeze-it-for-good.html Why long-term investors are killing fossil fuels. Remember the date April 26, 2017: it will go down as an important day in the history of solving climate change. That’s because Moody’s Investor’s Service released a research paper titled "Oil and Gas Industry Faces Significant Credit Risks from Carbon Transition." That’s a headline all of us building business-led solutions to climate change have been waiting for. Increased assessed risk from rating agencies has the potential to really move the needle on institutional investors’ decisions about where they put their… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/why-long-term-investors-are-killing-fossil-fuels Bank of America Joins Energy Commission Calling for $15 Trillion in Energy Cuts. Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Saint-Gobain are two of the companies that have joined – and are funding – the new Energy Transitions Commission; the group, made up mostly of energy companies and equipment suppliers, has released a report that calls for countries worldwide to spend close to $750 billion a year… https://www.energymanagertoday.com/al-gore-global-group-need-15-trillion-fight-global-warming-0169665/ California Drivers Fuel Up for a Dollar as Propel Fuels Launches 105 Octane Tour. Propel Fuels is launching the "105 Octane Tour" this week in California, offering Flex Fuel E85 for $1.05 per gallon at several retail locations to drive awareness of the fuel's high octane rating which provides increased power and acceleration, while reducing emissions and air pollution. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/california-drivers-fuel-dollar-propel-151500653.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 May 2017 15:47:59 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 2, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Bill Would Return California Carbon-Fee Money to Consumers California Senate Democrats on Monday proposed a significant overhaul of the state's cap-and-trade program that would use money raised from taxing polluters to give rebates to consumers. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2017-05-01/bill-would-return-california-carbon-fee-money-to-consumers Ontario lowers projections for cap-and-trade revenues. Ontario is lowering its projections for how much money its cap-and-trade program will bring in this year and next to allow for market fluctuations. The Liberal government estimated in last year's budget that the program would bring in $1.9 billion per year, but this year's budget projected $1.8 billion for this fiscal year, and $1.4 billion annually starting in 2018-19. http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2017/05/01/ontario-expecting-smaller-cap-and-trade-revenues.html http://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/national/canada-m-tonnes-away-from-meeting-international-emissions-promise/article_c9b1c3ec-3315-5358-af34-1ff4441ff697.html http://www.thespec.com/news-story/7271764-emissions-down-but-climate-goal-far-off/ AIR POLLUTION UK government agrees to publish air pollution strategy in next week A draft plan to tackle air pollution will finally be published within the next week, after No 10 said it would not challenge a court ruling forcing the government to release information before the election. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/02/uk-government-publish-air-pollution-strategy Judge approves Obama deal on EPA reviews After the Trump administration raised no objections, a federal judge has approved a settlement that sets firm deadlines for U.S. EPA to complete its latest reviews of air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/01/stories/1060053838 EPA asks what rules to cut, gets earful about dirty water The Trump administration got an earful Tuesday from people who say federal rules limiting air and water pollution aren't tough enough, even as it was seeking suggestions about what environmental regulations it should gut. http://www.latimes.com/nation/ct-epa-rules-cut-comments-20170502-story.html North Dakota oil refinery's air quality application amended. A Houston-based company that wants to build an oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota has amended its state air quality permit application with a new design it believes will lower emission rates and construction cost. https://www.apnews.com/2f0afb1d8b404e529b6bfd47468be933/North-Dakota-oil-refinery's-air-quality-application-amended APD Foundation to assess impact of air pollution on auto drivers' health After conducting a pulmonary function test (PFT) on the traffic police of Mangaluru city, the Anti-Pollution Drive Foundation has initiated a programme to assess the impact of air pollution on the health of auto rickshaw drivers in the city. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/apd-foundation-to-assess-impact-of-air-pollution-on-auto-drivers-health/articleshow/58464257.cms CLIMATE CHANGE State committee launching 9-stop climate change tour. The chairman of the Senate's global warming committee hopes a listening tour launching next week will pressure legislative leaders and Gov. Charlie Baker to take further action to address climate change. Senate Global Warming and Climate Change Committee Chairman Marc Pacheco said the nine-stop tour aims to keep energy policy issues "on the front burner." http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/business/ci_30957568/state-committee-launching-9-stop-climate-change-tour#ixzz4fsG4FkGO How climate change deniers’ lies made a leading sceptic change sides The head of a libertarian think tank in the US has explained how he turned from a climate science denier into a leading advocate for taking action to prevent further global warming. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-denier-lies-sceptic-change-sides-jerry-taylor-niskanen-libertarian-a7713016.html FUELS New study shows economic value of RNG in California A new jobs study reveals that deploying trucks fueled by renewable natural gas could create up to 130,000 new jobs and add $14 billion to California’s economy. http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/14339/new-study-shows-economic-value-of-rng-in-california VW RECALL How will N.J. use millions from Volkswagen settlements? As New Jersey waits to receive up to $72 million related to deals Volkswagen reached in the past year to settle consumer lawsuits and government allegations that it cheated on emissions tests, state lawmakers are starting to lay out priorities for how the money should be spent. http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2017/05/01/how-nj-use-millions-volkswagen-settlements/101159158/ GREEN ENERGY Green California may become even greener Kevin de León wants to make environmentally friendly California even greener. A day after unveiling a plan to upend California’s cap-and-trade program, Democrats in the Senate are introducing a proposal Tuesday that calls for 100 percent of the retail electricity sold in the state to come from renewable energy sources by the end of 2045. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article147971884.html#storylink=cpy NY state saves $20M through green energy, recycling. Increased recycling, greater reliance on renewable energy and less use of copy paper have saved New York state government nearly $20 million over five years. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office released a list of savings Friday that it says are the result of efforts to reduce the state's environmental impact. Since 2011, the state has reduced its use of copy paper by 35 percent. https://www.apnews.com/afb46d2294f34a2da4140bfc3508aef0/NY-state-saves-$20M-through-green-energy,-recycling Work starting on 4,000-panel solar farm in Indiana. Work is about to start on installing 4,000 panels for a solar energy farm along Interstate 65 near Columbus, Indiana. The new farm covering about seven acres is among 10 being built by Hoosier Energy to produce power for 18 electrical cooperatives in southern and central Indiana and southeastern Illinois. https://www.apnews.com/61ff7921526544d18192d59f4c608b4e/Work-starting-on-4,000-panel-solar-farm-in-Indiana 1st US offshore wind farm powering more of Rhode Island. The nation's first offshore wind farm is powering more of Rhode Island. The Block Island Power Company says it shut down its diesel generators and transferred the island's electrical grid Monday, a savings of nearly 1 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. Deepwater Wind's five turbines began generating power for the mainland grid in December. https://www.apnews.com/c2e57ae5670a403fac50994e726d03f5/1st-US-offshore-wind-farm-powering-more-of-Rhode-Island Dominion plans to add more solar to its energy mix. Dominion Virginia Power said Monday it plans to substantially increase the amount of electricity it generates from solar power in the coming decades. Virginia's largest utility laid out its long-range forecast of electricity demand and production in a regulatory filing called an integrated resource plan. https://www.apnews.com/913d1fc2d23349bfb7299c9ae8441b9f/Dominion-plans-to-add-more-solar-to-its-energy-mix MISCELLANOUS California's Clean Air Agency Endorses LA 2024's Commitment to Greenest Games in History LA 2024’s commitment to host the most sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games ever in 2024 was backed today by California’s clean air agency, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which issued a letter praising the bid committee’s approach to environmental protection. http://aroundtherings.com/site/A__59971/Title__Californias-Clean-Air-Agency-Endorses-LA-2024s-Commitment-to-Greenest-Games-in-History/292/Articles Leonardo DiCaprio Attends Climate Change March in Washington, D.C. Academy Award–winning actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio continued his work on the latter this weekend and took it back to activism basics. The superstar was spotted amongst the masses participating in a climate change march in Washington, D.C. http://www.wmagazine.com/story/leonardo-dicaprio-attends-climate-change-march OPINIONS New bill would help California combat climate change California’s cap-and-trade program, the crucial mechanism for California’s fight against climate change, is facing stiff headwinds. The California Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the program years ago, challenging the program’s legality because it functions like a tax but did not receive a two-thirds vote in the state Legislature. http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/New-bill-would-help-California-combat-climate-11113145.php Marin IJ Editorial: Marin’s ‘A’ for air quality just part of the story Marin got an “A” from the American Lung Association for having some of the cleanest air around. Our county can take pride in the high mark, but it’s no reason to breathe easy. The grade comes from the association’s 18th annual “State of the Air” report which grades the Bay Area on the number of days air pollution levels exceed federal health standards. http://www.marinij.com/opinion/20170501/marin-ij-editorial-marins-a-for-air-quality-just-part-of-the-story Reader View: Leaders must push to clean air, safe communities. Northern New Mexico is home to many sacred things that we love about calling New Mexico home: beautiful acequias and ranch land, rich and diverse cultural history, and communities that feel like (and in some cases are) family. We live in New Mexico because to us, it’s home. Our families are rooted here, and our history can be traced back generations. http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/reader-view-leaders-must-push-to-clean-air-safe-communities/article_91ece3bd-27ea-527a-a89d-f9393852f3ef.html Economics of climate change. Most of us think of climate change as an environmental issue. In reality it is more of an economic issue. In an average year extreme weather events are now costing us well over $100 billion, and some years over $200 billion. And that’s just for weather-related events such as droughts, extreme heat, extreme rain, floods and wind storms. http://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/economics-of-climate-change/article_d6b088b7-e831-5d30-a1c3-79817dbfdf35.html Bipartisan effort to undo climate change. Recently retired Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Jones, a Republican, had his guest opinion piece “During Earth Day Week, Here’s a Nonscientific Approach to Climate Change,” published in the Boise Idaho Statesman on April 17. It’s well worth reading, especially if like me you join Justice Jones in the category of nonscientist citizens… http://idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/bipartisan-effort-to-undo-climate-change/article_c3a31661-d6a6-5c32-8ea1-f206fb235f20.html U.S. hydropower: Room to grow in renewable energy production and water storage For millennia, humankind has harnessed the power of water. The ancient Romans developed the earliest water wheels to grind grain into flour. In modern times, hydropower emerged as an affordable, clean, and reliable source of renewable energy. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/1/us-hydropower-room-to-grow-in-renewable-energy-pro/ BLOGS Unmask My City: Because everyone deserves clean air and a stable climate Unmask My City launches today, which is World Asthma Day, to raise awareness of the threat of air pollution on health. This month, APHA’s Year of Climate Change and Health is looking at air quality and climate change, and our guest bloggers explore this topic in today’s post. Linda Rudolph, MD, directs the Center for Climate Change and Health at the Public Health Institute and hosts the US Climate and Health Alliance… http://www.publichealthnewswire.org/?p=17631 Suit Seeks Info About Bullying Of Federal Workers Over Climate Change A nonprofit watchdog organization has filed suit against two federal agencies, seeking any documents concerning possible harassment of federal workers amid political suppression of their work. One of the agencies, the Department of Energy, requested information almost immediately after Donald Trump moved into the White House on workers who had links to climate change issues. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-climate-change-intimidation_us_5907db46e4b05c397681cc0e Atlanta Commits To 100 Percent Renewable Energy By 2035 Atlanta lawmakers approved a measure on Monday aimed at powering the city entirely on renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, by 2035. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/atlanta-renewable-energy_us_5907ca45e4b05c397681b81b Switzerland wants to save a glacier from global warming by literally throwing cold water on it. Global warming will affect everyone on Earth, likely causing environmental devastation and human displacement at massive economic costs. Those economic effects can sometimes be forestalled by spending now to fight the effects of climate change. https://qz.com/972621/to-save-its-famous-morteratsch-glacier-switzerland-is-testing-blowing-artificial-snow-to-prevent-glacier-melt/ ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 14:26:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 3, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Presentations are available for downloading!. Ronnen Levinson, Ph.D. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and John Harvey, Ph.D. University of California, Davis Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California "Cool" (high albedo) pavements represent one part of sustainable, cool community programs that-alongside other strategies like urban forestry, solar PV, and cool roofs-help cities, regions, and the state meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and sustainable communities goals. While cool pavements can reduce GHG emissions from building energy use, mitigate urban heat islands, and improve air quality in cities, it is also important to consider the environmental consequences of pavement materials and pavement construction, and thus the life-cycle environmental impacts. For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/levinson/levinson.htm Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Ontario lowers projections for cap-and-trade revenues. The province originally expected the program to bring in $1.9 billion in revenue each year; it's now lowered those estimates considerably. Ontario is lowering its projections for how much money its cap-and-trade program will bring in this year and next to allow for market fluctuations. The Liberal government estimated in last year’s budget that the program would bring in $1.9 billion per year… http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/environment-and-safety/ontario-lowers-projections-cap-trade-revenues-192056/ As Trump reverses climate actions, California considers a bold new step. As the Trump administration continues its efforts to roll back Obama-era environmental regulations, many of the nation’s most significant efforts to combat climate change are now happening at the state and local levels — and California is among those leading the way. Now, a new proposal, announced Monday, would replace the state’s current cap-and-trade carbon pricing program... https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2017/05/02/trump-reverses-climate-actions-california-considers-bold-new-step/c8kI2n18AxtefYCujp0M5K/story.html California is about to revolutionize climate policy … again. California’s ambition on climate change policy has become dizzying to track. A few months ago, the leader of the senate introduced a bill that would commit the state to 100 percent renewable energy — and that’s not even the biggest California climate policy story of 2017.The biggest story broke yesterday, though it didn’t make much of a splash and will likely sneak under the public’s radar. Unlike “100 percent clean energy,” which is very sexy, “cap and trade” is … not.But cap and trade is the focus of a crucially important new bill, released yesterday by State Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles). https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/5/3/15512258/california-revolutionize-cap-and-trade Cap-and-Trade 2.0 – A Lesser Version of Its Better Self? The Legislature is considering two bills to extend Cap-and-Trade beyond its 2020 sunset. One of these bills, AB 378, would make Cap-and-Trade less about greenhouse gases and more about local air pollution. The 2006 law that authorized Cap-and-Trade notes that a co-benefit of reducing greenhouse gases is a reduction in local air pollution – criteria and toxic pollutants that are regulated under federal and state clean air acts. The law also prohibits greenhouse gas reduction programs from interfering with efforts to reduce local air pollution. http://www.davisvanguard.org/2017/05/cap-trade-2-0-lesser-version-better-self/ AIR POLLUTION Tests reveal vapors entered homes in El Cajon. Vapors from a dangerous chemical that runs underground in El Cajon have seeped into people’s homes, new air testing shows, contrary to what some residents were led to expect when they learned of the plume last October. In some homes, people may have breathed the gas for years or even decades. http://inewsource.org/2017/05/01/vapors-entered-homes-el-cajon/ CLIMATE CHANGE German minister to try to persuade U.S. to remain in climate pact. German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said on Tuesday she would seek to convince the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to remain part of the Paris Climate Agreement during her trip to the United States later this month. Trump, elected in November, had vowed during his campaign to withdraw from the Paris accord… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-germany-climatechange-idUSKBN17Y1E5 In the Trump White House, the momentum has turned against the Paris climate agreement. Foes of the Paris climate agreement have gained the upper hand in the ongoing debate at the White House over whether the United States should pull out of the historic pact, although President Trump has yet to make a final decision, according to participants in the discussions and those briefed on the deliberations. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/02/in-the-trump-white-house-the-momentum-has-turned-against-the-paris-climate-agreement/?utm_term=.0df6203d0732 Q&A Detailed look at the global warming ‘hiatus’ again confirms that humans are changing the climate. For years, the global warming ‘hiatus’ from 1998 to 2012 puzzled scientists and fueled skeptics looking to cast doubt on the very idea that Earth’s temperature has been on the rise, largely because of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide… http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-global-warming-hiatus-20170503-htmlstory.html https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/may/03/global-warming-hiatus-doesnt-change-long-term-climate-predictions-study Don't scrap Paris deal on global warming, Gov. Jerry Brown and other Democrats write in letter to Trump. California Gov. Jerry Brown was one of a dozen governors who sent a letter to President Trump on Wednesday urging him not to withdraw from the Paris agreement to fight global warming. "Collective action to limit emissions worldwide is critical; without collaboration, climate change will cost the world’s nations several… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-don-t-scrap-paris-deal-on-global-1493838692-htmlstory.html Study: Climate change affected spotted skunk evolution. The western spotted skunk, the 2-pound smelly creature, evolved more than a million years ago because of climate, according to new research. Adam Ferguson, the collections manager of mammals at the Field Museum in Chicago, is the lead author of a new study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution… http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/05/03/Study-Climate-change-affected-spotted-skunk-evolution/9011493832395/ NYC Creates Climate Change Roadmap for Builders: Plan for Rising Seas. The city’s new resilience guidelines map out the expected risks from sea level rise and increasing heat in the decades ahead. The nation's largest city has a message for the architects and engineers planning the New York of tomorrow: Fortify new buildings against the ravages of climate change or risk rebuilding as global warming worsens. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02052017/nyc-publishes-building-design-guidelines-adapting-climate-change Bloomberg: I hope Trump listens to Ivanka on climate. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said yesterday that he hopes President Trump "listens to his daughter" and remains a party to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Speaking to CNBC and later at financial services firm BTIG's 15th annual charity day in New York, Bloomberg said the United States is already on its way to meeting the targets… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/03/stories/1060053967 Climate change remains industry's strongest driver — report. Climate change remains an important driver for the nuclear energy industry, even in an era when climate action is sliding onto the back burner. In a paper released yesterday, a nuclear industry group and a think tank made the case that the United States should continue investing in nuclear power due to energy challenges, security concerns and rising average temperatures. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/03/stories/1060053975 Can Canada meet its Paris Agreement goals? It could already be impossible for Canada to achieve its 2030 climate targets, some energy analysts say. The country's emissions dropped by 0.7 percent to 722 million metric tons in 2015, according to the latest national inventory report. But in order to meet its goals under the Paris Agreement… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/03/stories/1060053943 DIESEL ACTIVITIES UPS Launching World’s First Fuel Cell Electric Class 6 Delivery Truck. UPS, long a catalyst for the development of advanced-fuel commercial vehicles, took another step into the future Tuesday with the introduction of the world’s first hydrogen-electric Class 6 delivery truck. The van, developed as part of a $10-million federal Department of Energy program, is the first of 17 hydrogen fuel cell vans the parcel delivery giant will be… https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/02/ups-fuel-cell-electric-delivery-truck/ https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/02/ups-testing-advanced-electric-motor/ Trash trucks in San Diego will soon be quieter, emit less pollution and be cheaper to operate. rash trucks in San Diego will be quieter, emit less pollution and cost less to operate thanks to a new $5.3 million natural gas fueling station the city unveiled Tuesday at the Miramar landfill. The station will allow the city to convert its entire fleet of 131 trash trucks from diesel to natural gas by 2022, slashing annual fuel costs as much as $1.5… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-clean-fuel-20170502-story.html Hydrogen-powered train could revolutionize rail travel. Plans for the Coradia iLint, a hydrogen-powered, zero-emission train in Germany could revolutionize rail travel. Alstom, the company behind the new trains, says the iLint is the world’s first low-floor passenger train that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to create its electricity. The trains – which are described as 60 percent less noisy than diesel trains and can travel up to 500 miles per day… http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/05/03/hydrogen-powered-train-could-revolutionize-rail-travel.html VEHICLES Combining 3 Vehicle Technologies Could Nearly Eliminate Auto Emissions. A new report finds that layering autonomous and electric tech with ride-sharing could cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. Imagine jumping into a self-driving car with two other commuters in the morning, the electric engine humming as you drive through smooth traffic and past empty parking lots… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/combining-3-vehicle-technologies-could-nearly-eliminate-auto-emissions/ 'Revolutions' could eliminate auto emissions — report. Imagine jumping into a self-driving car with two other commuters in the morning, the electric engine humming as you drive through smooth traffic and past empty parking lots, before arriving at work and paying a couple of dollars for the ride. The auto industry and researchers say this utopian view of transportation is on the horizon… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060053971/feed VW RECALL VW resumes U.S. diesel sales after emissions scandal. Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) said on Wednesday it resumed selling diesel cars in the United States last month, and that they accounted for nearly 12 percent of its April sales, a sign consumer demand for such cars had not been dampened by its emissions scandal. The world's largest automaker by sales was barred by U.S. authorities in September 2015… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN17Z2ET GREEN ENERGY Bill aims to go 100% renewable a lot faster than planned. California's Senate leader yesterday put forth an aggressive proposal to generate all of the state's electricity from renewable energy by 2045. Democratic Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León's S.B. 100 would accelerate the state's existing renewable targets and set an eventual goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/03/stories/1060053973 MISCELLANEOUS 23 Environmental Rules Rolled Back in Trump’s First 100 Days. President Trump, with help from his administration and Republicans in Congress, has reversed course on nearly two dozen environmental rules, regulations and other Obama-era policies during his first 100 days in office. Citing federal overreach and burdensome regulations, Mr. Trump has prioritized domestic fossil fuel interests… https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/02/climate/environmental-rules-reversed-trump-100-days.html?_r=1 Older, denser neighborhoods offer better access to everyday destinations, UCI study finds. Proximity of homes to restaurants and stores reduces traffic congestion, CO2 emissions. Residents of older, denser, lower-income neighborhoods and smaller, multifamily homes in Southern California can more easily access commonly frequented sites such as grocery stores, restaurants… https://news.uci.edu/press-releases/older-denser-neighborhoods-offer-better-access-to-everyday-destinations-uci-study-finds/ OPINIONS Bret Stephens Takes On Climate Change. Readers Unleash Their Fury. Jim Thomas is a gay man living in a red state. He has friends who voted for Donald Trump and he interacts daily with people whose political views he finds questionable. Which is fine, because he believes that hearing perspectives different from your own is essential to healthy public discourse. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/03/public-editor/bret-stephens-climate-change-liz-spayd-public-editor.html?_r=0 http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-goldberg-bret-stephens-climate-denial-20170501-story.html Cap-and-Trade 2.0 – A Lesser Version of Its Better Self? The Legislature is considering two bills to extend Cap-and-Trade beyond its 2020 sunset. One of these bills, AB 378, would make Cap-and-Trade less about greenhouse gases and more about local air pollution. The 2006 law that authorized Cap-and-Trade notes that a co-benefit of reducing greenhouse gases is a reduction in local air pollution… http://www.davisvanguard.org/2017/05/cap-trade-2-0-lesser-version-better-self/ Can California Tap Carbon Markets To Save Its Delta (And Its Drinking Water)? Fifty miles inland from San Francisco, cows are grazing on lush grass, and small purple flowers seem to pop out of every bush. In the distance, a sailboat glides across the treetops – and it’s not a mirage. It’s because I’m looking up. This idyllic farmland is twenty feet below sea level… http://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/california-delta/ Should US exit the Paris climate deal? Some fossil-fuel firms say no. As a candidate, Donald Trump appealed to Americans’ worries about jobs by vowing to pull the US out of the Paris climate agreement and end job-killing environmental regulations. But what happens if President Trump calls for a revolt on the international agreement and corporate America doesn’t show up? http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2017/0502/Should-US-exit-the-Paris-climate-deal-Some-fossil-fuel-firms-say-no BLOGS The U.S. Auto Industry Needs Fuel-Efficiency Gains To Remain Globally Competitive. Abandoning fuel economy innovation is certainly not in the interests of American consumers. Last month, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that directed his administration to bury its head in the sand when it comes to climate science and clean electricity. He tried to sell this plan as a way to increase energy independence. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-us-auto-industry-needs-fuel-efficiency-gains_us_5909ff76e4b05279d4edc1b3 California is about to revolutionize climate policy … again. The state’s cap-and-trade program would be replaced by a new, sleeker one. California’s ambition on climate change policy has become dizzying to track. A few months ago, the leader of the senate introduced a bill that would commit the state to 100 percent renewable energy — and that’s not even the biggest California climate policy story of 2017. https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/5/3/15512258/california-revolutionize-cap-and-trade ExxonMobil and SaudiAramco to write intergovernmental report on impacts of global warming. 108 national and international environmental organizations sent a letter to the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to raise their concerns about the selection of authors for the special report on the impacts of global warming, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will present next year. https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/270-general/52944-exxonmobil-and-saudiaramco-to-write-intergovernmental-report-on-impacts-of-global-warming.html Consider a medical approach to global warming. Could physicians offer guidance on responding to global warming? The story below demonstrates the consequence of waiting when potential tragedy looms: High fevers wracked a man’s body as he was admitted to the hospital. Blood cultures and lab tests were taken. An intern, a young doctor-in-training, wrote up a ‘differential’… http://www.standard.net/Letters/2017/05/03/Global-warming-EPA-coal-air-quality-greenhouse-gases-fossil-fuels-letter-Kluthe.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, 4 May 2017 11:33:59 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 4, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 4, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf AIR POLLUTION Sandstorm blankets huge area of China in dusty pollution. A sandstorm blown by gusting winds enveloped a huge area of central and northern China on Thursday in thick pollution hazardous to people venturing outdoors. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory advised people to minimize time spent outdoors and forecast that the murky conditions would linger into Friday morning. https://www.apnews.com/01cf539e0fa64c33ae03fef9e2e1d164/Sandstorm-blankets-huge-area-of-China-in-dusty-pollution Lakeview Collins sawmill hit with DEQ fine. Collins Pine Co.’s sawmill operation in Lakeview was issued a $7,200 fine for exceeding air pollution restrictions, according to a release by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The penalty was issued for exceeding grain loading particulate matter emission limits from one of its two boilers at the facility’s wood products mill, located just north of Lakeview. http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/lakeview-collins-sawmill-hit-with-deq-fine/article_c8bedd94-2c24-5f9f-a8ce-004d76faf39c.html The cost of air conditioning: Major emissions spike. When summer temperatures climb, so do power plant releases of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. With air conditioning being one obvious connection, a new study seeks to quantify the impact on a state-by-state basis, finding that the price of indoor cooling is hundreds of tons of added emissions each day. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/04/stories/1060054071 CLIMATE CHANGE Cuomo joins governors urging Trump to uphold climate deal. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo has joined 11 other governors prodding President Donald Trump to participate in international efforts to combat climate change. The governors sent a joint letter to Trump on Tuesday urging him to uphold the United States’ greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. https://www.apnews.com/0f5b0b10cd71402b9d8b0b86016242b7/Cuomo-joins-governors-urging-Trump-to-uphold-climate-deal Can state run on sun and wind alone? California weighs aggressive climate change measures. Faced with a presidential administration that’s dialing back climate change policies, California is getting even more aggressive on battling greenhouse gases. Electric utilities in California already are working to generate half of their power through solar and other renewable energy sources by 2030, one of the most aggressive timetables in the nation. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article148503269.html#storylink=cpy Could making climate change a 'pro-life' issue bring conservatives on board? The message is targeted at evangelicals and other conservatives, but many Americans do not see climate change as a moral issue, at least not yet. The terms "pro-life" and "pro-environment" are not normally linked, but a growing number of Christian leaders insist they should be. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0502/Could-making-climate-change-a-pro-life-issue-bring-conservatives-on-board Another study disputes uncertainty over global warming 'pause'. A growing body of evidence has diminished a favorite talking point of Washington politicians who reject mainstream climate science. For conservatives who oppose environmental regulations, the appearance of a "pause" in global warming between 1998 and 2012 is evidence that the understanding of climate science is limited and… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/04/stories/1060054027 DIESEL ACTIVITIES BYD showcases battery-electric trucks, buses at ACT Expo. BYD is showcasing the latest advancements in battery-electric buses, trucks and materials handling equipment this week at the 2017 ACT Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center. “BYD continues to lead the industry with its advanced battery technologies that make electric buses, trucks and materials handling equipment cost competitive with other alternative fuel vehicle options today… http://fleetowner.com/equipment/byd-showcases-battery-electric-trucks-buses-act-expo Proterra Initiates America’s First Autonomous Bus Test Project in Nevada. Electric bus maker Proterra wants people to feel comfortable about traveling by autonomous buses and its test program in Nevada is to be a first step. The company is working with transportation agencies and the University of Nevada-Reno’s Living Lab Coalition to launch a three-phase R&D pilot project for “safer mobility solutions” … http://www.hybridcars.com/proterra-initiates-americas-first-autonomous-bus-program-nevada/ FUELS Reliance Becomes First Customer for Its Own Coal-Bed Methane. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Ltd. has become the first buyer of coal-bed methane produced from its own block in central India after agreeing to pay the highest price for the fuel, according to the company’s website. The company bid $4.23 per million British thermal units… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-04/reliance-becomes-first-customer-for-its-own-coal-bed-methane Methane Rule Repeal Hits Snag in Senate Over Ethanol. A top oil industry priority on Capitol Hill may fall victim to an unrelated dispute over ethanol. At stake is an Interior Department rule forcing energy companies to curb emissions of methane escaping from wells and pipelines on public land. Senate Republican leaders say they are close to getting the 51 votes they need to overturn that Obama-era regulation… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-02/methane-rule-repeal-said-to-hit-snag-in-senate-over-ethanol Inside The Debate Over Repealing Curbs On Methane Leaks. A deadline is fast approaching for Republican lawmakers who want to undo an Obama-era regulation that aims to limit the emissions of methane — a powerful greenhouse gas — from energy production sites on public lands. The oil and gas industry is lobbying lawmakers to permanently repeal the rule, as it has other recent environmental regulations… http://www.npr.org/2017/05/03/526729339/inside-the-debate-over-repealing-curbs-on-methane-leaks Pruitt considering Senate-sought ethanol waiver. PATH FORWARD ON ETHANOL, METHANE? EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt may have opened a path for Senate Republicans to appease a small bloc of their caucus seeking a year-round waiver to sell 15 percent ethanol fuel and thereby boost the chamber’s odds of repealing of an Obama-era methane regulation, Pro’s Eric Wolff reports. http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2017/05/pruitt-considering-senate-sought-ethanol-waiver-220130 Ethanol fight complicates push to repeal Obama drilling rule. A handful of GOP senators have said they might hold up legislation to repeal an Obama administration oil and natural gas drilling rule to secure a vote on an ethanol policy change. The group, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Thune (R-N.D.), have long pushed legislation to overturn federal policy that effectively prevents sales of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol — known as E15… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/331757-ethanol-fight-complicates-push-to-repeal-obama-drilling-rule Biofuels firm indicted in fraudulent fuel credit scheme: Justice Department. A Pennsylvania biofuels firm and its co-owners have been indicted on conspiracy charges in a scheme that generated $10 million in renewable fuel credits from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-crime-biofuels-keystone-idUSKBN18023X Bioenergy increases emissions in Europe. The way the EU Emission Trading (ETS) has been set up, means that replacement of coal or gas with biomass will lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, writes Rauli Partanen, freelance author and analyst. And in combination with the renewable energy targets all EU member states have, this is exactly what our policies encourage us to do. http://www.theenergycollective.com/raulipartanen/2403678/bioenergy-increases-emissions-europe Boating leaders ask Trump to change ethanol policy. Boating and fishing industry leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump Wednesday asking the administration to reexamine the Renewable Fuel Standard that dictates how much of the nation's fuel supply must be from alternative energy sources. http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2017/05/boating_leaders_ask_trump_to_c.html VEHICLES California has invested $559M in cap-and-trade funds in ZEVs; state represents more than 40% of US ZEV sales. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced that California Climate Investments in zero-emission vehicles have reached $599 million since 2013, putting hundreds of thousands of ultra-clean cars, and entire fleets of zero-emission trucks and buses on California roads and highways. ARB made the announcement at the annual Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/05/20170504-cci.html 2017 Could Prove to Be a Turning Point for Plug-In Hybrids. Until recently, if you wanted to ditch your gas guzzler and go electric, there were few choices. You could take the high road and opt for a $70,000 luxury vehicle, like the Tesla Model S, or take the low road and choose a more modest commuter, like the $31,000 Nissan Leaf. But this year, all that appears to be changing. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/automobiles/wheels/plug-in-electric-hybrid-automobiles.html?_r=1 Which carmakers show CA 2025 zero-emission vehicle rules are already within reach? The sales growth of electric cars has made strides in recent years, and California's Zero-Emission Vehicle mandate has more than a little to do with that. The program adopted by the state of California more than 20 years ago, and much modified since then, requires that carmakers sell a certain number of zero-emission models in California and 10 states that have adopted its emission rules. What's less well known is that certain automakers have already surpassed the expectations, according to David Reichmuth, senior engineer in the Union of Concerned Scientists' Clean Vehicles Program. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110266_which-carmakers-show-ca-2025-zero-emission-vehicle-rules-are-already-within-reach Tesla 1Q loss widens on higher spending ahead of Model 3. Electric car maker Tesla’s first-quarter loss widened 17 percent to $330 million as it ramped up spending ahead of the launch of its Model 3 sedan and its growing solar energy business. The loss equaled $2.04 per share, compared to a loss of $2.13 a year ago. Excluding one-time items, Tesla reported a loss of $1.33 per share… https://www.apnews.com/7efff91cbe6a4f27b80b2bb4167809ac/Tesla-1Q-loss-widens-on-higher-spending-ahead-of-Model-3 China Bets $1.2 Billion on E-Cars in Volkswagen's Germany. China’s Beijing WKW Automotive Parts Co. is betting on the future of electric mobility in Germany with a billion-euro factory nearby plants owned by Volkswagen AG and BMW AG. Beijing WKW will invest as much as 1.13 billion euros ($1.24 billion) on an electric car factory in the eastern state of Saxony that will create over 1,000 new jobs… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-04/china-bets-1-2-billion-on-electric-cars-in-volkswagen-s-germany Zero-emission vehicles are big business in California. The California Air Resources Board says the state’s “climate investments” in zero-emission vehicles have reached $599 million since 2013, putting hundreds of thousands of ultra-clean cars, and entire fleets of zero-emission trucks and buses on California roads and highways. “Investing in zero-emission cars, trucks and buses is a smart… http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32566 http://electriccarsreport.com/2017/05/infographic-california-invested-559m-zero-emission-vehicles-since-2013/ http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/05/20170504-cci.html https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060054045/feed Energy use for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles: higher than electrics, even hybrids (analysis). It's now clear that the zero-emission vehicles of the future will be powered by electric motors. The electricity to power those motors, however, will come from one of two competing technologies: high-capacity batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. The debate over which technology is superior, which has the lowest wells-to-wheels carbon footprint… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110239_energy-use-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-higher-than-electrics-even-hybrids-analysis Which carmakers show CA 2025 zero-emission vehicle rules are already within reach? The sales growth of electric cars has made strides in recent years, and California's Zero-Emission Vehicle mandate has more than a little to do with that. The program adopted by the state of California more than 20 years ago, and much modified since then, requires that carmakers sell a certain number of zero-emission models… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110266_which-carmakers-show-ca-2025-zero-emission-vehicle-rules-are-already-within-reach Plug-in electric car sales for Apr: Bolt EV back over 1,000 (updated). WIth four-figure sales for both its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, GM probably led April's plug-in electric car sales. The "probably" comes because Tesla refuses to release its deliveries broken down either by month or by country, meaning there's no data to compare. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110224_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-apr-bolt-ev-back-over-1000 VOLKSWAGEN VW Squeezes Costs to Brace for Cash Drain From Diesel Damages. Volkswagen AG’s push to squeeze costs from its struggling namesake car brand provided a critical lift to earnings as the world’s biggest automaker braces for an unprecedented cash drain from the diesel-cheating crisis. First-quarter operating profit widened to 7.8 percent of revenue from 6.8 percent a year earlier… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-03/volkswagen-profitability-surges-on-turnaround-following-scandal VW looks to natural gas as it pivots away from diesel. Natural gas VW could help keep fleet emissions low, but no word yet on timing. In the wake of the ongoing Volkswagen diesel scandal, VW is exploring options outside diesel that could help it lower emissions and improve fleet fuel economy. One potential avenue is cars that run on natural gas, and VW has been talking with… http://autoweek.com/article/green-cars/vw-looks-natural-gas-lower-fleet-emissions-it-pivots-diesel#ixzz4g7hsAbAm GREEN ENERGY Italy's Building Energy Completes Its Wind Project in Iowa. Building Energy SpA, an Italian renewable-energy company, completed a 30-megawatt wind farm in Iowa, its first in the state. The project in Story, Boone, Hardin and Poweshiek counties can power about 11,000 households, Milan-based Building Energy said in a statement Thursday. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-04/italy-s-building-energy-completes-its-wind-project-in-iowa President Trump taps solar-funding critic to run renewable energy office. The Trump administration has named a fervent critic of government support for wind and solar projects to oversee federal renewable energy programs. The Department of Energy confirmed Wednesday that Dan Simmons will lead its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-taps-solar-funding-critic-run-renewable-energy-office-article-1.3135553 http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-renewable-energy-critic-to-oversee-wind-and-solar-programs-2017-5 President Trump Could Save First Solar. A new legal petition could provide pricing relief for U.S. solar companies. Shares of First Solar, Inc. (ticker: FSLR) surged more than 12 percent on Wednesday following a big first-quarter earnings beat and guidance raise. However, the long-term outlook for U.S. solar stocks could hinge on… http://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/2017-05-04/president-trump-could-save-first-solar-inc-fslr Pitting Wind and Solar Against Nuclear Power. With US electricity demand stalled, expanding wind and solar power is increasing the economic pressure on equally low-emission nuclear power. New state incentives for nuclear plants are facing resistance from the beneficiaries of renewable energy subsidies, as both battle for market share. It’s an old adage that a growth market… http://www.theenergycollective.com/geoffrey-styles/2403683/pitting-wind-solar-nuclear-power US Wind Industry To Install 59 Gigawatts Over Next Decade, Forecasts MAKE Consulting. MAKE Consulting has published its latest forecast for the North American wind industry, predicting that the United States will install approximately 59 gigawatts of new wind capacity between 2017 and 2026, driven by a “precarious boom and bust” cycle. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/04/us-wind-industry-install-59-gw-next-decade-make/ MISCELLANEOUS California Agency Endorses LA 2024 Clean Air Policies. Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and its commitment to stage the “greenest Games in history” has been endorsed by California’s clean air agency, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which last month issued a letter to bid chair Casey Wasserman lauding the project’s approach to environmental protection. https://gamesbids.com/eng/featured/california-agency-endorses-la-2024-clean-air-policies/ OPINIONS Trump: Crazy Like a Fox, or Just Crazy? Has the first 100 days of the presidency made Donald Trump nuts? I don’t ask that question as a doctor. I don’t do medical diagnoses. I ask it as a newspaper reader. You read all of Trump’s 100-day interviews and they are just bizarre. Out of nowhere Trump tells us he would be “honored” to negotiate directly with the leader of North Korea, after weeks of threatening war. Out of nowhere he says he would consider a gasoline tax… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/03/opinion/trump-crazy-like-a-fox-or-just-crazy.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fthomas-l-friedman&action=click&contentCollection=opinion®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection&_r=1 Yay, the drought is over. Now let's save our dying urban trees. When Gov. Jerry Brown pronounced an end to the drought emergency last month — but not to the possibility of another drought — it would have been just like him to quote another eminent Californian, the naturalist John Muir, who said that “we all travel the Milky Way together, trees and men.” http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-ol-patt-morrison-igor-lacan-drought-trees-20170503-htmlstory.html Will we be passive or confront coming climate changes? | Letters. I have read with interest a number of letters to the editor describing climate change as just another natural adjustment by Mother Nature, comparable to ice ages and warming periods of the distant past. This passive acceptance of what's to come leaves out a few important differences. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/letters/fl-letter-climate-change-acceptance-20170504-story.html EPA committed to regulating mercury 17 years ago. Now it’s having second thoughts. Jack Lienke is a senior attorney at the Institute for Policy Integrity and a coauthor, with Richard L. Revesz, of Struggling for Air: Power Plants and the “War on Coal.” Have you read Bleak House by Charles Dickens? Me neither — it’s very long — but I did watch the miniseries plants. http://grist.org/opinion/epa-committed-to-regulating-mercury-17-years-ago-now-its-having-second-thoughts/ Struggling to make California affordable. The issue of affordability is hitting critical mass in regions throughout the state. However, Sacramento seems completely disconnected from this reality. In fact, Sacramento has the entire state on the fast lane towards making California even more unaffordable. http://capitolweekly.net/struggling-make-california-affordable/ BLOGS At ACT Expo, Automakers Bullish on Landscape for Advanced Fuel Vehicles. Everything from smart cities to connected heavy-duty trucks to autonomous vehicles (AVs) to electrification to energy policy were hot topics at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach this year. There’s clearly growing momentum in the alternative vehicle space that has vast potential to chip away at petroleum’s hold over transportation. http://energyfuse.org/act-expo-speakers-attendees-bullish-solutions-fighting-petroleums-monopoly-transportation-sector/ The case for President Trump to uphold the Paris climate agreement. In February, in his joint address to Congress, President Trump promised to work with both parties to promote clean air and clean water. The president’s actions, however, do not reflect the words he delivered to us that day. Among his first actions: appointing an Environmental Protection Agency administrator who made his name trying to block that very agency from keeping our water clean. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/331841-the-case-for-president-trump-to-uphold-the-paris ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 16:33:48 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 5, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 5, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm May 8, 2017: Public Workshop to discuss ARB's Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Program. At this workshop, ARB staff will present an overview of activities taken by the CCS program in 2016, and an initial concept of a Quantification Methodology (QM) and Permanence Protocol for CCS. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccs/meetings/meetings.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE California Reports $559M In Cap-and-Trade Revenue Has Gone Into Clean Vehicles. California has put $559 million into electrified cars, trucks, and buses through the state’s cap-and-trade revenue since 2013. During ACT Expo in Long Beach, Calif., the California Air Resources Board announced that the state has invested those funds into thousands of electrified and fuel cell vehicles and demonstration projects. http://www.hybridcars.com/california-reports-559m-in-cap-and-trade-revenue-has-gone-into-clean-vehicles/ California Bill to Make Cap and Trade Similar to Carbon Fee and Dividend. California state Senators Bob Wieckowski and Kevin De León introduced a bill this week that would update the state’s 5-year-old cap and trade system to have some remarkable similarities to CCL’s Carbon Fee and Dividend. The bill would shift cap and trade starting in 2021 to include a steadily rising carbon price… http://citizensclimatelobby.org/california-bill-make-cap-trade-similar-carbon-fee-dividend/ Offset providers say new carbon-pricing bill is 'horrific'. The carbon offset industry is reeling from a new proposal by California lawmakers that would shut them out of the state's carbon market after 2020. S.B. 775, unveiled Monday by state Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León (D) and Senate Environmental Quality Committee Chairman Bob Wieckowski (D), would end the state's current cap-and-trade system… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/05/stories/1060054111 AIR POLLUTION Court ruling is a first step toward controlling air pollution from livestock farms. (THE CONVERSATION) Editor’s note: Most livestock farming in industrialized countries takes place on large enclosed farms, known in the United States as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), that house hundreds or thousands of animals. Many environmental and public health groups say CAFOs are major air and water polluters and should be regulated more stringently. https://apnews.com/b94101738d7a47c3ba299f7b979ed176 Bay Area air hits healthy milestone thanks to tough wood-burning rules. The Bay Area has cleaned up its air enough to meet the federal health standard for soot and fine pollution particles after a long and controversial campaign to reduce wood burning. In making the announcement Thursday, Bay Area air quality regulators said it’s good news for people at risk of asthma and emphysema attacks… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/04/bay-area-air-hits-healthy-milestone-thanks-to-tough-wood-burning-rules/ State of the Air: California and Bay Area cities among top 10 most polluted in nation. California cities dominated a list of top 10 most polluted regions published by the American Lung Association. The State of the Air 2017 is based on air quality monitoring from 2013 to 2015. The Visalia-Porterville-Hanford areas in San Joaquin County had the highest level of year-round-particle pollution in the country. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/05/state-of-the-air-california-and-bay-area-cities-among-top-10-most-polluted-in-nation/ Air pollution lawsuit set to go ahead despite delayed government plan. Class action on behalf of asthma suffers may still go ahead over repeated failure to tackle illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide. Lawyers are taking a class action against the government over its repeated failures to clean up illegal levels of air pollution, the Guardian can reveal, as ministers publish a long-awaited plan to reduce diesel emissions. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/04/government-faces-class-action-on-air-pollution-in-landmark-case Survey: Environment and sustainability professionals united over air pollution fears. Some 97 per cent of UK environment and sustainability experts believe tackling air pollution should be a top priority for the next government. The vast majority of environment and sustainability professionals want to see the government take urgent action to tackle air pollution… http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3009510/survey-environment-and-sustainability-professionals-united-over-air-pollution-fears Air pollution from fumes. Construction firm burns discarded shoes to melt pitch. Burning of discarded shoes made of synthetic materials to melt pitch is causing severe air pollution in Dakkhin Motukpur village of Domar upazila. Messrs SM Shafiqul Alam, a construction firm in the district, is using the discarded shoes for melting pitch instead of coal or wood. This causes air pollution from dense smoke and fumes. http://www.thedailystar.net/country/air-pollution-fumes-1401007 Researchers find monetary value of air quality in China. Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and Peking University have found that Chinese families are willing to invest up to 6 percent of their annual income in efforts to improve air quality. Published in Ecological Economics on March 7, the study aimed to determine the amount people are willing to pay for efforts to reduce air pollution… http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/51189 CLIMATE CHANGE Scientists call for more precision in global warming predictions. Researchers from Harvard University, Princeton University and the Environmental Defense Fund proposed a new, more precise way to measure the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on Earth's climate in an article published on Thursday in the academic journal Science. The proposal, titled "Unmask temporal trade-offs in climate policy debates”… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-climatechange-model-idUSKBN1802E2 States Move to Roll Back Environmental Rules in Trump’s Wake. Emboldened by the environmental rollbacks of President Donald Trump, state legislatures are following suit, taking aim at items as varied as solar incentives, chemical spill protections and, even, anti-pipeline protesters. The legislation in states from Florida to Wisconsin comes as the Environmental Protection Agency under… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-05-05/states-move-to-roll-back-environmental-rules-in-trump-s-wake We would need 1.7 Earths to make our consumption sustainable. President Trump has acted on his campaign promises to reverse Obama’s environmental policies and proposed a budget that would significantly slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s funding in an effort to take federal responsibility out of environmental regulations. https://www.washingtonpost.com/classic-apps/we-would-need-17-earths-to-make-our-consumption-sustainable/2017/05/04/2b2c2de8-30e2-11e7-8674-437ddb6e813e_story.html?utm_term=.3ada21b41496 Logging Plays Bigger Climate Change Role Than U.S. Acknowledges, Report Says. Officials underestimate the role that preserving forests can play in addressing the climate crisis, according to the Dogwood Alliance. The U.S. has consistently underestimated the impact that logging has on accelerating climate change and the role that preserving its forests can play in sucking carbon out of the atmosphere. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05052017/climate-change-biomass-renewable-energy-coal-deforestation-paris-climate-agreement Climate Change Is Causing The Dissolved Oxygen In World's Oceans To Plummet. The planet is warming, and so are its oceans. Between 1901 and 2015, as the oceans’ heat absorbing capacity was stretched to its limits, the average surface temperature of the world’s oceans of rose at an average rate of 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, and temperatures in the shallowest waters… http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-causing-dissolved-oxygen-worlds-oceans-plummet-2535134 Republicans in California say they're ready to work on climate change. Should Democrats take them seriously? As Republican leader of the California Assembly, Mayes oversees just 25 of the body's 80 members, giving him little political power. Democrats hold two-thirds supermajorities in both houses of the state Legislature, meaning they can pass whatever measures they want if they mostly stick together… http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2017/05/05/republicans-california-say-theyre-ready-work-climate-change/310421001/ Total EU emissions tied to fossil fuels declined last year. Combined emissions of carbon dioxide for the European Union declined slightly from last year, though big contributors to pollution posted gains, data show. Eurostat, the record-keeping arm of the European Union, reported a preliminary estimate for carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels declined 0.4 percent compared with last year. http://www.upi.com/Energy-News/2017/05/05/Total-EU-emissions-tied-to-fossil-fuels-declined-last-year/6741493984306/ Negative emissions tech: can more trees, carbon capture or biochar solve our CO2 problem? As CO2 levels rise, controversial techniques including carbon capture and storage, enhanced weathering and reforestation may be solutions. In the 2015 Paris climate agreement, 195 nations committed to limit global warming to two degrees above pre-industrial levels. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/may/05/negative-emissions-tech-can-more-trees-carbon-capture-or-biochar-solve-our-co2-problem California celebrates emissions-funding milestone at ACT Expo. Nearly $600 million from new program spurring clean technologies, but CARB warns stricter rules still needed. California often is considered a dirty word among truckers. That is partly due to the state’s aggressive truck and bus emissions regulations, which truckers say adds costs to an already complex regulatory environment at the federal level. http://fleetowner.com/running-green/california-celebrates-emissions-funding-milestone-act-expo Court to decide if state can cap sea walls at 20 years. The California Supreme Court is deciding whether the state can place limits on homeowners who want to build a sea wall. California Supreme Court justices yesterday scrutinized state rules on sea walls in a case that could impact myriad homes on bluffs and beaches affected by climate change. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/05/stories/1060054088 Global methodology aims to make 'no deforestation' easier. A metric widely used by companies, governments and communities to protect the world's most carbon-rich forests is getting a face-lift. The High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach is a science-based methodology that categorizes forests based on how much carbon they store and their biodiversity. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/05/stories/1060054090 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Trucking Industry Poised for Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Growth. Sexy Tesla sports cars aren’t the only vehicles that deserve the battery treatment – drayage vehicles, school buses, garbage trucks and cargo haulers are also going electric. And the ranks of those medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles are swelling… https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/05/trucking-industry-electric-heavy-duty-truck-growth/ VDL Bus & Coach Receives Order For Largest Electric Bus Fleet In Europe. Electric bus manufacturer VDL Bus & Coach has announced the receipt of an order for 100 of its VDL Citeas SLFA electric buses and 18 of its VDL Futura FDD2, the company’s flagship electric double-decker bus. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/05/vdl-announces-order-for-118-electric-buses/ EPA Announces Settlements for California Truck, Bus Regulation Violations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced recent settlements with three companies totaling $201,000 in penalties for violating California’s Truck and Bus Regulation. According to the EPA, the companies either failed to install particulate filters on their own heavy-duty diesel trucks or failed to verify that trucks they hired for use in California complied with the state rule. https://ngtnews.com/epa-announces-settlements-california-truck-bus-regulation-violations Elon Musk Explains Why Tesla Wants Electric Semi Truck. The first details are coming out about the plans of Tesla Inc. and its Chief Executive Elon Musk to build an electric semi-truck. “I don't want to jump the gun on the Tesla semi-truck unveiling later this year, but I think, it's going to be a good product… https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/04/elon-musk-tesla-electric-semi-truck-2/ Trucking Leaders Plan to Stay Course on Phase 2 GHG Regs. Government rules on trucking are getting trickier to navigate, especially amid challenges from the Trump administration and variations across the global market. But at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo – at the Long Beach, Calif., convention center this week – major industry players pledged to stay the course on advancements in fuel economy… https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/04/trucking-leaders-stay-course-phase-2-ghg-regs/ FUELS Pruitt wants Brown 'at the table' for standards review. U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has asked California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to participate in the review of federal vehicle emissions and mileage requirements. In a Tuesday letter to Brown, Pruitt said he had "made a commitment to follow the principles of cooperative federalism and underlying environmental statutes and that means ensuring states have a seat at the… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/05/stories/1060054112 VEHICLES Electric Car Sales Are Suddenly Taking Off in Europe. After meager growth in 2016, this year is starting strong thanks to a new Renault. It’s no secret that Americans are embracing electric cars. But new data show that increasingly Europeans are too. Sales of battery-powered cars soared 38 percent in the first quarter after models including Renault SA’s improved Zoe won buyers in Germany and Spain. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-04/electric-car-sales-are-suddenly-taking-off-in-europe Navy base in San Diego gets fast-charging station as part of coming fleet of electric cars. The San Diego Naval Base unveiled on Friday its first so-called DC fast-charging station for electric vehicles, the latest move in a push to green up the regional military’s fleet of light-duty vehicles. Along with the dozens of recently installed chargers around California, officials plan to roll out more than 200 new electric vehicles in coming... http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-navy-charging-stations-20170505-story.html CARB Invests Heavily in New Generation of Clean Vehicles for California Roads. The California Air Resource Board is making moves to accelerate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by putting more clean vehicles on roads and highways in its home state. Since 2013, California Climate Investments – a statewide program that funds myriad efforts to improve the economy, environment and public health… https://www.trucks.com/2017/05/04/carb-invests-clean-vehicles-california/ Carmakers might need carbon trading to 'survive' in 2025. Carmakers will rely on carbon credits earned today from overcomplying with emissions and fuel economy standards to meet increasingly strict standards in the future, according to a new report. The new analysis will likely bolster automakers' arguments that the existing corporate average fuel economy regulations are too complicated and burdensome. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/05/stories/1060054113 VW RECALL VW looks to halt losses in Americas, Russia by 2020. Volkswagen's (VOWG_p.DE) core brand has pledged to end losses in the United States, Latin America and Russia by the end of the decade, counting on cost cuts and higher-margin new models as it tries to move beyond its diesel emissions crisis. Europe's largest automaker is pursuing efficiency measures to generate billions of euros for investment in electric cars… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-strategy-idUSKBN1810QE MISCELLANEOUS Tahoe National Forest’s Truckee Ranger District to Begin Spring Prescribed Fire Operations. The Truckee Ranger District, part of the Tahoe National Forest, will conduct prescribed fires this spring to reduce build-up of hazardous fuels and continue ecological restoration. Planned projects include low-to-moderate intensity understory burns of forest litter and vegetation on the forest floor. https://yubanet.com/regional/tahoe-national-forests-truckee-ranger-district-to-begin-spring-prescribed-fire-operations/ OPINIONS This Is the Pivotal Moment in the Fight Against Climate Change. Momentum is building in the Trump administration to leave the Paris Agreement on climate change in the coming weeks — which would put the global climate deal in danger of becoming a largely symbolic pact, rather than a meaningful move that slows the pace of global warming. Reports that the U.S. might soon leave the Paris Agreement — the decision is far from final… http://time.com/4766881/paris-agreement-climate-change-trump/ Natural Gas Exports Can Solve U.S. Energy Glut. Easing access to foreign markets is the key to lifting depressed prices. The slogan “Made in the U.S.A.” resonates with Americans, except when there’s too much of a given product being made, which forces down prices along with the industry. One example is natural gas, where U.S. inventories have been largely above average for the last two years. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-05-05/natural-gas-exports-can-solve-u-s-energy-glut Emphasizing uncertainty about climate change is the new form of denialism. To the editor: Jonah Goldberg delights in the fact that his fellow conservative writer Bret Stephens has “trolled” liberals in his inaugural column at the New York Times. Stephens’ position can be summed up as such: Yes, humans are causing global temperatures to rise, but the range of estimates includes numbers that are not so bad. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-climate-change-bret-stephens-20170504-story.html Letter: Climate change not a liberal-only cause. I thank you for the coverage you have provided of the March for Science. I was there myself, thankfully under a tent, and very glad to be part of a group that understood the grand importance of not losing sight of that which has contributed so much to our society and humanity as a whole: scientific thought and empiricism. http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/letters/2017/05/05/letter-climate-change-not-liberal-only-cause/311266001/ The Drought Is Not Over. When we hear “The drought is over,” we know down deep it is not over. We have just received a reprieve. Clearly, California does not have enough water for the people and the products it grows. Something has to give. We can’t continue to increase the number of people, and keep our agriculture at the level it is now, unless we increase water conservation and water storage. http://www.mercedcountytimes.net/editorials/050417_drought.html BLOGS GREENHOUSE GAS MONEY FLOWS. California’s Cap and Trade program has surpassed $500 million for funding zero-emission vehicles in our state. The Air Resources Board says the money helped subsidize over 520 passenger vehicles in Kern County, plus 74 pollution-free trucks for local businesses. Companies in disadvantaged communities can see even more savings. http://www.kuzz.com/2017/05/03/greenhouse-gas-money-flows/ It's time for the Conservatives to clear up their air pollution mess. Today's air quality plan could provide a welcome boost to low emission technologies, or it could prove a cynical exercise in political positioning. Before we look at the somewhat dispiriting detail of the long-awaited draft air quality plan, it is worth setting the record straight on a few issues. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/blog-post/3009575/its-time-for-the-conservatives-to-clear-the-air Government Plans To Tackle Air Pollution ‘Woefully Inadequate’, Say Campaigners. Just 9,000 diesel cars out of two million could be eligible for scrappage under new scheme. Government plans to tackle air pollution across the country have been branded ‘woefully inadequate’ by leading campaigners. Defra was forced to publish its draft air quality strategy this week by the High Court… http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/government-plans-to-tackle-air-quality-woefully-inadequate-say-campaigners_uk_590c8b8de4b0e7021e9720e8 Is Climate Changing Cloud Heights? Too Soon to Say. A new analysis of 15 years of NASA satellite cloud measurements finds that clouds worldwide show no definitive trend during this period toward decreasing or increasing in height. The new study updates an earlier analysis of the first 10 years of the same data that suggested cloud heights might be getting lower. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=6838 Renewable energy critic to oversee wind, solar power programs. The Trump administration has named a fervent critic of government support for wind and solar projects to oversee federal renewable energy programs. The Department of Energy confirmed Wednesday that Dan Simmons will lead its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/05/renewable-energy-critic-to-oversee-wind-solar-power-programs.html Ancient Methane Seeps Tell Tale of Sudden Warming. Newly discovered rock mounds left by ancient methane seeps give scientists clues that methane on ancient ocean floor was released by ancient global warming. Krista Williscroft and her colleagues trudged for days through mud, often up to their knees, cataloging large mounds of rock across a desolate landscape. https://eos.org/articles/ancient-methane-seeps-tell-tale-of-sudden-warming How a digital dashboard could make cities’ power, water smarter. Technology revolutionizes the way people interact with the world. >From video chats to securing homes from thousands of miles away, digital connections bring us closer to what matters most. This same connectivity can play a critical role in helping cities around the world in the fight against climate change… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/05/05/how-a-digital-dashboard-could-make-cities-power-water-smarter/ The Real Uncertainties of Climate Science. In his controversial first op-ed for the New York Times last week, neoconservative writer Bret Stephens argued that there’s great uncertainty about the threat of climate change, and thus, environmentally minded scientists, activists, and politicians ought not be so confident about what they claim as fact. https://newrepublic.com/article/142505/real-uncertainties-climate-science Bucking Trump, US cities press ahead on clean energy, climate goals. More than two dozen cities now have renewable energy commitments, putting them on the front lines of climate action. This month, three senators introduced legislation that lays out how the United States can kick its fossil fuel habit by 2050. The bill also calls for half of all electricity in the U.S. to be generated by renewable sources by 2030. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/bucking-trump-us-cities-press-ahead-on-clean-energy-climate-goals/442001/ California SB-100 Would Mandate 100% Renewable Energy by 2045. On May 1, California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) on introduced an amended version of Senate Bill 100, The California Clean Energy Act of 2017, in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, which would put the Golden State on the path to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2045. https://www.energymanagertoday.com/california-sb-100-mandate-100-clean-energy-2045-0169806/ ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 14:12:06 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 8, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 8, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Presentation is available for downloading!. David Rapson, Ph.D. University of California, Davis Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California California has committed to reducing overall statewide GHG emissions by 40% below the 1990 levels by 2030 through Senate Bill 32 (SB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006). In order to achieve this goal, significant changes in household transportation choices must be made. This study analyzed multi-year statewide household vehicle-level data to explore the entire process of household vehicle choice, holding, and usage. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/rapson/rapson.htm Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. OAKLAND: May 9, 2017 LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including _________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm Air Resources Board staff have posted a white paper on the health benefits of physical activity and air pollution exposure while walking and bicycling for transportation. Download the White Paper: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/physical_activity_and_health_final_161216.pdf For more information, including the White Paper and other resources, visit our Built Environment webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/vprp/vprp.htm A fact sheet summarizing this document can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/physical_activity_fact_sheet.pdf CAP AND TRADE Sacramento public housing residents just got free Zipcars. Residents at three public housing areas now have a mini-fleet of free Zipcars to make their way around Sacramento. On Friday, Sacramento launched a pilot program that put eight shared electric Kia Souls at public housing sites. Up to 300 residents can apply for on-demand access to the vehicles, with no charge for maintenance, insurance or juicing up the battery. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article148948619.html#storylink=cpy Stability For Calif. Cap-And-Trade Program, For Now. The future of California’s cap-and-trade program looks a little brighter, thanks to a 2-1 vote of the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District on April 6. The decision, which held that the cap-and-trade program is within the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) legislative delegation and that its auction sales program is not a tax… https://www.law360.com/articles/920842/stability-for-calif-cap-and-trade-program-for-now Chamber of Commerce calls for suspension of cap and trade in Ontario. The Windsor region’s Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with others from across Ontario to demand the province kill its cap and trade program, saying it is having a devastating economic impact on local business. Matt Marchand, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce… http://www.canadanews.press/2017/05/08/chamber-of-commerce-calls-for-suspension-of-cap-and-trade-in-ontario-ontario-news/ AIR POLLUTION EU Pollutant Limits Threaten Large Coal Power Plants-Research. Stricter European Union pollutant limits could lead to costly upgrades or the closure of one third of Europe's large-scale coal power plant capacity, a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) showed on Monday. On April 28, EU member states approved stricter limits on pollutants… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/05/08/business/08reuters-europe-coal-closure.html Local Assemblyman’s air quality bill advances. Assembly Bill (AB) 615, a bill designed to improve air quality in disadvantaged communities, moved one step closer to becoming a law. Authored by Assembly Member Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), the bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on April 26. In the event that this bill becomes law, improvements would be made to the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)… http://www.egcitizen.com/news/local-assemblyman-s-air-quality-bill-advances/article_526ab0e8-31cb-11e7-b4e2-9713b49e229c.html New device turns dirty air into energy. A team of Belgian scientists have developed a new device capable of generating power while cleaning polluted air. The device, which must be exposed to sunlight to function, features two chambers separated by a single membrane. The air is cleaned on one side, while contaminants are converted into hydrogen gas on the other. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/05/08/New-device-turns-dirty-air-into-energy/5331494248022/ Climate Activists Greet UK Air Pollution Proposals With Derision. The UK government is twisting and turning like a worm on a hook, desperately trying to avoid taking any significant action to clean up the skies over its domain. Last November, the highest court in the land found the government’s air pollution proposals to be legally insufficient and gave ministers until April 24 to draw up new ones that would pass judicial scrutiny. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/08/climate-activists-greet-uk-air-pollution-proposals-derision/ CLIMATE CHANGE UN Climate Talks Begin Amid Uncertainty Over US Position. Despite uncertainties about whether the United States will remain committed to the Paris climate accord under President Donald Trump, envoys convened talks Monday in Germany on implementing the details of the deal to combat global warming. During ten days of talks in the western city of Bonn, officials will try to agree on how to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions… https://www.apnews.com/1226ca89fa0d49448bfd349f2185abdb/UN-climate-talks-begin-amid-uncertainty-over-US-position OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/05/08/world/europe/ap-eu-united-nations-climate-talks.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article149220269.html#storylink=cpy http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/895292/un-climate-talks-begin-amid-uncertainty-over-us-position#ixzz4gVBCyYVC http://english.aawsat.com/asharq-al-awsat-english/world-news/un-climate-talks-kick-off-us-mulls-withdrawal-paris-deal http://www.timesnow.tv/international/article/climate-talks-open-in-bonn-with-all-eyes-on-washington/60680 A Parable From Down Under for U.S. Climate Scientists. John A. Church, a climate scientist, did not look or sound like a man who had recently been shoved out of a job. Speaking softly and downing coffee at an outdoor cafe in this old port city, he sounded more like a fellow fresh off a jousting match. “I think we had a win — a bigger win than I ever anticipated,” Dr. Church said in an interview last month. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/08/climate/a-parable-from-down-under-for-us-climate-scientists.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0 E.P.A. Dismisses Members of Major Scientific Review Board. The Environmental Protection Agency has dismissed at least five members of a major scientific review board, the latest signal of what critics call a campaign by the Trump administration to shrink the agency’s regulatory reach by reducing the role of academic research. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/07/us/politics/epa-dismisses-members-of-major-scientific-review-board.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/07/epa-dismisses-half-of-its-scientific-advisers-on-key-board-citing-clean-break-with-obama-administration/?utm_term=.557909ff81d1 http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/article149247364.html http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/EPA-dismisses-5-scientists-from-key-review-panel-11128395.php Big Investors Urge Trump to Stick With Paris Climate Accord. Investors with more than $15 trillion of assets under management urged governments led by the United States to implement the Paris climate accord to fight climate change despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to pull out. "As long-term institutional investors, we believe that the mitigation of climate change is essential for the… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/05/07/business/07reuters-climatechange-investors.html Tibet's permafrost is playing a surprise role in climate change. Carbon has accumulated in the upper layers of the soil in the Tibetan Plateau in the space of a decade. In the Tibetan Plateau, climate change is increasing the carbon concentrations within the upper layers of permafrost soils, a study has shown. This represents a negative feedback to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations… http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/tibets-permafrost-playing-surprise-role-climate-change-1620559 Why tornado destruction will only get worse, regardless of climate change. The nation has experienced a stunning increase in federal disaster declarations for tornadoes in the 21st Century. In the 30 years from 1953 — when the Federal Emergency Management Agency began keeping score — through 1982, FEMA issued an average of 27 tornado-related disaster declarations annually, according to FEMA figures. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/weather/tornado-destruction-global-warming.html Obama to discuss climate change in Italy. Former President Barack Obama is traveling to Italy, where he will speak this week about food security and climate change. On Monday, the former president is scheduled to meet with former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. That evening, he will attend a private dinner held by the Institute for International Political Studies. http://thehill.com/homenews/news/332328-obama-to-discuss-climate-change-in-italy http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-to-speak-about-climate-change-in-italy/article/2622394 Emmanuel Macron vows climate action as French president. Centrist candidate supports a coal phase-out by 2022, carbon price rise and trade sanctions on polluting countries, but needs a parliamentary mandate to deliver. Emmanuel Macron promised to promote international cooperation on climate change in his victory speech on Sunday, after being elected president of France. http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/05/08/emmanuel-macron-vows-climate-action-french-president/ Chevron: A carbon-constrained future is 'certainly manageable' It's a Goldilocks world to Chevron Corp. No matter how demand for oil and gas ebbs and flows, or how meekly or firmly international governments clamp down on greenhouse emissions by passing climate regulations, Chevron will be able to adapt, the company said in a new report. In response to climate regulation, "the industry in general… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054165 DIESEL ACTIVITIES IAV develops new close-coupled diesel exhaust gas aftertreatment system for improved emissions reduction. IAV has developed a particularly closed-coupled diesel exhaust gas aftertreatment (EAT) system. The design allows the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and particular filter/selective catalytic reduction (DPF/SCR) units to reach optimum working temperature more quickly which, even when driving in the low-load range, significantly cuts emissions. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/05/20170508-iav.html Rapid advancements boost momentum for electric cargo vehicles. Investments by OEMs are bringing costs lower, while increasing distances these vehicles can travel. Among of the many alternative fuels and power systems discussed throughout the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, the strongest buzz may have surround electricity. “There is light at the end of the tunnel with [electric vehicles],”… http://fleetowner.com/running-green/rapid-advancements-boost-momentum-electric-cargo-vehicles EPA asks to delay oral arguments in Calif. diesel case. Diesel-powered bulldozers U.S. EPA last week filed a motion asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to delay oral arguments in an industry lawsuit against California’s regulations for diesel-powered equipment like bulldozers. Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture, courtesy of Flickr. The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to delay… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054203 DROUGHT SLO County farmers got creative to survive this drought. Are they ready for the next one? As winter rains replenished wells and coaxed hills into displays of brilliant green, the drought’s impact has begun to ease for many local farmers and ranchers — brightening their long-term picture. “We are seeing reservoir levels rise, groundwater recharge, increased soil moisture and… http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/business/article149218149.html FUELS Bill would ban state pension investments in fossil fuels. Legislation introduced in the New York state Senate and Assembly would prohibit the state’s pension fund from investing in big oil, gas or coal companies. The Fossil Fuels Divestment Act would end any investments in the 200 largest publicly traded companies that deal in coal, oil or natural gas. https://www.apnews.com/964cc3b99b884eaca0f8abfcacaa98ce/Bill-would-ban-state-pension-investments-in-fossil-fuels VEHICLES RPT--India's green car plan prioritises electric vehicles over hybrids. India's most influential government think-tank has recommended lowering taxes and interest rates for loans on electric vehicles, while capping sales of conventional cars, signalling a dramatic shift in policy in one of the world's fastest growing auto markets. A draft of the 90-page blueprint… http://www.reuters.com/article/india-autos-policy-idUSL4N1I8080 IG to assess vehicle emissions programs. U.S. EPA's inspector general will examine the effectiveness of the agency's oversight of vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in curbing emissions, according to a notification memo posted online Friday. The planned review will focus on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, with work to be conducted at agency headquarters and regional offices… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054202 GREEN ENERGY Is Pakistan's solar power poised to take off amid energy crisis? Solar energy production in Pakistan is poised to take off - just as the South Asian country is ramping up coal production to help plug a crippling power crisis, energy experts say. New high quality solar maps - essential to securing financing for major solar projects - show Pakistan is one of the world's best countries for producing solar energy because of its arid climate and latitude. http://www.reuters.com/article/pakistan-solar-idUSL8N1I528F Germany Breaks A Solar Record — Gets 85% Of Electricity From Renewables. On April 3o, Germany established a new national record for renewable energy use. On that day and throughout the long May 1 weekend, 85% of all the electricity consumed in Germany was produced from renewables such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric power. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/08/germany-breaks-solar-record-gets-85-electricity-renewables/ Suniva trade case throws industry into doubt. Until two weeks ago, the solar industry was in a generally celebratory mood, flush with good job numbers and installations doubling year over year. Then the Suniva news hit. That morning, Suniva Inc., a solar manufacturer based outside Atlanta, filed a petition with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054176 VW RECALL Inside VW’s Campaign of Trickery. New details emerge in Volkswagen’s broad conspiracy to cover up a campaign aimed at deceiving pollution regulators. Volkswagen was a little more than a month away from the biggest crisis in its history when Oliver Schmidt, a high-ranking engineer for the carmaker who dealt with regulators in the United States, wrote a reassuring email to his superiors. Mr. Schmidt had just met with Alberto Ayala, a deputy executive officer of the California Air Resources Board, the state’s air quality enforcer. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/business/inside-vws-campaign-of-trickery.html Employees who caught Volkswagen finalists for award. Employees at U.S. EPA and the Justice Department who helped win the record settlement against Volkswagen for its emission-cheating scheme are under consideration for a top federal award. Phillip Brooks, director of EPA's air enforcement division; Byron Bunker, compliance division director for EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality; and Josh Van Eaton… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054212 MISCELLANEOUS States move to roll back environmental rules in Trump's wake. Emboldened by the environmental rollbacks of President Donald Trump, state legislatures are following suit, taking aim at items as varied as solar incentives, chemical spill protections and even anti-pipeline protesters. The legislation in states from Florida to Wisconsin comes as the Environmental Protection Agency under Trump argues that it can curtail federal regulations… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article149025439.html#storylink=cpy Another way humans are polluting the environment: Too much noise. Natural sounds are an integral, yet often overlooked, part of the way we experience national parks and other public lands. But human activities – such as roads, development, and mining and logging operations – are drowning out this soundscape in almost two-thirds of protected areas in the U.S., according to a new study published in Science. http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article149220094.html#storylink=cpy Here’s who spent the most lobbying California government this year. This year’s fight over the road-funding package that will raise fuel taxes and registration fees involved lobbying from dozens of labor, business and local government organizations. Yet the lobbyist employer that spent the most from January through March, the Western States Petroleum Association, largely had a hands-off approach to the measure that will increase taxes on its product. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article149176389.html OPINIONS Environmental Justice Must Be a National Priority. Too often missing in discussions on the challenges facing African Americans is any focus on environmental justice, the idea that all people should enjoy a clean, healthy environment while being treated equally with regard to environmental policies, regulations, and laws. African-American communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental degradation… http://www.dallasweekly.com/opinion/article_517fa058-31b7-11e7-b817-9f156425c4d3.html How to fix climate change: put cities, not countries, in charge. Climate change is the most urgent challenge facing humankind. Other issues make headlines: terrorism kills; inequality affects everyday life for billions around the globe. But climate is paramount, because in sustainability human survival itself is at stake. Why then have the nations governing the planet been so hopelessly ineffective in addressing the grave environmental crisis? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/07/fix-climate-change-put-cities-not-countries-in-charge-oslo-seoul Environmental justice for all. Students across the UC Berkeley campus voice concerns on the issues of environmental justice as an inextricable piece of the larger movement for intersectional social justice on campus and beyond. http://www.dailycal.org/2017/05/08/environmental-racism http://www.dailycal.org/2017/05/08/trumps-energy-policy/ My Turn: Senators, protect Arizonans from toxic air pollution. President Trump recently took the first major steps towards undoing Obama’s climate legacy, issuing an executive order that would undo federal rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions, including the Clean Power Plan. Another federal rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions that’s on the chopping… http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2017/05/08/my-turn-senators-protect-arizonans-toxic-air-pollution/310465001/ Carbon Emissions: Disrupting the Status Quo, Thinking Out of the Box. A few days ago, I listened to a group of environmentalists on the evening news protesting a plan to build a new bridge that would solve traffic congestion and make it easier for people get in and out of a local large city. The protestors wanted the money spent instead on public transit, claiming that this had not even been examined… http://www.theenergycollective.com/mmetcalfe/2403938/carbon-emissions-disrupting-status-quo-thinking-box Reader View: EPA threatens farmworkers, consumer health and safety. Like so many others, I have been dismayed at actions coming from the Trump administration, especially regarding the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA’s core mission is to protect our environment from pollutants and toxic conditions that can endanger the health and safety of our people. http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/reader-view-epa-threatens-farmworkers-consumer-health-and-safety/article_1eeb8eae-13ff-5011-9b90-ed09a23d03c0.html Analysis: If Trump Bails On Paris Agreement, At Least He’ll Be Out Of The Way. Climate negotiators are meeting in Bonn, Germany, the next two weeks to move the Paris Climate Agreement forward – even as Republicans in the United States seem intent on moving it backward. Most countries say they want the US to stay in the agreement, but there’s reason to believe it will be better off without us. http://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/analysis-trump-bails-paris-agreement-least-hell-way/ BLOGS California bill to make cap and trade similar to Carbon Fee and Dividend. California state Senators Bob Wieckowski and Kevin De León introduced a bill this week that would update the state’s 5-year-old cap and trade system to have some remarkable similarities to CCL’s Carbon Fee and Dividend. The bill would shift cap and trade starting in 2021 to include a steadily rising carbon price… http://citizensclimatelobby.org/california-bill-make-cap-trade-similar-carbon-fee-dividend/ Ten Years of California Climate Dividends Advocacy Leading to SB775. Climate dividends are about to get serious consideration in California. California’s Cap & Trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could potentially expire in 2020, and must be extended by the State Legislature. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ten-years-of-california-climate-dividends-advocacy_us_590fcd4be4b056aa2363d68a California tables tougher cap-and-trade rules, pressuring Quebec, Ontario. Ontario plans to link its carbon market with Quebec and California next year, but the U.S. state is already getting more aggressive about cutting emissions. California’s Senate proposed a new and more ambitious carbon credit cap-and-trade system this week, challenging Ontario and Quebec to do the same or get left behind. http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/regulation/california-tables-tougher-cap-trade-rules-pressuring-quebec-ontario-192271/ Trump time: Trucking interests challenge GHG regs. Even as truck makers and some of their biggest customers gathered to review—and praise—the latest and greatest in environmentally friendly technologies last week, others in trucking were petitioning the Trump administration to reconsider the fundamental premise that allowed the Obama EPA to regulate greenhouse gases (GHG) in heavy-duty vehicles. http://trucker.com/blog/trump-time-trucking-interests-challenge-ghg-regs Climate change could slow down warming by destroying biocrust. In the high desert of Castle Valley outside of Moab, Utah, famous redrock spires and mesas tower against bright blue sky. Not everyone notices another set of strange formations stretching up from the desert floor: biological soil crusts, or “biocrusts,” tangled masses of mosses, lichens and cyanobacteria. https://durangoherald.com/articles/156482-climate-change-could-slow-down-warming-by-destroying-biocrust Carbon pollution is suffocating ocean life and speeding up the next mass extinction. Oxygen levels ‘falling 2 to 3 times faster than predicted’ in our warming oceans, study finds. Depletion of dissolved oxygen in our oceans, which can cause dead zones, is occurring much faster than expected, a new study finds. And by combining oxygen loss with ever-worsening ocean warming and acidification… https://thinkprogress.org/oxygen-levels-falling-2-to-3-times-faster-than-predicted-in-our-warming-oceans-7c1e9b48cd42 The US Environmental Protection Agency is slowly turning its back on everything it was set up to protect. In a move sure to enrage environmentalists, the newly installed head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scott Pruitt, dismissed 12 scientists from a major scientific review board, and is looking to replace them with members who come from industries whose pollution the agency is supposed to regulate. https://qz.com/978138/epa-chief-scott-pruitt-dismissed-12-scientists-from-a-review-board-and-wants-to-replace-them-with-corporate-members/ Trump threat to Paris climate pact casts shadow over Bonn talks. Negotiators from almost 200 countries are meeting in Bonn to hammer out a "rule book" for putting the Paris Climate Agreement into practice. Trump's threat to pull out of the accord is putting a damper on the UN talks. Around 3,000 delegates have converged on the western German city of Bonn on Monday… http://www.dw.com/en/trump-threat-to-paris-climate-pact-casts-shadow-over-bonn-talks/a-38749922 Is methane slowing global warming in the Arctic? Good news about climate change is especially rare in the Arctic. But now comes news that increases in one greenhouse gas—methane—lead to the dramatic decline of another. Research off the coast of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago suggests that where methane gas bubbles up from seafloor seeps, surface waters directly above absorb twice… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/08/stories/1060054165 ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 16:27:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 10, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 10, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com. For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE Canada: California Dreaming: The Golden State Considers Overhauling Its Cap & Trade System. California continues to blaze a climate change policy trail in pursuit of a state-of-the-art carbon pricing mechanism. Bill SB 775 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: Market-based Compliance Mechanisms) was introduced into the California Senate on May 2, 2017… http://www.canadianeraperspectives.com/2017/05/california-dreaming-the-golden-state-considers-overhauling-its-cap-trade-system/?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=View-Original AIR POLLUTION President Trump and California soon could spar over air quality rules. A legal battle over regulations for construction vehicles could become the first test of whether President Trump wants to limit California’s unique ability to limit air pollution. The issue stems from a 2013 decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allowed California to require emission filters on bulldozers, forklifts and other diesel-powered equipment. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-1494361070-htmlstory.html Valero refinery cited for two more violations three days after big smoke release. Air quality regulators have slapped the Valero oil refinery with two more pollution violation notices, bringing the total to six since Friday when black plumes of smoke led to the evacuation of an industrial park and a shelter-in-place order at two schools. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/09/valero-refinery-cited-for-two-more-violations-three-days-after-big-smoke-release/ ND could become 1st state to regulate injection wells to store carbon dioxide underground. The Environmental Protection Agency administrator announced Tuesday, May 9, he has signed a proposed rule that will allow North Dakota to regulate underground wells to store carbon dioxide, opening the door for new projects to reduce emissions. http://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/4264028-nd-could-become-1st-state-regulate-injection-wells-store-carbon-dioxide New Device Cleans Air, Produces Energy, Runs On Light. Turns out, air pollution is good for something — making energy. Belgian researchers have developed a device that runs on light, cleans the air and stores hydrogen extracted from the pollutants that can later be used in fuel cells. The key is a membrane made of nanomaterials that act as catalysts, producing hydrogen and breaking down pollutants. "We use a small device with two rooms separated by a membrane," Professor Sammy Verbruggen of the University of Antwerp and KU Leuven said Tuesday in a press release. http://www.ibtimes.com/new-device-cleans-air-produces-energy-runs-light-2536825 CLIMATE CHANGE White House postpones meeting to decide on participation in Paris climate pact. U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, U.S. April 26, 2017. A meeting of Trump administration advisers that had been scheduled for Tuesday to decide whether to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-climate-idUSKBN185098 http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Top-Trump-advisers-to-discuss-pulling-out-from-11130592.php https://news.vice.com/story/trump-administration-postpones-another-meeting-on-paris-climate-agreement http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-president-donald-trump-delays-decision-on-paris-climate-deal-1691594 Trump Administration Delays Decision on Leaving Climate Pact. With top presidential aides stubbornly divided, the White House abruptly announced on Tuesday that President Trump would make no decision on the United States’ future in the Paris climate change accord until June, after he returns from a meeting of the Group of 7 Western powers. The announcement by the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, encouraged advocates of the landmark climate pact… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/09/us/politics/trump-climate-pact.html?_r=0 Arctic Nations to Meet Amid Unsettled U.S. Stance on Climate Change. As Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson heads to Alaska on Wednesday for talks on Arctic issues, he finds himself in climate policy limbo, preparing for a meeting at which global warming will be front and center yet representing an administration that is still on the fence about fighting it. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/09/climate/arctic-nations-to-meet-amid-unsettled-us-stance-on-climate-change.html?_r=0 Earth could break through a major climate threshold in the next 15 years, scientists warn. Global temperatures could exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above their preindustrial levels within the next 15 years, according to a new scientific study, crossing the first threshold under the Paris climate agreement and placing the world at a potentially dangerous level of climate change. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/09/earth-could-break-through-a-major-climate-threshold-in-the-next-15-years-scientists-warn/?utm_term=.e1482672b798 The Doomsday Glacier. In the farthest reaches of Antarctica, a nightmare scenario of crumbling ice – and rapidly rising seas – could spell disaster for a warming planet. Knut Christianson, a 33-year-old glaciologist at the University of Washington, has been there twice. A few years ago, Christianson and a team of seven scientists traveled more than … http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/the-doomsday-glacier-w481260 Obama: Private sector is key to tackling climate change. Former U.S. President Barack Obama says he's "confident that the United States will continue to move in the right direction" on climate change despite his successor's pledges to undo many of his policies. On his first foreign foray since leaving office, Obama told an audience Tuesday at a Milan conference on food innovation in Italy that businesses… http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Obama-to-deliver-keynote-speech-in-Italy-on-food-11131611.php ‘We all knew this was coming’: Alaska’s thawing soils are now pouring carbon dioxide into the air. Even as the Trump administration weighs withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement, a new scientific paper has documented growing fluxes of greenhouse gases streaming into the air from the Alaskan tundra, a long-feared occurrence that could worsen climate change. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/08/alaskas-tundra-is-filling-the-atmosphere-with-carbon-dioxide-worsening-climate-change/?utm_term=.4a0ac9fa8d4e Global Climate Talks Open With Tiny U.S. Delegation. Here’s What to Watch. Climate negotiators from countries around the world are meeting in Bonn as questions swirl about where the U.S. is headed under Donald Trump. A much-anticipated meeting of nearly 200 nations began in Bonn, Germany, on Monday to push forward global climate change action… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09052017/climate-talks-bonn-obama-trump-paris-future 'Re-wilding' a Santa Monica beach to protect against sea level rise. At the north end of Santa Monica Beach, there’s a fenced off 2-acre section that looks a bit unkempt. It’s an experiment in "re-wilding," or restoring the beach to what it looked like before humans altered it. The pilot project, a partnership of The Bay Foundation and Santa Monica, could also help protect the city from sea level rise. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/05/09/71625/re-wilding-a-santa-monica-beach-to-protect-against/ France's Macron will fight global warming, and wants US experts to help. As the world continues to take in Emmanuel Macron's resounding victory in the French election, attention is already turning to his plans for the next five years, with the environment likely to be a key part of the independent centrist's presidency. In a wide-ranging victory speech on Sunday night Macron said his country would be "active and mindful of… http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/09/frances-macron-will-fight-global-warming-and-wants-us-experts-to-help.html Change in a Major Pacific Weather Pattern Will Likely Intensify Warming. The Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), a major atmospheric and meteorological pattern in the mid-Pacific Ocean, is now switching into a positive phase that will likely boost Pacific Ocean temperatures and accelerate global warming, according to new research. http://e360.yale.edu/digest/change-in-a-major-pacific-weather-pattern-will-likely-intensify-warming Climate change legislation rides populist wave in Calif. As California lawmakers debate the future of their climate policies, anti-establishment resentment is proving a force to be reckoned with. The marquee program dealing with climate change — and the target of reforms — is the state's quasi-economywide cap-and-trade system for large emitters. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/10/stories/1060054324 Surprise! Senate fails to kill Obama methane rule. An effort to repeal an Obama-era rule to regulate methane waste on public lands barely failed in the Senate today, with three Republicans joining Democrats to defeat the controversial measure that GOP leaders had struggled to pass under the Congressional Review Act. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/10/stories/1060054362 VEHICLES Daimler drops bid to win approval to sell U.S. 2017 Mercedes diesels. German automaker Daimler AG said on Tuesday it had dropped plans to seek U.S. approval to sell 2017 Mercedes-Benz U.S. diesel models, but had not decided whether to exit the American passenger diesel market. "We constantly review our portfolio offerings and make adjustments to meet immediate customer need,"… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-daimler-emissions-idUSKBN1852I4 GREEN ENERGY BART Speeds Toward Zero-Carbon Future. San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit system, called BART for short, is moving rapidly – even “aggressively,” the transit agency said in a May 1 statement – toward a zero-carbon, 100 percent renewable energy future. Not only will commuters in the City on the Bay save fossil fuels just by taking public transportation, but the system they are traveling on soon will be adopting greener guidelines than ever before. https://www.energymanagertoday.com/bart-speeds-toward-zero-carbon-0169944/ BPA: Study demonstrates emissions benefits of forest residue use. The Biomass Power Association has released the results of a study demonstrating dramatic carbon benefits can be achieved by using forest residue-based biomass instead of natural gas in power generation facilities. The research determined that emissions from a biomass power facility using forest residue-based fuel are… http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/14358/bpa-study-demonstrates-emissions-benefits-of-forest-residue-use Who stands behind Suniva's trade case? Suniva Inc. is an American solar manufacturer that has rocked the solar industry by asking the Trump administration to raise trade barriers against key imports. Cheap products originating from China, it said, are killing a "Buy America" company. The reality is not so straightforward. A bankruptcy filing that set the trade case in motion is signed by… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/10/stories/1060054304 Tesla starts selling solar roofs. Tesla Inc. is ramping up its entry into the solar power market with an announcement today it is taking orders for a new "solar roof" product. The company unveiled the solar roof concept in October as part of its broader vision to fight climate change and acquire SolarCity Corp. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/10/stories/1060054353 MISCELLANEOUS EPA science advisers axed; execs from regulated industries to replace them (updated). While much of the nation's capital is preoccupied with the unpredictable Trump administration and its possible ties to Russia, the fate of the Environmental Protection Agency generates less news coverage. That's not to say there hasn't been news. Administrator Scott Pruitt is proceeding swiftly with a radical plan to restructure. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110351_epa-science-advisers-axed-execs-from-regulated-industries-to-replace-them S&P Dow Jones Indices Publishes Barometer of Financial Markets' Carbon Efficiency. The S&P Dow Jones Indices Carbon Scorecard assesses the carbon efficiency and energy mix alignment with 2°C climate scenarios for major S&P DJI equity benchmarks around the world. S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) one of the world's leading providers of financial market indices and Trucost, part S&P DJI… http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-dow-jones-indices-publishes-barometer-of-financial-markets-carbon-efficiency-300454368.html ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Out of environmental injustice, art. A new film, "In the Air," tells the story of environmental justice on the Gulf Coast entirely through spoken word poetry, dance, music and visual art. Ebony Stewart transformed my understanding of environmental justice — the idea that people of color and poor people are disproportionately impacted by industrial pollution and other environmental problems. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/gray-matters/article/Out-of-environmental-injustice-art-11133230.php OPINIONS How California’s greenhouse gas laws can better serve disadvantaged communities. Environmental justice advocates are working to ensure the state’s efforts to combat climate change benefit everyone — and the lessons can be applied nationwide. It was a time of year that should have been perfect. Warming temperatures marked Southern California’s gentle return to spring. https://ensia.com/features/ca-environmental-justice/ The Business Case for the Paris Climate Accord. President Trump faces a choice that will echo across his presidency and beyond: whether to remain in the Paris climate agreement. Although most Americans, his own secretaries of state and energy, and heads of state from around the globe are urging the president to stay, he remains undecided. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/09/opinion/the-business-case-for-the-paris-climate-accord.html?_r=0 How state’s air rules went too far. On May 18, at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, a three-judge panel will hear oral arguments in an epic confrontation between 10 small California businesses and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. In 2013, the EPA approved a stringent and unnecessary California air emissions regulation… http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/How-state-s-air-rules-went-too-far-11133958.php BLOGS “California Alone” Should Not Govern State Climate Policy. SB 775 Turns California Inward and Diminishes Its Role As Global Leader. Last week, Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) introduced a new bill, SB 775, that would replace California’s cap-and-trade system with a new approach to regulating California’s greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2021. http://legal-planet.org/2017/05/09/california-alone-should-not-govern-state-climate-policy/ As US falters, Canada must lead movement on carbon tax. Against the backdrop of a Trump administration insisting that the United States’ economy is heading back to the coal age, Canada’s clean growth strategy is a breath of fresh air. Now more than ever, Canada needs to continue to innovate on decarbonizing its economy, and a central plank of that strategy is putting a price on carbon pollution. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/332500-as-us-falters-canada-must-lead-carbon-tax-movement Why California Can’t Go Back to ‘Normal’ After Drought. Lester Snow, a longtime water leader in California, cautions that there will be no “back to normal” for the state. Instead, we’ll be wrestling with challenging weather extremes for a long time to come. California’s five-year drought was officially declared to be over in April. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/05/10/why-california-cant-go-back-to-normal-after-drought By talking to Al Gore, Trump looks for range of advice on Paris Climate Agreement. President Donald Trump can't seem to make up his mind about whether to keep the U.S. in the landmark Paris Climate Agreement or pull out of the pact altogether, but there are signs he is getting advice from across the ideological spectrum. http://mashable.com/2017/05/10/trump-gore-phone-call-paris-agreement/#KSdjdgLJ4mqu Low Carbon Cities: From Pipe Dreams to Reality. A few decades ago, zero to low carbon cities that are sustainable and energy efficient were something of a pipe dream, but now they are becoming reality. And they need to be because as the world population expands, so do our cities and their carbon emissions. The United Nations estimates that the World’s city living populations will increase by 66 per cent by 2050… https://sourceable.net/low-carbon-cities-from-pipe-dreams-to-reality/ No Mercedes-Benz Diesels for 2017, or Maybe Ever. Fans of German compression-ignition engines had best dig out those old, glossy posters of an olive green 300D, as they’re going to need it. Daimler announced it will not sell 2017 diesel Mercedes-Benz models in the U.S. as rumors swirl that the automaker might give up on the segment altogether. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/05/no-mercedes-benz-diesels-2017-maybe-ever/ Some methane emissions could actually slow climate change. Yes, methane is still a super powerful greenhouse gas, roughly 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide over the course of a century. But a recent study suggests that melting methane in the Arctic is absorbing 230 times more greenhouse gas than it releases. That’s surprising because so-called “methane seeps” have been considered a harbinger of climate catastrophe. http://grist.org/briefly/some-methane-emissions-could-actually-slow-climate-change/ ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 15:40:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 11, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 11, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com. For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE California Chamber of Commerce leans into fight to preserve cap-and-trade program. When it comes to climate change, the California Chamber of Commerce is best known for suing over the state's cap-and-trade program, a cornerstone of the state's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. But the lawsuit has faltered, and the powerful business group now wants to work with lawmakers to extend the program… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-cap-trade-chamber-1494514033-htmlstory.html AIR POLLUTION Ruling that EPA must regulate carbon emissions: now 10 years old. Anniversaries often provide an opportunity to reflect on important past events, review what has happened since, and reflect upon the future. April 2 of this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts vs EPA in which the EPA was forced to regulate carbon emissions. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110368_ruling-that-epa-must-regulate-carbon-emissions-now-10-years-old New waste plant piles on pollution in SW Detroit. As a $143-million facility to convert human waste from the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant into marketable fertilizer prepared for start-up last year, Great Lakes Water Authority CEO Sue McCormick touted it as "environmentally sound, proven technology." But that biosolids dryer facility — operated by a private, for-profit company in partnership… http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2017/05/09/detroit-waste-conversion-plant-air-pollution/101328136/ CLIMATE CHANGE To Simulate Climate Change, Scientists Build Miniature Worlds. Climate change will alter the ecosystems that humanity depends upon in the coming century. But given the complexity of the living world, how can you learn what may happen? A team of Australian scientists has an answer: miniature ecosystems designed to simulate the impact of climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/science/climate-change-simulation-miniature-world.html?_r=0 California set an ambitious goal for fighting global warming. Now comes the hard part. When Stanford University energy economist Danny Cullenward looks at California’s policies on climate change, he sees a potential time bomb. The state wants to slash greenhouse gas emissions so deeply in the coming years that oil refineries and other industries could face skyrocketing costs to comply with regulations, driving up gasoline… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-climate-policies-20170511-story.html California climate change debate heats up. A variety of experts told California lawmakers Wednesday that the state's cap-and-trade program needs changes if they decide to keep it beyond its expiration in 2020. The Senate Environmental Quality Committee heard from environmental groups, industry officials and others as the Legislature ramps up talks about… http://www.kcra.com/article/california-climate-change-debate-heats-up/9635413 Finland voices concern over US and Russian climate change doubters. New chair of Arctic council calls for Paris treaty on global warming to be respected amid fears of commitment downgrade. Finland, the new chair of the Arctic council, has appealed to climate change scientists to fight the threat of the US and Russia tearing up commitments to combat global warming. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/11/finland-voices-concern-over-us-and-russian-climate-change-doubters Experts see climate change peril for South Florida's black and Hispanic communities. African-American, Caribbean-American and Hispanic communities are typically located miles from South Florida beaches where climate change is most visible — but people who live in those areas are profoundly vulnerable to the effects, political leaders and climate science experts said Wednesday. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-reg-alcee-hastings-climate-change-20170510-story.html Indiana U Launches $55M Effort Studying Climate Change. Indiana University is launching a new $55 million effort to study the impact of climate change that could have a profound impact on agriculture, industry and quality of life in the state. Indiana University is launching a new $55 million effort to study the impact of climate change that could have a profound impact on agriculture… https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/indiana/articles/2017-05-10/indiana-u-launches-55m-effort-studying-climate-change http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-reg-alcee-hastings-climate-change-20170510-story.html Study details climate change in Zinke's backyard. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is still uncertain about humanity's role in climate change, but the scientists under his watch are sure global warming is drastically shrinking the glaciers in his backyard. Zinke, the former congressman from Montana, grew up near Glacier National Park. Some of the glaciers there that give the park of high peaks… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/11/stories/1060054383 Tillerson lands at the 'frontlines' of global warming. On a sunny evening in this central Alaska city, a line of climate protesters slowly marched along the Chena River to the Fairbanks visitors center, where Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was hosting a reception for high-level foreign dignitaries, state officials and Native leaders for the Arctic Council ministerial meeting. Carrying a massive banner that read "welcome to the frontlines of climate change," the local protesters… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/11/stories/1060054403 FUELS Environmentalists triumph as Senate upholds drilling rule. Environmentalists notched a rare win in the Republican-led Senate on Wednesday as a GOP effort to reverse an Obama-era rule restricting harmful methane emissions unexpectedly failed. The 51-49 vote against the repeal measure was a blow to the fossil-fuel industry and groups linked to the conservative Koch Brothers, which had waged a public campaign to overturn the Interior Department rule. http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/Senate-blocks-moves-to-overturn-Obama-era-rule-on-11135574.php VEHICLES Deal finally reached over electric vehicle requirement for municipal fleet. San Francisco’s effort to replace polluting sedans in the municipal fleet with electric vehicles was approved Tuesday after scaling back the proposal following robust debate on several occasions over costs. After postponing a vote on the proposal last week and making several amendments Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously… http://www.sfexaminer.com/deal-finally-reached-electric-vehicle-requirement-municipal-fleet/# Israel Tests Wireless Charging Roads for Electric Vehicles. New technology could power buses and cars on the go, but will it be cost-effective? Electric vehicles have long been a promising option for sustainable transportation. They come with practical headaches like expensive, bulky batteries that often need recharging, however. Israel is tackling those hurdles by investing in roads that power electric buses—as they ride down the street. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/israel-tests-wireless-charging-roads-for-electric-vehicles/ VW RECALL U.S. judge approves Volkswagen 3.0 liter, Bosch diesel settlements. A federal judge on Thursday granted final approval to a plan for Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) to pay at least $1.22 billion to fix or buy back nearly 80,000 3.0-liter vehicles in the United States linked to the German automaker's diesel emissions cheating scandal. At a court hearing in San Francisco, U.S. District Judge Charles … http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKBN1871WO?il=0 Reports of diesel's death are greatly exaggerated. The fallout from the Volkswagen diesel scandal has cost the fuel plenty of not-so-great headlines, but the idea that diesel will soon die off entirely for passenger vehicles simply isn't true. A report in The Car Connection compiled the proof to show diesel is far from its deathbed. There remain more diesel vehicles on sale today than there have been in recent years. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110375_reports-of-diesels-death-are-greatly-exaggerated GREEN ENERGY Tesla’s Solar Roof Pricing Is Cheap Enough to Catch Fire. Tesla Inc. has begun taking $1,000 deposits for its remarkable solar roof tiles—to be delivered this summer at a price point that could expand the U.S. solar market. Tesla will begin with production of two of the four styles it unveiled in October: a smooth glass and a textured glass tile. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-10/tesla-s-solar-roof-is-finally-ready-for-you-to-buy America’s first offshore wind farm just shut down a diesel plant. America’s first offshore wind farm just helped to shut down a small diesel-fired electric power plant on Block Island, Rhode Island. Block Island officials on Monday switched on a connection between the island and a cable linking the wind farm to Rhode Island’s mainland power grid. http://www.businessinsider.com/americas-first-offshore-wind-farm-diesel-plant-block-island-2017-5 Ports turning to renewables to cut carbon footprint. THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it will be pursuing the use of renewable energy to keep up with international maritime standards and to reduce the carbon footprint of ports. In a statement on Thursday, PPA said the “Green Port” project is in line with the 25-year port development roadmap adopted by Philippine port stakeholders last month which will be submitted to President Rodrigo R. Duterte later this year. http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=ports-turning-to-renewables-to-cut-carbon-footprint&id=145072 OPINIONS Snap Earnings and Emissions Fraud. Also whistle-blowers, social media and volatility, unicorn lawsuits and management philosophy. Why would a company do an initial public offering? There is a traditional, boring, correct answer, which is to establish or deepen a relationship with the capital markets so that it can grow and strengthen its business. An IPO is not an endpoint; you don't take your company public and then jet off to your private island with a bag of money. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-05-11/snap-earnings-and-emissions-fraud BLOGS Arctic Nations May Confront U.S. on Climate Change. Leaders of the Arctic Council could rebuff U.S. position. Diplomats from eight Arctic nations are facing a standoff today over the Trump administration’s efforts to downplay the importance of climate change in an Arctic Council ministerial statement marking the end of the United States’ two-year council chairmanship. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/arctic-nations-may-confront-u-s-on-climate-change/ Reporting On Climate Change. The latest elections in the U.S., the UK, and now in France have resulted in criticism towards the media, with journalists are often held responsible for the wounds of a crises and the frustration for lack of political transparency. So we asked two journalists what it’s like in the field today, what shapes the debate around climate change… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/11/reporting-climate-change/ VW CEO says, 'Diesel will remain indispensable for the foreseeable future'. At the Volkswagen Group's annual general meeting, VW's CEO Mathias Müller reiterated the company's plans for developing and implementing environmentally friendly vehicles. These include the company's plans to have 30 EVs on the market by 2025, and plans to have 10 electrified models introduced across the group by the end of 2018. http://www.autoblog.com/2017/05/10/vw-ceo-says-diesel-will-remain-indispensable/ BMW will deploy 400 electric vehicles across the city of Hamburg in a car-sharing program. BMW has been using DriveNow, its car-sharing program, to deploy large numbers of electric vehicles quickly. They delivered 400 BMW i3 EVs in Copenhagen back in 2015. The German automaker announced this week that it will deploy 550 electric vehicles, 400 all-electric cars and 150 plug-in hybrids,… https://electrek.co/2017/05/11/bmw-electric-vehicles-hamburg-car-sharing/ Comparison of Energy Efficiency and CO2 of Gasoline and Electric Vehicles. Many articles have been written about the comparison of the energy efficiency of gasoline and electric vehicles. Most such articles have various flaws. This article will avoid these flaws and will show, electric vehicles are only slightly more energy efficient than gasoline vehicles, on a source energy-to-wheel basis, which is the most rational way to make the comparison. http://www.theenergycollective.com/willem-post/2404277/comparison-energy-efficiency-co2-gasoline-electric-vehicles ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 16:42:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 12, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 12, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE Despite doubts and disagreements, Brown still wants a deal on cap and trade in the next month. Gov. Jerry Brown said Thursday there's "a very good chance" of reaching a deal in the next month to extend California's cap-and-trade program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Brown has urged lawmakers to finish negotiations before the June 15 deadline for approving a new state budget. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-jerry-brown-cap-and-1494526470-htmlstory.html https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060054472/search?keyword=california California tosses a monkey wrench into cap-and-trade. Amendments proposed to California’s cap-and-trade program could spell the end of the carbon market that currently links California and Quebec and that Ontario is expected to join in 2018. The amendments would establish an escalator on the floor price of emissions in California, put an end to the distribution of free allowances and all offsets… http://www.ecolog.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?aid=1003978367&PC=EN&issue=05122017 AIR POLLUTION Virginia AG: pollution board can regulate carbon emissions. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says the State Air Pollution Control Board has the power to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants and set a statewide carbon cap. It’s a legal opinion a top Democratic lawmaker said could lead to stricter state pollution limits at a time when… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/12/virginia-ag-pollution-board-can-regulate-carbon-em/ Chevron’s Richmond refinery to pay $181,000 in air pollution penalties. The Chevron oil refinery has agreed to pay $181,000 in civil penalties for 26 air pollution violations during 2013 and 2014, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Friday. The violations include public nuisances from flaring, excess sulfur compounds in fuel gas, excess carbon monoxide emissions from furnaces… http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/05/12/chevrons-richmond-refinery-to-pay-181000-in-air-pollution-penalties/ Stall in lawsuit reveals distance between California and former ally, EPA. On the surface, it’s just a request to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for more time to prepare, due to a change in federal administration. Why This Matters A minor step in a federal lawsuit shows just how much the power has shifted against California’s authority on air pollution. http://inewsource.org/2017/05/12/california-diesel-rule-lawsuit/ Lack of dust makes China's air pollution much worse. Airborne dust is normally seen as an environmental problem, but the lack of it is making air pollution over China considerably worse. A new study suggests less dust means more solar radiation hits the land surface, which reduces wind speed. That lack of wind in turn leads to an accumulation of air pollution over heavily populated parts of China. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39895558 Dry Orlando means warnings about air quality. There has never been a drier start of a year for Orlando since records began in the late 1800s. Drought has left the area’s biggest river stagnant, yards so crispy they look flammable, and new trouble emerged Friday: air pollution. Orlando was among five metro areas, including Phoenix and Los Angeles outskirts, expected on Friday to have the nation’s unhealthiest air. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-orlando-air-pollution-warning-20170512-story.html CLIMATE CHANGE Tillerson, at Arctic meeting, signs document affirming need for action on climate change. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed his name Thursday to a document that affirms the need for international action against climate change, adding further uncertainty to the direction of climate policy under the Trump administration. The document, signed by Tillerson and seven foreign ministers from Arctic nations meeting this week in Fairbanks, Alaska… http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-arctic-council-20170511-story.html Elon Musk urges Trump to stick with Paris climate-change effort. Tesla CEO Elon Musk joined dozens of industry executives in signing an open letter asking President Donald Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement on climate change and protect U.S. trade. Musk owns the pioneering private rocketbuilder SpaceX, based in Hawthorne, and also operates a Tesla electric-car design center in the South Bay city. http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20170511/elon-musk-urges-trump-to-stick-with-paris-climate-change-effort More errors identified in contrarian climate scientists' temperature estimates. A new study suggests there are remaining biases in the oft-corrected University of Alabama at Huntsville atmospheric temperature estimates. Human emission of heat-trapping gases is causing the Earth to warm. We’ve known that for many decades. In fact, there are no reputable scientists that dispute this fact. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/may/11/more-errors-identified-in-contrarian-climate-scientists-temperature-estimates Coffee's Fate Is Getting Jittery as Climate Change Puts Growing Areas at Risk If global warming continues at its current pace, growing the beans in coffee-proud Puerto Rico could be impossible in as little as 50 years, a new study says. A century ago, Puerto Rico was a coffee-growing powerhouse that sent its finest beans across the Atlantic to satisfy the demands of the European market. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/12052017/coffee-risk-climate-change-study-forests-puerto-rico Trump's intelligence chief cites global warming as threat. As a Republican senator from Indiana, Dan Coats was at best ambivalent about climate change. But now, the director of national intelligence appears to be taking the issue more seriously. In written testimony for the Senate Intelligence Committee yesterday, tucked in between warnings about cyberthreats, organized crime and al-Qaida… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/12/stories/1060054495 U.S. agrees only to acknowledge Paris Agreement exists. The United States ended its chairmanship of the Arctic Council yesterday amid growing international alarm that President Trump may pull out of the Paris accord on climate change. At a meeting of foreign ministers from the world's eight Arctic nations, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged that the United States is "reviewing several important policies… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/12/stories/1060054474 VEHICLES Exclusive: California Working On Pilot Program For Point-of-Sale Rebate On Plug-In Vehicles. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) has been a popular incentive for boosting the affordability of alternative-fuel cars here in California. Buyers and lessees of electric cars, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles benefit from a rebate that they can apply for after purchase. In rare cases, the amount ranges up to $7,000 based on income. http://www.carsdirect.com/automotive-news/exclusive-california-working-on-pilot-program-for-point-of-sale-clean-vehicle-rebate-on-plug-in-vehicles VW RECALL Volkswagen emissions settlement approved: $1.2B in buybacks, repairs, cash. A federal judge said Thursday that he would approve Volkswagen Group's $1.2 billion buybacks-and-repairs settlement with owners of six-cylinder diesel engine vehicles that were not included in the company's separate deal for car owners. The move paves the way for the automaker to begin buying back about 20,000 polluting diesel vehicles… http://ux-origin.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/05/11/volkswagen-3-liter-diesel-settlement/101559112/ https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/volkswagen-judge-approves-3-0-liter-dieselgate-settlement/ GREEN ENERGY Would creating one big electric grid in the West threaten California? For several years, officials in California and states throughout the West discussed merging control of their electricity grids to create one vast, integrated power market that would span the entire region. A unified grid, they reasoned, would be more efficient, keeping costs down. It could also help states more easily tap renewable power generated outside their borders. http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/ OPINIONS Clearing the air about CARB’s environmental plan: Guest commentary. Despite the tremendous progress made over the years in improving California’s air quality, regions of the state are still plagued with high levels of ozone and particle pollution. Ozone burns the lungs and particle pollution is associated with premature deaths. Emissions from port activities are a large source of pollution, and as pollution from cars drops… http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20170512/clearing-the-air-about-carbs-environmental-plan-guest-commentary Column: Staying the course on climate change. Despite the fact that seven out of 10 voters want the U.S. to stay in the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Trump administration is still considering walking back from our commitments, and if so, most likely this week. However, there is no real upside to such a hasty decision, and no actual support from the American electorate. http://www.salemnews.com/opinion/columns/column-staying-the-course-on-climate-change/article_7e0b9939-d251-5fb6-bc11-d0690c5ba86f.html BLOGS U.S. spy agencies wimp out on science of climate change, but still say it’s a security threat. U.S. national security is being threatened by improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) and genome editing, as well as the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and biodiversity loss, concludes the latest edition of an annual report released today by the U.S. intelligence community. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/05/us-spy-agencies-duck-science-climate-change-still-say-it-s-security-threat ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 15:37:32 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 15, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 15, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Meeting Notice - Promoting On-Farm Composting Insights and Analysis on Regulatory Safeguards and Sector Development. The public is invited to attend a meeting on recent research examining the intersection of regulatory safeguards and the need to promote on-farm composting operations in California. Date: May 24, 2017 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Location: CalEPA Building 1001 I St. Room 550 Sacramento, CA For people attending the meeting, please check-in at the CalEPA Visitor’s Center and ask for Bonnie Waltz. The meeting will provide a presentation on California’s regulatory safeguards that protect air and water quality, findings from recent research on the intersection of these safeguards with on-farm composting operations, and an opportunity for questions from the public. People can submit questions before and during the meeting at the following email address: Organics@Calepa.ca.gov Please contact Bonnie Waltz at 916-324-9701 with any questions. _____________________________________________ Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ David Cocker, PhD University of California, Riverside. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE Defying Trump, these state leaders are trying to impose their own carbon taxes. While the Trump administration continues to consider a withdrawal from the Paris agreement, climate action in the United States is increasingly falling to the state and local level. And now, a handful of states, mainly clustered in New England, are turning to the concept of carbon pricing with a renewed sense of urgency. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/12/defying-trump-these-state-leaders-are-trying-to-impose-their-own-carbon-taxes/?utm_source=rss_energy-environment&utm_term=.13bb631e2e91 AIR POLLUTION Warmer weather means higher rates of ozone pollution in Central Valley. The warmer the weather becomes, the more aware Valley residents should be of ozone pollution, the dominant pollutant in the summertime that can damage lung tissue, said officials from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Ground-level ozone is a gas that’s formed when a variety of pollution, from things like cars and factories… http://www.mercedsunstar.com/living/health-fitness/article150522287.html#storylink=cpy Air pollution affects children and the elderly the most. Plumas County air quality routinely exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. This excessive pollution is related to widespread severe forest fires, wood burning during atmospheric inversion events and increased dust during droughts. Effects of severe fires on air quality According to Will Barrett, senior policy analyst for the American Lung Association of California, Plumas County air exceeded EPA small particle pollution… http://www.plumasnews.com/air-pollution-affects-children-elderly/ Diesel cars generate even MORE pollution than first feared: Emissions are linked 38,000 early deaths a year. Diesel driven cars, lorries and buses churn out far more air pollution than standard testing procedures suggest, leading to many thousands of unreported deaths, scientists claim. The excess emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust gases can be linked to 38,000 premature deaths worldwide, according to the new research. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4507670/Diesel-cars-generate-pollution-feared.html#ixzz4hA96E0VU CLIMATE CHANGE U.S. economic growth and security outweigh climate policy review, envoy tells U.N. conference. The Trump administration will stay focused on economic growth and national security no matter the outcome of its climate change policy review, a U.S. official told delegates at a United Nations convention in Germany on Saturday. “It is clear that the administration will not take actions… http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-germany-climate-change20170513-story.html Climate change is shrinking the West’s water supply. Three new studies show dry times ahead. Picture a snowflake drifting down from a frigid February sky in western Colorado and settling high in the Rocky Mountains. By mid-April, the alpine snowpack is likely at its peak. Warming temperatures in May or June will then melt the snow, sending droplets rushing down a mountain stream or seeping into the soil to replenish an aquifer. http://www.hcn.org/articles/climate-change-is-shrinking-the-wests-water-supply Climate Change Is Making Allergy Season Worse, Here Are Some Tips To Alleviate Your Symptoms. If you’re suffering from allergies more than previous years, climate change might have something to do with it. People may get seasonal allergies during the spring, summer and early fall, and it’s usually caused by sensitivity to airborne mold spores or to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds… http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-making-allergy-season-worse-here-are-some-tips-alleviate-your-symptoms-2538450 Tillerson says US won't be rushed on climate change policies. Arctic nations have renewed calls for the world to address climate warming, but U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the United States will not rush to make a decision on its policies. Tillerson spoke Thursday in Fairbanks, Alaska, at a meeting of the Arctic Council, an advisory group made up of the eight Arctic nations and indigenous groups. http://bronx.news12.com/story/35400857/tillerson-says-us-wont-be-rushed-on-climate-change-policies UK faces sharp rise in destructive wind storms due to global warming. If climate change heats world by more than 1.5C, damaged buildings are likely to increase by over 50% across Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland. The UK is set to reap the whirlwind of climate change with the huge damage caused by wind storms expected to increase sharply, according to new analysis. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/15/uk-faces-sharp-rise-destructive-wind-storms-global-warming Brown heading to China to promote climate policies. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is going to China early next month to drum up support for climate and clean energy policies as well as general trade cooperation. The weeklong trip will see Brown attend an international clean energy conference in Beijing, the Clean Energy Ministerial, and visit two other economic powerhouses… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060054537/search?keyword=california DIESEL ACTIVITIES Global Tailpipe Tests Vastly Underestimate Diesel Pollution. Pollution from diesel trucks, buses and cars globally is more than 50 percent higher than levels shown in government lab tests, a new study says. That extra pollution translated to another 38,000 deaths from soot and smog in 2015, the researchers estimated. The work published Monday in the journal Nature was a follow-up to the testing… https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/05/15/science/ap-us-sci-diesel-deaths.html http://www.industryweek.com/environment/excess-diesel-truck-and-car-emissions-killed-38000-2015-study https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/15/stories/1060054558 New international study finds lab testing of diesel NOx emissions underestimates real-world levels by up to 50%. A new international study has found that laboratory tests of nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles significantly underestimate the real-world emissions by as much as 50%. A paper on the work is published in the journal Nature. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/05/20170515-nox.html Largest U.S. Electric School Bus Pilot Comes to California. California had to first clear a legal hurdle with its one-of-a-kind, cap-and-trade fund. An appeals court ruled last month that the program requiring companies to purchase permits for emitting certain levels of greenhouse gases does not constitute an unconstitutional tax and could proceed. It's the largest single deployment of electric school buses nationwide. https://stnonline.com/news/latest-news/item/8613-largest-us-electric-school-bus-pilot-comes-to-california http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/news/722420/3-california-districts-receiving-electric-school-buses?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter http://kfbk.iheart.com/articles/kfbk-news-461777/electric-school-buses-debut-in-sacramento-15827120/ http://fox40.com/2017/05/12/fleet-of-electric-school-buses-unveiled-in-sacramento/ MISCELLANEOUS Annual “Mowing Down Pollution” draws hundreds for equipment exchange. Hundreds of gas-powered pieces of yard equipment were exchanged for battery-powered ones Saturday morning in Mission Valley, during San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts’ 18th Annual Mowing Down Pollution event at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diegans were encouraged to turn in their gasoline-powered lawn mowers… http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/05/13/annual-mowing-down-pollution-draws-hundreds-for-equipment-exchange/ OPINIONS Treat climate change symptoms and don't worry about the cause. For the vast majority of scientists, global warming is a fact. Not so for many conservatives and Republicans, who believe it is a ruse to impose new taxes and regulations on the economy. “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive,” President Trump said in a 2012 tweet. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/05/15/treat-climate-change-carbon-tax-flood-control-column/101445670/ Talking Point: A two-speed response to climate change. WHEN you think about it, it’s breathtaking. The 2017 Federal Budget is seeking to close the books on Australia’s biggest economic, social and environmental issue of this or any century. Buried deep in the Budget papers is the revelation that two national climate agencies — the Climate Change Authority and the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility… http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opinion/talking-point-a-twospeed-response-to-climate-change/news-story/2170ba61f190a2aef052cf4567d04cb5 Is man’s role in climate change “settled science”? (4 letters). Re: “There’s no such thing as settled science, and that’s a fact,” May 5 Teresa Keegan column. Congratulations to The Denver Post for running the article by Teresa Keegan regarding the myth of the “settled science” of climate change. This op-ed is one of few like it that make it into the mainstream news. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/13/climate-change-settled-science/ The U.S. Tips Its Hand, Showing It Will Likely Join The Global Climate Talks. When it comes to President Trump’s thinking on climate change, the White House has put its cards on the table — that such efforts are essentially a waste of national time and treasure. However, when it comes to joining the Paris climate accord, the administration is tipping its hand and might be taking a seat at the table. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/05/15/the-u-s-tips-its-hand-showing-it-will-likely-join-the-global-climate-talks/#3719aae77687 Can biofuels save us from climate apocalypse? If humanity has any hope of stopping the civilization-threatening climate change crisis, gas-powered cars have to go. But how are people supposed to get around without them? Public transit is one answer, as are electric cars. And then there are biofuels, which present the tempting halfway prospect of carbon-neutral automobiles that can use technology very similar to that which already exists. http://theweek.com/articles/698551/biofuels-save-from-climate-apocalypse No room for science in Trump administration. On Monday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt declined to renew the terms of nine of the 18 scientists on the EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors. According to an EPA spokesperson, this change was made in order to bring different scientists into the mix, including industry ones. http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/15/opinions/no-science-in-trump-administration-whitman/index.html BLOGS China Proposes Major Green Investment Amid U.S. Retreat From Climate Change. In a sweeping foreign policy address on Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to invest in clean energy, build scientific coalitions, and support other countries’ efforts to adapt to climate change. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/china-climate-change-xi-jinping_us_5919c109e4b0fe039b3646ca New scrutiny of polar regions as world braces for climate shifts: UN. The polar regions are by far the most impacted by climate change. The polar regions are by far the most impacted by climate change. Scientists will intensify scrutiny of the polar regions as part of an international campaign to improve global weather predictions and minimise risks linked to rapid climate change, the UN said Monday. https://phys.org/news/2017-05-scrutiny-polar-regions-world-braces.html#jCp Heat on for Australia's Great Barrier Reef when global temperatures hit 1.5C. When global warming hits 1.5°C or 2°C, extreme events grow in frequency. If global temperatures hit 1.5°C above pre-industrial conditions -- the target negotiated at the 2015 Paris Agreement -- it will be twice as likely that we will see a repeat of the extreme ocean heat that severely damaged the Great Barrier Reef in 2016. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170515111552.htm Iowa Gov. Branstad signs bill for biofuels infrastructure funding. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, a steadfast supporter of growing the job-creating biofuels industry, has signed legislation that will help ensure its continued success in Iowa. The Iowa Biodiesel Board praised Branstad for signing the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund bill (HF 643… http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/2513355/iowa-gov-branstad-signs-bill-for-biofuels-infrastructure-funding A Small Senate Victory Maintains Methane Regulation. The Trump administration’s relentless march to repeal federal regulations is not limited to environmental rules, but the environment is a real target. The shame of these attacks is that rather than seeking to improve and refine our approach to environmental protection, we see a destructive effort at dismantling the structure of environmental law. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/a-small-senate-victory-maintains-methane-regulation_us_59199df7e4b00ccaae9ea4a8 Texas Group Petitions EPA for Softer Greenhouse Gas Rules. Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank whose mission is to influence policymakers with "academically sound research," is petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency to retract a policy that regulates greenhouse gas emissions — which critics argue would essentially nullify one of the most important reasons for the agency's existence. http://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2017/05/15/texas-group-petitions-epa-for-softer-greenhouse-gas-rules Brown Makes Environmental Justice Pitch to Get Two-Thirds Vote for Cap-n-Trade. At the budget revision press conference last week, Gov. Jerry Brown tried to assuage Democratic lawmakers over costs on his cap-and-trade extension by arguing for environmental justice so as to assure a two-thirds vote for the plan. Brown is aware that some Democrats in low-income areas… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/05/brown-makes-environmental-justice-pitch-get-two-thirds-vote-cap-n-trade/ ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 15:05:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) invites you to participate in a public workshop to discuss proposed regulatory amendments to CARB’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) and the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP). Staff will discuss proposed amendments that would: 1) reduce the current 40 percent opacity limit; 2) require opacity testers to be trained to ensure compliance with the SAE J1667 snap acceleration test procedures; and 3) require web-based fleet reporting. Staff also will briefly discuss its ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive inspection and maintenance (I/M) program for heavy-duty (HD) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds for implementation in the post-2020 timeframe. The workshop will be held at the following location and time, and will be webcast for those unable to attend in person. This is the third public workshop, and staff is scheduled to present the proposed amendments to the Board at the October 26-27, 2017, public meeting in Riverside, California. Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: CalEPA Headquarters Building Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 _________________________________________ Presentation is available for downloading!. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., J. R. DeShazo, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 1:30 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California This project investigates the direct and quantitative effects of complicated urban built-environment on near-road dispersion and levels of on-road air pollution at scales from a few meters away from the center of the street to several city blocks. This was studied using ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations as a surrogate for on-road air pollution, as it is an excellent proxy for motor vehicle emissions at short time scales. The project studies design features of transit oriented developments (TODs); types of development that are needed to move California communities toward improved public health combined with SB 375 (SB 375, Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008) goals of sustainability. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson5/paulson.htm _______________________________________ Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE Bid to reform cap and trade rests on its shaky legal foundation. California lawmakers' push to reform the state's greenhouse gas program stems from long-standing legal perturbations that have dogged the market since its inception. The cap-and-trade market, which is tasked with ensuring that California reaches its target of 1990 emissions levels by 2020… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060054575/search?keyword=california AIR POLLUTION Air pollution kills more people in the UK than in Sweden, US and Mexico. WHO figures show people in Britain are more likely to die from dirty air than those living in some other comparable countries. People in the UK are 64 times as likely to die of air pollution as those in Sweden and twice as likely as those in the US, figures from the World Health Organisation reveal. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/17/air-pollution-kills-more-people-in-the-uk-than-in-sweden-us-and-mexico CLIMATE CHANGE A climate change solution beneath our feet. There’s too much carbon in the atmosphere and not enough in the ground where it’s useful. Healthy soil can help flip the picture. When we think of climate change solutions, what typically comes to mind is the transportation we use, the lights in our home, the buildings we power and the food we eat. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/ucdavis/a-climate-change-solution-beneath-our-feet/ Under Fire, Climate Scientists Unite With Lawyers to Fight Back. Lawyers and scientists do not always get along, but some are now finding common cause in an effort to defend the integrity of science — especially climate science — in government and academia. Climate scientists are feeling the heat as Republicans cement control of the executive branch and Congress. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/15/science/under-fire-climate-scientists-unite-with-lawyers-to-fight-back.html?_r=1 All but two countries are in the Paris climate agreement. US could be the third. One of Donald Trump's prominent campaign promises - to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, a 2015 U.N. accord that aims to combat climate change - may soon become reality. The move, which senior officials have said could come as early as this week, would be one of several Obama-era environmental… http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/All-but-two-countries-are-in-the-Paris-climate-11149670.php Combating Climate Change, Native American Venture Fund to Engage With World Wide Carbon, LLC to Place 360M Carbon Offsets Annually, Valued at $2.5B USD, Produced From Future Tribal Projects. The Native American Venture Fund (NAVF) and World Wide Carbon WWC ACCF Global Management (WWC) announced today that they have entered into a futures buying agreement for up to 360 million carbon offsets/credits annually over a 10-year period. http://www.kxxv.com/story/35442977/combating-climate-change-native-american-venture-fund-to-engage-with-world-wide-carbon-llc-to-place-360m-carbon-offsets-annually-valued-at-25b-usd Climate change threatening some migratory birds that breed in Canada. Study finds nine species of birds are struggling to adjust to earlier spring Researchers have found that nine species of birds, including the indigo bunting seen here, are having difficulty adjusting to earlier spring greening, which could threaten their existence. Researchers have found that nine species of birds… http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/climate-change-migratory-birds-1.4115573 FUELS Gov. Brown clashes with environmentalists over fracking. Gov. Jerry Brown was on a roll, enthusiastically preaching to a choir of environmentalists about how carbon use and global warming are a looming catastrophe for California and the world. “Stopping carbon will be like stopping a heroin addiction,” Brown told a standing-room-only crowd at a downtown San Francisco hotel last month. http://www.sfchronicle.com/science/article/Gov-Brown-clashes-with-environmentalists-over-11151180.php VEHICLES California may start offering point-of-sale plug-in rebates. Pilot program could begin in San Diego this year. California may start funding point-of-sale rebates on electric vehicles and other zero-emissions vehicles in order to spur more green car purchases, especially among those in the lower income brackets who may be turned off by their higher prices. The California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)… http://www.autoblog.com/2017/05/15/california-point-of-sale-plug-in-rebates/ Automakers are betting on hydrogen-powered cars— here are 12 in the works. Automakers are lining up to invest in hydrogen-powered vehicles, even though the big bucks are still being spent on battery-powered cars. From an infrastructure standpoint, purely electric vehicles make more sense. There are 15,959 electric charging stations in the United States, but only 35 hydrogen stations in the entire US… http://www.businessinsider.com/12-hydrogen-car-projects-2017-5 Ford is pushing back its hydrogen car plans — here's why. Ford announced in 2013 that it was forming an alliance with Mercedes-Benz and Nissan to develop hydrogen fuel-cell technology with the goal of releasing a mass-market vehicle by 2017. But Ford CTO Raj Nair told Business Insider that a hydrogen car isn't on the way this year and the timeline has changed. http://www.businessinsider.com/ford-cto-raj-nair-ford-wont-release-hydrogen-car-in-2017-2017-5 VW RECALL Federal court approves $225 million settlement in VW 3.0 liter, diesel cheating case. Volkswagen will pay $225 million, including $66 million to California, for harm resulting from the sale of its 3.0-liter diesel passenger cars that included emissions control “defeat devices,” under partial Consent Decrees signed today. U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer signed the agreements between the automaker, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (US DOJ). https://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=922 VW Engineers Wanted O.K. From the Top for Emissions Fraud, Documents Show. Even after Volkswagen pleaded guilty to a nine-year conspiracy to dupe regulators and consumers, the carmaker has continued to insist that top executives played no role in the emissions fraud. But internal company emails and memos, which were reviewed by… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/business/volkswagen-muller-diesel-emissions.html?_r=0 VW still won't publish diesel investigation findings, citing more fines. Report: Jones Day findings pose further financial risk to VW even after $4.3 billion fine. Volkswagen chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch rejected calls by shareholders to publish an internal report on the diesel scandal compiled by the U.S. law firm Jones Day, a year after scuttling a planned release of the report ahead… http://autoweek.com/article/vw-diesel-scandal/vw-still-wont-publish-diesel-investigation-findings-citing-more-fines#ixzz4hBoQgPud FIAT/CHRYSLER European Commission launches legal action against Italy over Fiat Chrysler cars. The Italian government is facing demands for answers from the European Commission over emissions cheating allegations for cars sold by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The European Commission, an arm of the European Union, has given Italy two months to respond and the country could ultimately face action in the European Court of Justice. http://www.freep.com/story/money/2017/05/17/italy-under-pressure-over-fiat-chrysler-emissions-case/328059001/ EU starts legal action against Italy over Fiat Chrysler emissions. The European Commission launched legal action against Italy on Wednesday for failing to respond to allegations of emission-test cheating by Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI), in a procedure that could lead to the country being taken to court. The Commission said Italy had failed to convince it that devices used to modulate emissions on Fiat Chrysler vehicles outside of narrow testing conditions were justified. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-idUSKCN18D1DS GREEN ENERGY San Jose approves clean energy program. San Jose approved a program Tuesday to pool funds from residents to purchase energy from green sources, becoming the largest city in the country to do so. Several other Bay Area communities have established such programs, known as Community Choice Energy programs. They are an alternative to purchasing power from the major state utilities — Pacific Gas & Electric in this case. http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/San-Jose-approves-clean-energy-program-11151114.php The 'Buy America' company that sourced from abroad. Suniva Inc. is an American solar manufacturer that has often waved the flag, claiming that its products are 80 percent American-made. When it went bankrupt last month, it asked the Trump administration to raise worldwide tariffs, saying it was the only way the beleaguered American manufacturer would survive. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/16/stories/1060054585 MISCELLANEOUS GOP lawmakers take aim at social cost of carbon. Senate Republicans are calling on U.S. EPA to take a closer look at regulations that consider "co-benefits" and the social cost of carbon. In a letter yesterday to the agency's regulatory reform officer, Samantha Dravis, members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee applauded EPA's moves to get rid of "burdensome regulations." https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/16/stories/1060054594 OPINIONS NY Times’ Stephens can’t see the elephant in the room on climate change. There was tremendous outcry when the New York Times hired opinion columnist Bret Stephens, who has a long history of making misinformed comments about climate change. Stephens didn’t assuage those fears when he devoted his first column to punching hippies, absurdly suggesting that our lack of progress on climate policy… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/may/16/ny-times-stephens-cant-see-the-elephant-in-the-room-on-climate-change One simple trick for California’s carbon diet: a robust cap-and-trade system. Almost every January 1st I set a personal goal for weight loss. That’s easy. The hard part comes the following 364 days while I try different strategies to shed the pounds. On January 1, 2021, California must begin implementation of its ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below the 2020 levels. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/05/one-simple-trick-californias-carbon-diet-robust-cap-trade-system/ BLOGS Big energy wants Trump to slow deregulation binge, columnist says. •The energy industry wants to make sure Pres. Trump does not get too carried away repealing too many regulations, worried that Trump’s campaign rhetoric on killing Obama-era regulations could end up backfiring when put into practice, Axios columnist Amy Harder writes. https://seekingalpha.com/news/3267592-big-energy-wants-trump-slow-deregulation-binge-columnist-says Madrid's diesel ban panics carmakers, shifts pollution problem. To fight air pollution, Madrid is among cities around the world that have vowed to ban diesel vehicles by 2025. This leaves car dealers with lots full of autos no one will buy - what will happen to all the diesel cars? http://www.dw.com/en/madrids-diesel-ban-panics-carmakers-shifts-pollution-problem/a-38584982 Climate change spells dry times ahead for the West. Picture a snowflake drifting down from a frigid February sky in western Colorado and settling high in the Rocky Mountains. By mid-April, the alpine snowpack is likely at its peak. Warming temperatures in May or June will then melt the snow, sending droplets rushing down a mountain stream or seeping into the soil to replenish an aquifer. http://grist.org/article/climate-change-spells-dry-times-ahead-for-the-west/ ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 13:52:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 19, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 19, 2017. 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 BUSINESS http://www.publicnow.com/view/F4C85CBCEC42A6E0DB9646545B138857764AF43E?2017-05-18-00:01:17+01:00-xxx7686 _________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm _______________________________________ Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE Majority vote on cap and trade? No, thank you, governor's office says. Gov. Jerry Brown’s top advisor says he won’t accept anything less than a two-thirds vote to extend California’s cap-and-trade program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The higher threshold is needed to insulate the program from legal challenges. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-majority-vote-on-cap-and-trade-no-1495153400-htmlstory.html AIR POLLUTION Dirty diesel: why ships are the worst offenders. Ships belch out most of their sulphurous toxins far from land, but they could still be responsible for 60,000 deaths each year. In all the controversy over toxic air pollution from diesel cars, little is heard of a worse source of pollution – shipping. Large ocean-going ships tend to use bunker fuel, the world’s dirtiest diesel fuel – a toxic.. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/18/dirty-diesel-ships-worst-offenders-pollutionwatch CLIMATE CHANGE Thanks to global warming, Antarctica is beginning to turn green. Researchers in Antarctica have discovered rapidly growing banks of mosses on the ice continent’s northern peninsula, providing striking evidence of climate change in the coldest and most remote parts of the planet. Amid the warming of the last 50 years, the scientists found two different species of mosses undergoing… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/18/thanks-to-global-warming-antarctica-is-starting-to-turn-green/?tid=pm_business_pop&utm_term=.72439178aedf https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/19/stories/1060054785 China, Japan extract combustible ice from seafloor. Commercial development of the globe’s huge reserves of a frozen fossil fuel known as “combustible ice” has moved closer to reality after Japan and China successfully extracted the material from the seafloor off their coastlines. But experts said Friday that large-scale production remains many years away… https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/china-japan-extract-combustible-ice-from-seafloor/2017/05/19/cba12336-3c5a-11e7-a59b-26e0451a96fd_story.html?utm_term=.b1a52ddb2873 Early heat wave breaking records in Northeast US cities. Heat records were burning up Thursday in cities in the Northeast as the region gets a summer preview. The mercury reached 92 degrees in Boston shortly after noon Thursday, breaking the old record of 91 degrees for May 18 set in 1936, according to the National Weather Service. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/early-heat-wave-breaking-records-in-northeast-us-cities/2017/05/18/cdce42ea-3c2f-11e7-a59b-26e0451a96fd_story.html?utm_term=.2638d8680cf0 Rising sea levels could mean twice as much flood risk in Los Angeles and other coastal cities. The effects of rising oceans on coastal flooding may be even worse than we thought. Scientists have found that a mere 10 to 20 centimeters of sea-level rise — which is expected by 2050 — will more than double the frequency of serious flooding events in many parts of the globe, including along the California coastline. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-sea-level-floods-20170518-story.html Study: inspiring action on climate change is more complex than you might think. People have to grasp how climate change impacts them, and we need to value environmentally sound behavior. We know humans are causing climate change. That is a fact that has been known for well over 100 years. We also know that there will be significant social and economic costs from the effects. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/may/19/study-inspiring-action-on-climate-change-is-more-complex-than-you-might-think Fed up with climate change, trees are moving north and west. It's getting so hot that even the trees are heading north. Man-made climate change — including warmer temperatures and deviations in rainfall patterns — appears to be one of the reasons tree populations in the eastern U.S. are shifting north and, more surprisingly, west, according to new research. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2017/05/18/trees-moving-west-and-north/101836832/ Energy Companies Urge Trump To Remain In Paris Climate Agreement. Trump recently signed an executive order aiming to roll back President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan but did not address the Paris agreement. European Union leaders aren't the only ones who are imploring Trump to keep the U.S. as part of the largest climate agreement in history. http://www.npr.org/2017/05/18/528998592/energy-companies-urge-trump-to-remain-in-paris-climate-agreement Don't bet on CO2 removal to meet climate goals, scientists say. Pulling carbon dioxide out of the sky will be necessary to keep the world on target to meet international climate goals, and scientists say we need to start now. The questions are how and at what scale. In an article published online yesterday in the journal Science, two scientists laid out their case for "right-sizing" carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/19/stories/1060054814 FUELS Industry prods Trump team for quick relief from Obama rule. Industry and environmental groups are gearing up for another round of fighting over an Obama-era plan to slash methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public lands. The American Petroleum Institute this week urged Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to postpone compliance deadlines for venting and flaring restrictions under… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/19/stories/1060054811 Hydrogen cars ready to move beyond Calif. Refilling stations for hydrogen-powered cars are coming to the East Coast this year, opening up driving options that up until now have been possible only in California. The Golden State has 30 hydrogen stations, with plans to extend to 100 by 2020, and it is the only state where fuel-cell vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity FC have been sold so far. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/19/stories/1060054833 VEHICLES Toyota, Nissan, others get behind fuel cell push in Japan. Japan is backing a push for pollution-free vehicles that run on hydrogen and planning to build more hydrogen fueling stations so that fuel-cell vehicles on roads will grow to 40,000 by 2020, from the current handful. The collaboration on fuel cells, announced Friday, brings together 11 companies, including automakers Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co… https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/toyota-nissan-others-get-behind-fuel-cell-push-in-japan/2017/05/19/6930e2ba-3c5d-11e7-a59b-26e0451a96fd_story.html?utm_term=.d0e333b931d0 Carmakers ask for less testing, no spot checks. Automakers are asking U.S. EPA to stop spot-checking the emissions levels of certified vehicles. The request is one of dozens of technical demands two trade associations, Global Automakers and the Association of Automobile Manufacturers, submitted to the agency following its request for ideas on how to streamline regulations. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/19/stories/1060054852 VW RECALL U.S. regulators approve VW diesel fix for 84,000 vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board on Friday announced approval of a fix for about 84,000 older Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) diesel vehicles that can emit excess emissions. Volkswagen, the world's largest automaker, agreed last year to offer to buy back up to 475,000 2.0-liter diesel vehicles that had been sold in the United States or offer fixes if regulators approved. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-idUSKCN18F1TL Fiat Chrysler in talks with government over diesels. Fiat Chrysler says it’s in discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over claims the company cheated on diesel emissions tests. The EPA said in January that FCA was using software that allowed diesel vehicles to emit more pollution on the road than they do in emissions tests. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/fiat-chrysler-in-talks-with-government-over-diesels/2017/05/18/e2920262-3bde-11e7-a59b-26e0451a96fd_story.html?utm_term=.53a35fc604ba Fiat Chrysler to Modify 100,000 Vehicles After Accusations of Emissions Cheating. Fiat Chrysler said on Friday that it would modify around 100,000 diesel vehicles in an effort to reach a settlement with United States regulators, as separate academic studies provided mounting evidence that the carmaker had installed software meant to evade emissions standards. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/business/energy-environment/fiat-chrysler-diesel-emissions.html?_r=0 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/05/19/fiat-chrysler-epa-justice-department-diesel/101872668/ http://www.freep.com/story/money/2017/05/19/fiat-chrysler-hopes-new-epa-application-clear-diesel-emissions-dispute/332329001/ http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/fiat-chrysler-rolls-new-emission-software-diesel-vehicles-article-1.3179396 GREEN ENERGY Report: Vistra Energy makes bid to acquire Dynegy in Texas power move. A Dallas-based company that emerged from the bankruptcy of Energy Future Holdings is reportedly pursuing an acquisition of Houston-based power generator Dynegy. Vistra Energy is making a bid to acquire Dynegy, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Dynegy shares soared 23% in afternoon trading to $8.94. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/05/19/dynegy-vistra-energy/101871030/ NYS Exposed: Residents have little say in fight over wind energy farm. The people of a western New York community are confronting developers, the state, and each other over plans for a major new wind energy project. Just last week, the developer brought in stakeholders for a get together behind closed doors, but a provision of state law may mean local elected leaders… http://www.whec.com/news/wind-energy-farm-fight-residents-say/4489028/ BLOGS Where a solar roof works and where it doesn’t. This is not a one-size-fits-all product. Last week, Tesla and Tesla’s newly purchased solar-panel company SolarCity announced that they’d be taking pre-orders at $1,000 a pop for installations of their new solar roof product. The solar roof is made up of tiles—some that produce solar power and some inert—that look just like regular roof tiles. https://arstechnica.com/business/2017/05/where-a-solar-roof-works-and-where-it-doesnt/ Long-Distance Electric Car Charging Problems Will Boost Plug-In Hybrids. One of the unintended consequences of the electric car revolution will be a painful doubling or tripling in long-distance journey times as the charging structure is overwhelmed, according to consultancy Frost & Sullivan. This will also mean that there is a great future for plug-in hybrid gasoline electric vehicles because of their… https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwinton/2017/05/19/long-distance-electric-car-charging-problems-will-boost-plug-in-hybrids/#44d014da5f39 Climate change could slash staple crops: Study. Extreme weather and temperature swings are estimated to cut production of major crops by 23 percent over the 30 years, scientists warn. Climate change, and its impacts on extreme weather and temperature swings, is projected to reduce global production of corn, wheat, rice and soybeans by 23 percent in the 2050s, according to a new analysis. http://www.dailyclimate.org/tdc-newsroom/2017/may/climate-change-could-cut-into-major-crop ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 16:56:14 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 22, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 22, 2017. 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 BUSINESS http://www.publicnow.com/view/F4C85CBCEC42A6E0DB9646545B138857764AF43E?2017-05-18-00:01:17+01:00-xxx7686 _________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm _______________________________________ Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) are a set of VOCs currently exempted for VOC content based on a combination of boiling point, vapor pressure, and/or elution time from a GC-column. This work explores evaporation rates and secondary pollutant formation from a series of individual LVP-VOCs associated with consumer products, select generic consumer products that include these LVP-VOCs, and several hydrocarbon solvents. For more go to the announcement at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/cocker/cocker.htm CAP AND TRADE A new question on California's cap-and-trade program -- how many votes are needed to keep it going? For most of the debate in Sacramento over extending California’s cap-and-trade program, the goal has been reaching a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature to get the job done. That’s the target set by Gov. Jerry Brown and the threshold that nonpartisan… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cap-and-trade-1495134595-htmlstory.html AIR POLLUTION Spare the Air day returns to Bay Area on Monday. The weekend rise in temperatures brought with it a Spare the Air Alert on Sunday from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The alert, which will be in effect for Monday, will be the second of the summer season and comes after temperatures in some far East Bay locations moved into the 90s on Sunday for the second straight day. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/21/spare-the-air-day-returns-to-bay-area-on-monday/ More of Bay Area May Be Vulnerable to Refinery Mishaps Than Previously Believed. The recent conclusion by local air regulators that malfunctions at Chevron’s Richmond facility sent toxic gas 11 miles across San Francisco Bay late last year means that a larger part of the region may be vulnerable to refinery malfunctions than many previously believed, environmentalists and experts say. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/05/22/more-of-the-bay-area-may-be-vulnerable-to-refinery-mishaps-than-was-thought/ A California regulator’s curious crusade to remake the Clean Air Act. In the smoggy San Joaquin Valley, an air pollution control officer is under fire for aiding members of Congress who want to weaken the law. The 250-mile-long San Joaquin Valley is an economic powerhouse, producing everything from crude oil to grapes, cotton to pistachios. It’s also a pollution-trapping bowl, bounded on three sides by mountains… https://www.publicintegrity.org/2017/05/22/20869/california-regulator-s-curious-crusade-remake-clean-air-act Air pollution linked to poor sleep, study finds. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and airborne particles affects sleep efficiency, says medical professor. Air pollution might be linked to poor sleep, say researchers looking into the impact of toxic air on our slumbers. The study explored the proportion of time participants spent asleep in bed at night compared with being awake – a measure known as sleep efficiency. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/may/21/air-pollution-linked-to-poor-sleep-study-finds EPA aids polluters with 'exceptional events' guidance — greens. U.S. EPA is giving cover to run-of-the-mill industrial polluters with its updated "exceptional events" guidance, environmentalists charge in a new court filing. Although such events are mainly supposed to be the result of natural forces, EPA's guidance allows "regular industrial pollution in vast amounts" to qualify as an exceptional event… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/22/stories/1060054909 CLIMATE CHANGE Stop hoping we can fix climate change by pulling carbon out of the air, scientists warn. Scientists are expressing increasing skepticism that we’re going to be able to get out of the climate change mess by relying on a variety of large-scale land-use and technical solutions that have been not only proposed but often relied upon in scientific calculations. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/22/stop-hoping-we-can-fix-climate-change-by-pulling-carbon-out-of-the-air-scientists-warn/?utm_term=.38a9688fd2e9 Carbon Emissions Fee Proposed By Environmental Groups In Washington, DC. Economists call carbon emissions an “untaxed externalty.” That means those responsible for them are not required to pay for the damage they cause to society. Imagine if you operated a livestock ranch on your property but dumped all the manure your animals create in your neighbor’s yard. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/21/carbon-emissions-fee-proposed-environmental-groups-washington-dc/ DROUGHT Homeowners who let grass go brown to save water during California drought could face fines. Homeowners who let their grass go brown to save money during the drought may have to turn the sprinklers back on, or else their HOA can fine them. In April, Gov. Jerry Brown declared the drought over for most parts of California, lifting restrictions that kept homeowners associations from disciplining residents who stopped watering their grass to help save money and water. http://www.10news.com/news/homeowners-who-let-grass-go-brown-to-save-water-during-california-drought-could-face-fines FUELS How Rollbacks at Scott Pruitt’s E.P.A. Are a Boon to Oil and Gas. In a gas field here in Wyoming’s struggling energy corridor, nearly 2,000 miles from Washington, the Trump administration’s regulatory reversal is crowning an early champion. Devon Energy, which runs the windswept site, had been prepared to install a sophisticated system to detect and reduce leaks of dangerous gases. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/20/business/energy-environment/devon-energy.html?_r=0 BLM methane emissions rule will stay in place for now. A controversial federal rule under the Bureau of Land Management will stay in place for now. The Obama-era regulation limits methane emissions from oil and gas drilling. Some say the rule burdens American energy production and economic growth. "We did not need to have the BLM moving into a regulatory domain," said Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO). http://www.kmvt.com/content/news/423646353.html California forecasts robust growth in biodiesel, feedstock demand. Over the past decade, California has developed a complex policy framework pertaining to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction including policies that drive demand for low carbon fuels. The original authorizing statute was the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) and set GHG reduction mandates for 2020. http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/2513792/california-forecasts-robust-growth-in-biodiesel-feedstock-demand Are Advanced Biofuels for Airplanes Ready for Takeoff? Industry is working on new aircraft fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2008, a group of airlines came to Boeing Co., the world’s largest aerospace company, with a big problem. At that point, the United States, under President Obama, was instituting policies to fight climate change. One of them involved cutting emissions from jet fuel. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-advanced-biofuels-for-airplanes-ready-for-takeoff/ VW RECALL Researchers find computer code that Volkswagen used to cheat emissions tests. An international team of researchers has uncovered the mechanism that allowed Volkswagen to circumvent U.S. and European emission tests over at least six years before the Environmental Protection Agency put the company on notice in 2015 for violating the Clean Air Act. https://phys.org/news/2017-05-code-volkswagen-emissions.html#jCp FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Fiat Chrysler seeks diesel emission certification from EPA. Fiat Chrysler has applied for diesel emission certifications for its 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models after months of talks with federal and state agencies. The applications come after the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board in January alleged the automaker used software in previous model years… http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/fiat-chrysler-seeks-diesel-emission-certification-epa-article-1.3179650 http://www.investingbizz.com/2017/05/fiat-chrysler-automobiles-fcau-formally-files-application-for-diesel-vehicle-emissions-certification-with-u-s-epa/ U.S. planning to sue Fiat Chrysler over diesel emissions: report. The U.S. Justice Department may be planning to file a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler over allegations that the engines in its light-duty diesel trucks included equipment to defeat Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests. A report from Bloomberg last week cites unnamed sources who were briefed on the forthcoming suit. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110575_u-s-planning-to-sue-fiat-chrysler-over-diesel-emissions-report MISCELLANEOUS Scott Pruitt's first 100 days at the EPA have shown he's unlike any former chief. The first months of the Trump administration have brought a rare blizzard of news about the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt, at the helm, has taken an unusually public role for an EPA chief. http://www.sfgate.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Scott-Pruitt-s-first-100-days-at-the-EPA-have-11162541.php White House moving ahead with stiff EPA budget cuts: group, citing document. President Donald Trump's administration plans deep cuts to state environmental programs, a summary of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2018 budget showed on Friday, even after some Republicans in affected states raised concerns when the agency released an initial outline of the budget in March. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-budget-epa-idUSKCN18F2HF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental justice movement on the rise in Sacramento. As Gov. Jerry Brown seeks support to extend a key environmental policy in California, he’s planning a trip to a gritty corner of the state: the blue-collar neighborhoods southeast of Los Angeles, where thousands of people live alongside rail yards that spew plumes of smoke and freeways rumbling with big rigs. Brown is better known as a global environmentalist. http://www.sfchronicle.com/science/article/Environmental-justice-movement-on-the-rise-in-11162619.php True Climate Justice Puts Communities of Color First. Black and brown communities have long borne the brunt of our addiction to fossil fuels—and now they are leading the fight for a post-carbon economy. The day before the People’s Climate March in Washington, DC, Preyton Lambert—skinny, dreadlocked and sporting black-frame glasses—was getting hustled on a boulevard near the National Mall. https://www.thenation.com/article/true-climate-justice-puts-communities-of-color-first/ OPINIONS Air board’s new rules for ports go overboard: Guest commentary. The equipment that is used at California’s ports to move cargo on and off ships, trucks and trains contributes approximately 0.0747 percent of California’s total greenhouse gas emissions. To convert this equipment to zero emissions, as recently advocated by the California Air Resources Board, is estimated to cost between $23 and $36 billion. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20170519/air-boards-new-rules-for-ports-go-overboard-guest-commentary Gov. Brown travels the globe talking about climate change. He should focus on this basic program at home. Gov. Jerry Brown traipses all over the world trying to save the planet from global warming. But he needs to salvage one basic environmental program here at home. That’s the widely popular beverage container recycling program. People use it and feel good about themselves…http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-jerry-brown-recycling-20170522-story.html My month with chemtrails conspiracy theorists. Tammi Riedl and her partner believe ‘chemtrails’ are damaging our health. They prove conspiracies have gone mainstream – and aren’t just for the right wing. Standing between beds of golden beets and elephant garlic in the garden of Lincoln Hills, a small organic farm in Placer County, California, Tammi Riedl looks up and points to a stripe of white haze running across a cloudless blue sky. “See that?” she asks, raising her eyebrows. “What do you think that is?” https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/22/california-conspiracy-theorist-farmers-chemtrails The Wrong End of the Stick | Scorcher. The Wrong End of the Stick—the Undeniable Case for Offsets: I want to talk about flexibility and the true role of offsets in California’s cap and trade program. But, let’s start with the global picture and revisit Paris together. The Agreement. It permitted 195 countries to submit their INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution)—their roadmap—on how each nation would achieve the goal of holding the increase in global average temperatures to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. https://climatetrust.org/the-wrong-end-of-the-stick-scorcher/ BLOGS California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and Low Carbon Fuel Standard Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly. This year is shaping up to be another action-packed year on climate change in the California Legislature. Last year, legislators passed a sweeping commitment to cut California’s global warming emissions 40 percent between 2020 and 2030, and this year policy makers are considering how California should achieve these big goals. http://blog.ucsusa.org/jason-barbose/californias-cap-and-trade-program-and-low-carbon-fuel-standard-go-together-like-peanut-butter-and-jelly Three Steps Shell Can Take for the Climate—and to Earn Public Trust. Royal Dutch Shell holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) tomorrow in the Netherlands, and like other major fossil fuel producers the company is under pressure from its investors to do more to address climate risks. UCS took an in-depth look at Shell’s climate-related positions and actions for The Climate Accountability Scorecard last year. http://blog.ucsusa.org/kathy-mulvey/three-steps-shell-can-take-for-the-climate-and-to-earn-public-trust The business bulwark behind California's climate progress. California, the sixth largest economy in the world, is positioning itself as a bulwark against the rollback of climate progress at the national level, strutting the state's economic growth as it implemented the toughest environmental policy in the nation. Think 13 percent job growth; innovations in electric and autonomous vehicles, smart grids… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/business-bulwark-behind-californias-climate-progress ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 14:38:50 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 23, 2017. 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 BUSINESS http://www.publicnow.com/view/F4C85CBCEC42A6E0DB9646545B138857764AF43E?2017-05-18-00:01:17+01:00-xxx7686 _________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm _______________________________________ Dept. of Public Health Webinar & Webcast TOPIC: Public Health Dimensions of Oil and Gas Production in California. DATE: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 TIME: 1:00 to 4:00 pm PDT (WEBINAR & WEBCAST) LOCATION: CalEPA, Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California WEBINAR - register here: https://cdph.webex.com/cdph/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed68c92894d8105b772615a49bbb6bacf WEBCAST Option: http://video.calepa.ca.gov _____________________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ CAP AND TRADE Senior apartment project breaks ground at Richmond site of Japanese nurseries. Miraflores Senior Apartments is part of a greater, 14-acre, master-planned development to include a market-rate, homeownership project. Ground has broken on Miraflores Senior Apartments, an 80-unit, nonprofit project on the former site of Japanese family-owned flower nurseries that survived beyond World War II. The project will occupy a single, two-story wood-frame structure, on a 1.56-acre parcel at 4855 Wall Ave. at South 49th Street just west of Interstate 80. http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/05/23/senior-apartment-project-breaks-ground-at-richmond-site-of-japanese-nurseries/ AIR POLLUTION Air pollution could be disrupting your sleep. Global warming keeping you up at night? Scientists say that could literally be the case. Researchers found people who live in areas with elevated levels of carbon dioxide often experience disrupted sleep over time. A sampling of about 2,000 people showed those who slept in areas with the highest levels of traffic-related carbon dioxide had a nearly 60% increased likelihood… https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/05/23/air-pollution-could-disrupting-your-sleep/338673001/ http://www.newsweek.com/air-pollution-sleep-environment-air-quality-613384 Budget cuts would 'devastate' air programs, survey says. State and local air officials today are outlining how they think people could suffer if President Trump's budget proposal goes into effect. A report from the National Association of Clean Air Agencies includes anonymous quotes from members around the country. Most said public health would decline. Trump would cut U.S. EPA's spending 31 percent and reduce… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/23/stories/1060054931 CLIMATE CHANGE California Engages World, and Fights Washington, on Climate Change. The environmental ministers of Canada and Mexico went to San Francisco last month to sign a global pact — drafted largely by California — to lower planet-warming greenhouse pollution. Gov. Jerry Brown flies to China next month to meet with climate leaders there on a campaign to curb global warming. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/us/california-engages-world-and-fights-washington-on-climate-change.html?_r=1 Fights for climate rules mount within state, against Trump. California officials pushed back yesterday against attacks on climate and other environmental policies, both within the Golden State and from the Trump administration. The state's top air regulator, speaking at a climate law conference at UCLA, defended California's existing greenhouse gas trading system against lawmakers' proposed tweaks. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/23/stories/1060054954 USGS: Climate not 'something that needed to be' in release. Three civilian scientists are expressing concern over a decision by the Department of the Interior to remove a sentence about climate change from a press release summarizing their recent study on coastal flooding. The sentence in question, "Global climate change drives sea level rise, increasing the frequency of coastal flooding," was deleted… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/23/stories/1060054953 FUELS Department of Energy official wants Aliso Canyon gas field to reopen. A top federal official is urging the “near-term reopening” of the Aliso Canyon storage facility after injections were halted in the wake of a months-long disastrous gas leak that began in October, 2015. In a letter to the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Acting Under Secretary for Science… http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20170522/department-of-energy-official-wants-aliso-canyon-gas-field-to-reopen Hope glimmers in the garbage for advanced biofuels. "The history of aviation is marked by people achieving extraordinary things, despite the conventional wisdom of the time telling them it couldn't be done." — Air Transport Action Group. In May 2016, investigators from the Government Accountability Office assembled a panel of 19 experts in Washington to explore what had happened… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/23/stories/1060054930 130 green groups tell Zinke: No drilling! Advocates are ratcheting up the pressure against the Trump administration's plans to expand offshore drilling and seismic testing. In a letter sent yesterday, more than 130 environmental and advocacy groups told Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke that opening up the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans and the eastern Gulf of Mexico to such activity would bring… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/23/stories/1060054952 VW RECALL Volkswagen Faces 19.7 Billion Euro Fine In France Over Dieselgate. Volkswagen tried to save money by applying an unauthorized modification in the ECUs of its diesel-engined cars to avoid developing more advanced systems to reduce their emissions. The scheme worked like a charm for years, across the globe, until they got caught. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/volkswagen-faces-197-billion-euro-fine-in-france-over-dieselgate-118046.html FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) U.S. government sues Fiat Chrysler over excess emissions. The U.S. government filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday accusing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCHA.MI) of illegally using software to bypass emission controls in 104,000 diesel vehicles sold since 2014. The U.S. Justice Department lawsuit, filed in U.S. District court in Detroit, is a procedural step that may ramp up pressure on Fiat Chrysler… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiat-chrysler-emissions-idUSKBN18J28F?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2017/05/23/fca-emissions/102058266/ http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/23/justice-department-to-file-civil-suit-against-fiat-chrysler-over-diesel-emissions-reuters.html DAIMLER German Prosecutors Search Daimler Offices in Diesel Emissions Inquiry. German prosecutors searched the offices of Daimler, the automaker that produces Mercedes cars, on Tuesday as part of an investigation into whether the company improperly evaded emissions rules. The raids signal a deepening inquiry into Daimler, which had already said that several federal and state authorities in Europe… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/business/daimler-diesel-emissions-germany.html?_r=0 MISCELLANEOUS EPA remains top target with Trump administration proposing 31 percent budget cut. Candidate Donald Trump vowed to get rid of the Environmental Protection Agency “in almost every form,” leaving only “little tidbits” intact. President Trump is making good on his promise to take a sledgehammer to the agency. Under the White House’s latest budget proposal… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/22/epa-remains-top-target-with-trump-administration-proposing-31-percent-budget-cut/?utm_term=.d6eeeb5f0cc7 OPINIONS The Energy 202: Trump doesn't budge on EPA budget. If you’ve followed President Trump’s campaign for president, little should surprise you about the budget cut he is proposing for the Environment Protection Agency. Yet the president's budget set to be delivered at 11 a.m. will show the largest cuts to the EPA of any federal agency. Trump will call for the agency's budget to be reduced to just $5.65 billion. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/05/23/the-energy-202-trump-doesn-t-budge-on-epa-budget/5922e4d1e9b69b2fb981db68/?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-politics%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.4327e3a67ba3 California’s Carbon Border Wall. With all that’s been happening in Washington DC, you may have taken your finger off the pulse of California climate change policy. But now’s a good time to check back in. There’s a new cap-and-trade proposal in town, and it’s turning lots of heads in the state capital. California is deep in deliberations over cap-and-trade as it prepares to meet a new and ambitious GHG emissions reduction target. http://www.theenergycollective.com/meredith_fowlie/2405012/californias-carbon-border-wall The Power Of Fundamentals: Why California's Carbon Allowance Auction Will Rebound. California’s carbon market should receive a boost when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) releases its latest quarterly auction results on Wednesday, May 24th. This may surprise many carbon market observers, because it has been buffeted by low demand, with three of the last four auctions selling 35%... https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2017/05/23/the-power-of-fundamentals-why-californias-carbon-allowance-auction-will-rebound/#44f8fa734c6e BLOGS Orange County panel OKs grant application for streetcar project. The Orange County Transportation Authority's (OCTA) board yesterday approved seeking a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that would cover nearly half the cost to build the Orange County Streetcar project. The board will seek an FFGA from the FTA for $148.9 million, according to an OCTA press release. http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Orange-County-panel-OKs-grant-application-for-streetcar-project--51683 SUPPLYING INGENUITY II: U.S. SUPPLIERS OF KEY CLEAN, FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES. Over the past decade, the U.S. automotive industry has demonstrated that we can bring back American jobs and manufacturing and enhance industry competitiveness and profitability. American workers are building world-leading, popular vehicles that save consumers billions at the pump, enhance energy security, and cut pollution. https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/resources/supplying-ingenuity-ii-u-s-suppliers-of-key-clean-fuel-efficient-vehicle-technologies/ Trump’s EPA Is Set to Break a Major Promise. A proposed 25 percent cut to the Superfund budget would bring the cleanup program to a halt, but it's Scott Pruitt's close relationship with polluters that has experts even more worried. Right now in America, there are more than 1,300 large swaths of land and water where toxic stews of chemicals like asbestos, mercury, PCBs, and arsenic linger… https://newrepublic.com/article/142813/trumps-epa-set-break-major-promise Trump’s 5 Worst Budget Cuts for Our Food & Water. Trump’s budget cuts critical programs that protect our food, water and environment. We need Congress to reject it. When we got a first look at some of Trump’s budget wish list back in March, we knew we were in for some bad news. But today after he released his first full budget proposal, everything we were worried about has been confirmed… https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/news/trump%E2%80%99s-5-worst-budget-cuts-our-food-water Trump Administration Edits Science, Again. The DOI deleted a sentence linking climate change to sea level rise from the press release on the study, which found that the risk of flooding to coastal communities may be higher than previously estimated. "It did not cause any direct inaccuracy, but it did eliminate an important connection to be made by the reader—that global warming is causing sea-level rise,"… http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change-doi-sea-level-rise-2418953519.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, 24 May 2017 14:58:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 24, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 24, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Meeting Notice and Agenda Promoting On-Farm Composting Insights and Analysis on Regulatory Safeguards and Sector Development May 24, 2017 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM CalEPA Building 1001 I St. Byron Sher Auditorium Sacramento, CA This meeting will be webcast live for those not able to attend. https://video.calepa.ca.gov/ The "Audio" and "Video" links should be live about 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting. ________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm _______________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ AIR POLLUTION Tackling Air Pollution in China. A recent study estimates that about 1.6 million people in China die each year — roughly 4,000 a day — from heart, lung, and stroke disorders due to poor air quality. Most of the nation’s lethal air pollution, including headline-grabbing toxins such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone (O3), is produced in its coal-dominated energy and industrial sectors. http://www.theenergycollective.com/energyatmit/2405107/tackling-air-pollution-china Trump budget envisions deep cuts to major programs. A big whack to a popular program for curbing diesel engine emissions, reduced air quality monitoring, and less money to help states meet federal air pollution standards — those are items among the fine print in which the Trump administration is seeking to carve hundreds… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055081 CLIMATE CHANGE Merkel to Confront Climate-Change ‘Doubters’ Among G-20 Peers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she won’t give up trying to persuade doubters among her global peers that climate change is real, signaling her message for a Group of Seven summit starting Friday. Merkel called on countries to uphold the Paris Agreement to combat climate change and limit the rise of global temperatures… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-23/merkel-to-confront-climate-change-doubters-among-g-20-peers Trump's Delay Opens Door for European Lobbying on Paris Pact. President Donald Trump hasn’t decided if the U.S. will remain a part of the Paris climate accord, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, as pressure mounts from Pope Francis, European leaders and Democratic lawmakers at home to remain in the historic pact to address global warming. https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-05-24/tillerson-says-decision-on-climate-deal-won-t-come-during-trip http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/24/donald-trump-paris-climate-decision-238770 https://news.google.com/news/url?sr=1&sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_9_0_t&usg=AFQjCNGel02ZAby29x5afDFAeQEuHc7kww&did=eb870f805b54afa5&cid=52779505522736&ei=ReUlWcCvBaXqhQGzgbiQBg&rt=STORY&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthehill.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-environment%2F334963-trump-still-deciding-on-paris-climate-agreement Pope Francis presents Trump with a ‘politically loaded gift’: His encyclical on climate change. On Wednesday, Pope Francis appeared to make his point with a gift. During an initially awkward meeting in Vatican City, Francis presented President Trump with a signed copy of “Laudato Si” — the pontiff’s 192-page work calling for a new partnership between science and religion to combat human-driven climate change. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/24/pope-francis-presents-trump-with-a-politically-loaded-gift-his-encyclical-on-climate-change/?utm_term=.68833c5f9a58 Scientists just published an entire study refuting Scott Pruitt on climate change. In a sign of growing tensions between scientists and the Trump administration, researchers published a scientific paper Wednesday that was conceived and written as an explicit refutation to an assertion by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt about climate change. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/24/scientists-just-published-an-entire-study-refuting-scott-pruitt-on-climate-change/?utm_term=.7e09796fd49d Interior Department agency removes climate change language from news release. On Thursday, a group of scientists, including three working for the U.S. Geological Survey, published a paper that highlighted the link between sea-level rise and global climate change, arguing that previously studies may have underestimated the risk flooding poses to coastal communities. https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/interior-department-agency-removes-climate-change-language-from-news-release/2017/05/22/774c122a-3f23-11e7-adba-394ee67a7582_story.html?utm_term=.7bf3b1e883e8 U.S. Forests Shifting With Climate Change. A warmer, wetter climate may be pushing tree species into new ranges on the East Coast. The Eastern white pine is going west, while the Eastern cottonwood is headed north, researchers reported last week. The scarlet oak is appearing more frequently in regions northwest of the Appalachians… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/science/shifting-forests-climate-change.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0 More people heading to court to spur action on climate change, study finds. Governments around the world are increasingly being challenged in court to do more to combat the threat of climate change, with litigation ranging from a group’s attempt to stop an airport runway in Austria to a Pakistani farmer suing his government over its failure to adapt to rising temperatures, a new study has found. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/23/climate-change-government-court-cases-study Climate Policies Could Boost Economic Growth by 5%, OECD Says. While economists add up the value of lowering emissions and boosting resilience to climate change, Donald Trump is taking the U.S. in the opposite direction. The world's major economies could boost their long-term economic growth by 2.8 percent with policies that lower greenhouse gas emissions… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24052017/economic-growth-climate-change-policies-oecd-donald-trump Climate change research targeted at multiple agencies. Scientific organizations yesterday decried the White House budget proposal for slashing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal climate change and educational programs. Democrats called the $4.1 trillion budget plan so unrealistic that they expect support from Republican colleagues in rolling back some of the science cuts. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055052 'Elimination of climate change activities' is its own justification. The Trump administration did not mince words in targeting activities at the Department of Energy in its fiscal 2018 budget proposal. From a shave of DOE's environmental health and safety budget to an $831,000 cut in international negotiating expertise from 2016 levels, the White House has a single rationale: "elimination of climate change activities." https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055056 FUELS Trump EPA Gives Landfills a Pass on Climate-Warming Methane. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt quietly gave the nation’s largest waste management companies a heads-up nearly three weeks earlier that a reprieve would be coming. The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will delay rules aimed at cutting methane emissions from landfills… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23052017/methane-rules-trump-epa-obama-clean-power-plan-waste-management-delay Budget hits fuel economy testing in wake of scandals. Some greenhouse gas emissions requirements for vehicles will still be funded in fiscal 2018 under President Trump's proposed budget. But the work does not escape completely unscathed from the budget knife that sliced through most federal climate programs in the president's plan. The administration anticipates EPA "will continue to implement" the fuel economy… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055055 GREEN ENERGY Trade officials, and Trump, will consider tariffs. It is now likely that President Trump will have a say in the trajectory of the U.S. solar industry, after trade officials yesterday set in motion a proposal for steep duties on imports. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) gave notice that it will consider a petition by Suniva Inc., a bankrupt solar manufacturer in Georgia… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055049 Nearly 10M worldwide employed in clean energy sectors — study. Nearly 10 million people worldwide are employed in the renewable energy sector, with roughly 43 percent of all jobs tied to the solar and wind power booms, according to data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency. China remains the world's largest employer in the renewable energy industry, with 3.6 million… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/24/stories/1060055057 MISCELLANEOUS New regs for Wednesday: Emissions, efficiency, financial. The regulations in Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register affect emissions standards for wood and efficiency standards for ceiling fans. Here’s what is happening: Emissions: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying emission standards for composite wood products. The EPA issued the Obama-era formaldehyde emission standards... http://thehill.com/regulation/334699-new-regs-for-wednesday-emissions-efficiency-financial Alone on the Open Road: Truckers Feel Like ‘Throwaway People’. President Trump ignited a national discussion of blue-collar jobs. Truck driving, once a road to the middle class, is now low-paying, grinding, unhealthy work. We talked with drivers about why they do it. The vast Petro truck stop here is a neon-lit, blacktop oasis at the crossroads of America. It beckons big-rig drivers with showers, laundry machines, a barber shop, even a knife store. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/us/trucking-jobs.html?_r=0 OPINIONS China and India Make Big Strides on Climate Change. Until recently, China and India have been cast as obstacles, at the very least reluctant conscripts, in the battle against climate change. That reputation looks very much out-of-date now that both countries have greatly accelerated their investments in cost-effective renewable energy sources — and reduced their reliance on fossil fuels. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/22/opinion/paris-agreement-climate-china-india.html?_r=0 California climate change program has struggled. Why did it suddenly rebound? California’s market-based program for fighting climate change had struggled badly over the past year. On Wednesday, it bounced back sharply. Industrial companies spent more than $1 billion in the latest state-run auction of carbon-pollution credits, state officials announced Wednesday. More than 90 percent of the available credits… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article152407344.html#storylink=cpy Climate scientists are 21st century prophets; will we listen? (Your letters). To the Editor: As both a Christian and someone with direct experience using the output of climate models, Bryan Roberts' May 23, 2017, letter arguing that the pope is wrong on climate change is deeply disturbing. After all, the Bible and Catholic tradition both emphasize truth, humility… http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/05/climate_scientists_are_21st_century_prophets_will_we_listen_your_letters.html Tax carbon emissions, but do it right. The Sun Herald on May 19 (page 2C) published two interesting opinion pieces on carbon tax, but both articles got it wrong. What was really disappointing is Antung Liu, professor at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, is arguing for a “carbon tax” but totally misses the point with regard to what type of carbon tax Congress is considering. http://www.sunherald.com/opinion/other-voices/article152201382.html#storylink=cpy BLOGS How to break the political logjam on climate change. "Conservation" and “conservative” share the root "conserve," and four key sectors have made the connection with climate change. Religious conservatives cite an obligation of stewardship over unbridled exploitation of God-given resources. Hunters and anglers see disrupted breeding, migration and other threats to wildlife. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-break-political-logjam-climate-change When Some U.S. Firms Move Production Overseas, They Also Offshore Their Pollution. On April 22, as protesters swelled Earth Day rallies in U.S. cities and around the world, President Trump tweeted that he was “committed to keeping our air and water clean but always remember that economic growth enhances environmental protection. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/when-some-us-firms-move-production-overseas-they-also_us_592461a9e4b07617ae4cbfdd Climate Change Is Turning Antarctica Green. Rising temperatures have prompted “unprecedented” ecological change across the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica, the desolate southernmost continent boasting the coldest climate on Earth, usually brings to mind visions of ice, snow and penguins. But global warming is transforming Antarctica’s icy expanses… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/antarctica-green-climate-change-moss_us_5923df2ae4b034684b0f492d A Momentous Month for Tackling Climate Change. Now let’s look at the U.S. Last week, a new report came out showing the remarkable growth of clean energy in states across the country. Back in 2010, just three states received 10 percent or more of their electricity from non-hydro renewable energy. Today, 17 states have eclipsed the 10 percent mark and three of those states… https://www.forbes.com/sites/mindylubber/2017/05/22/a-momentous-month-for-tackling-climate-change/2/#1c8c211565df Global warming helped increase US growing season by 13 frost-free days. Global warming, changes to cloud cover and wind patterns are driving the trend. The number of frost-free days in the northern United States has increased by more than 13 days in the past 100 years, according to new research. The other main areas of the mainland US also saw significant increases in the number of days… http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/global-warming-us-growing-season-climate-change-frost-free-days-13-us-geological-survey-utah-a7753461.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, 25 May 2017 14:04:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 25, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 25, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm _______________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm __________________________ CAP AND TRADE Demand rebounds for California pollution permits. Demand for California pollution permits rebounded in the first quarterly auction since an appeals court upheld the program, generating about $500 million for the state, according to results released Wednesday. The California Air Resources Board reported that it sold out of permits to release greenhouse gases during 2017 or later. https://www.apnews.com/fb53c7bac5ec47e6aa8bb3d3cd76e6ed/Demand-rebounds-for-California-pollution-permits OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-cap-and-trade-1495656170-htmlstory.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article152407344.html https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/34001/20170525/ontario-expected-to-join-quebec-california-carbon-cap-and-trade-market http://www.paradisepost.com/business/20170524/demand-rebounds-for-california-pollution-permits https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/302514/a-rebound-for-cap-and-trade.html AIR POLLUTION Agency spells out rules, safe practices for backyard fires. The popularity of backyard fires appears to be growing, especially with metal backyard fire pits. The Spokane Clean Air Agency this week spelled out the do’s and don’ts for safe, legal burning as weather warms up and people move outdoors. Lisa Woodard, spokeswoman for the agency, which monitors air pollution, said the agency… http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/may/24/agency-spells-out-rules-safe-practices-for-backyar/ CLIMATE CHANGE 22 GOP senators want US to pull out of Paris climate accord. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and 21 other Republicans on Thursday urged President Donald Trump to follow through on his campaign pledge to pull out of the Paris climate accord. The GOP senators sent a two-page letter to the White House saying that remaining in the international agreement signed by Trump’s predecessor pledging… https://www.apnews.com/38d2a28404374543a8ef5dd31e02ae41/22-GOP-senators-want-US-to-pull-out-of-Paris-climate-accord OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/05/25/us/politics/ap-us-united-states-climate-change.html?_r=1 Exxon Investors Rally to Back Climate Change Plan Board Opposes. Almost 90 Exxon Mobil Corp. investors plan to back a proposal that would pressure the company to bolster its disclosure of climate change risks and opportunities. The shareholders include the New York State and city pension funds and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, according to data compiled by investor… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-25/exxon-investors-amass-to-back-climate-change-plan-board-opposes Two words the Trump Administration can't say: climate change. During President Donald J. Trump's half-hour meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday, the pope gave the president a copy of his 2015 encyclical calling for urgent, drastic cuts in fossil-fuel emissions. It is unclear whether the U.S. president will peruse the document. Back at home, however, his administration is continuing unabated in its efforts… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110620_two-words-the-trump-administration-cant-say-climate-change Since 2005 the G7 Has Recognized Threat of Climate Change. Since 2005, the Group of Seven (G7) countries have recognized the threat of climate change and the need for a global agreement to address the issue. The Trump Administration is reportedly trying to weaken or eliminate any strong language on climate change in the upcoming G7 leaders statement. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/2005-g7-has-recognized-threat-climate-change California Seeks To Shape International Climate Policies. California has led the nation for years in climate action policies. Now, it may be trying to lead the world. As President Donald Trump's administration moves to reverse U.S. pollution policies, such as the Clean Power Plan, California is moving forward with international agreements on to reduce carbon emissions. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/may/25/california-seeks-shape-international-climate-polic/ State Democrats Have New Leverage in Effort to Curb Greenhouse Gases. When Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown launched California toward a new goal of reducing greenhouse gases last year, they did so without addressing one of the state’s key mechanisms for reaching the goal: the cap-and-trade program. By taking that first step of setting climate change reduction benchmarks… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/05/25/state-democrats-have-new-leverage-in-effort-to-curb-greenhouse-gases/ Climate action: Feeling the heat, local communities pursue actions to reduce carbon emissions. President Trump’s recent actions repealing Obama-era policies to combat climate change and instead advancing policies to boost domestic production of carbon-emitting fossil fuels have made his views clear: Climate change is not a concern. https://durangoherald.com/articles/161011-climate-action-feeling-the-heat-local-communities-pursue-actions-to-reduce-carbon-emissions The possibility to reverse global warming. With each passing day, global warming seems more like a death sentence for the Earth. Rainforests are shrinking, carbon emissions are rising and many corporations are consistently putting profits before people. Even theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking recently gave humanity 100 years to find a new planet. http://www.boulderweekly.com/boulderganic/the-possibility-to-reverse-global-warming/ Colorado regulators seize the climate fight in landmark ruling on carbon costs. The PUC's March decision is the first application of the federal social cost of carbon in utility planning processes. Just as the federal government is hitting the brakes on climate change mitigation, a number of states are stepping up their efforts. State efforts to expand renewable energy through mandates… http://www.utilitydive.com/news/colorado-regulators-seize-the-climate-fight-in-landmark-ruling-on-carbon-co/443186/ DOE scientists call out Pruitt in global warming study. Scientists fact-checked U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's congressional testimony on global warming in a paper published yesterday in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. Benjamin Santer, an atmospheric scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory whose work has made him a top target of people who deny human-caused climate change is happening, is the lead author of the hot-button paper. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/25/stories/1060055162 Climate change makes Great Barrier Reef plan obsolete. A plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef is no longer viable due to the rapid pace of climate change, according to experts. The Australian federal government and the Queensland government implemented the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan last year. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/05/25/stories/1060055145 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Lawsuit alleges GM cheated on diesel pickup truck emissions. Shares of General Motors fell about 2.5 percent Thursday afternoon after some truck owners alleged in a lawsuit that the company cheated on government diesel emissions tests. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit alleges that GM pickup trucks with Duramax diesel engines have three devices on them that are rigged to allow more pollution on the road… https://www.apnews.com/beddaaa8ee8a4b2fbac77819085b216b/Lawsuit-alleges-GM-cheated-on-diesel-pickup-truck-emissions OTHER RELATED STORIES http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/lawsuit-alleges-gm-cheated-diesel-pickup-truck-emissions-47639588 VEHICLES Electric Vehicle Costs Must Fall by 20% in India, Mahindra Says. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s only manufacturer of electric passenger cars, said costs to produce the vehicles need to come down by about 20 percent to make prices attractive as the government looks to encourage adoption with favorable tax treatment. The government needs to support research and development activities… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-24/electric-vehicle-costs-must-fall-by-20-in-india-mahindra-says China is the most lucrative market for electric cars — and Volkswagen just made a big push to win the country. Germany's Volkswagen and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC Motor) have received approval from Chinese regulators to form a joint venture to make electric vehicles, the two automakers said on Monday. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top state planner, gave a green light… http://www.businessinsider.com/volkswagen-jac-motor-to-build-100000-electric-cars-in-china-2017-5 VW RECALL Italian court OKs class action lawsuit against Volkswagen. An Italian court has opened the way for a class action lawsuit against automaker Volkswagen over its emissions scandal. Altroconsumo, a consumer rights organization, said a tribunal in Venice gave it the go-ahead Thursday to file the lawsuit. Altroconsumo said the lawsuit would include all affected cars from the Volkswagen group… https://www.apnews.com/4fc14efa0c4d45c995f4b83e86f6077a/Italian-court-OKs-class-action-lawsuit-against-Volkswagen FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Analysts wary over Fiat Chrysler's emissions but say not as bad as VW. Any potential fines Fiat Chrysler (FCA) may need to pay to settle a U.S. civil lawsuit over diesel emissions will unlikely top $1 billion, analysts said, adding the case appeared less serious than at larger rival Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE). The U.S. government filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday accusing FCA of illegally using software to bypass emission… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-idUSKBN18K1TJ BLOGS California carbon auction sells out after auctions upheld by appeals court, allowances sell above the floor. Auction results from the May California-Quebec carbon auction showed increased demand after a California Court of Appeal upheld the legality of California’s auction design last month. These auction results should send a clear message to legislators that California has a strong carbon market design that can weather legal challenges and the inevitable bumps of the political process. http://blogs.edf.org/climatetalks/2017/05/24/california-carbon-auction-sells-out-after-auctions-upheld-by-appeals-court-allowances-sell-above-the-floor/ http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/quebec-california-cap-and-trade-auction-sells-out-current-allowances-1.3427718 California Lauds Dutch Work Against Global Warming. California will continue to lead the charge against climate change, Gov. Jerry Brown said Wednesday at a conference on corporate environmental activism co-hosted by the Dutch government, on a climate mission to California. “We have to make the tough decisions, new laws, new regulations, new investments, new spending on a whole wide variety of areas. https://www.courthousenews.com/california-lauds-dutch-work-global-warming/ Biofuel by-product can be recycled using gold catalyst. Scientists are developing gold catalysts to recycle one of the main by-products of biofuel production, glycerol. The chemical products obtained from the process are valuable to medicine, agriculture, the cosmetics industry and other sectors. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12367/Biofuel_by_product_can_be_recycled_using_gold_catalyst/ Testing the myth that global warming is leveling off. Has the Earth already reached peak warming? Has climate change leveled off, leaving us to adjust to a new, warmer normal? Not according to satellite measurements, say the authors of a paper published yesterday in the journal Scientific Reports. The eight researchers—who together hail from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory… http://www.popsci.com/global-warming-leveling-off Climate change lawsuits are on the rise. This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Governments around the world are increasingly being challenged in court to do more to combat the threat of climate change, with litigation ranging from a group’s attempt to stop an airport runway in Austria to a… http://grist.org/article/climate-change-lawsuits-are-on-the-rise/ How automation could simplify emissions reductions. In March, Rocky Mountain Institute and our partners convened more than 60 stakeholders from across the electricity industry for two days in Chicago to explore the potential for a new and promising technology: automated emissions reduction, or AER. At scale, this technology, deployed in residential loads such as air conditioners… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-automation-could-simplify-emissions-reductions Software update can fix diesel emissions, FCA lawyer says. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV believes a software update can address U.S. regulators' contention that its diesel vehicles are producing excess emissions, a lawyer for the company said at a court hearing on Wednesday. The lawyer admitted no wrongdoing by the Italian-American automaker, however. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170524/OEM/170529910/software-update-can-fix-diesel-emissions-fca-lawyer-says ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 14:06:08 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 26, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for May 26, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm ______________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm _________________________ AIR POLLUTION Volkswagen emissions fraud sleuth chosen to head Sacramento air agency. Alberto Ayala, a state air pollution executive who helped uncover Volkswagen’s massive diesel cheating scandal, has been named head of the Sacramento region’s air quality efforts. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District board voted on Thursday morning to name Ayala its executive director, replacing retiring executive Larry Greene. Ayala, a deputy executive officer at the California Air Resources Board, launched the state’s initial review of diesel engines in 2012… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article152649749.html 2017 smog season packing a punch, with worst ozone levels since 2008. If our air seems terrible, well, it is. Smog season 2017 has arrived with a vengeance. So far this year, Southern California has endured 27 days with unhealthful levels of ozone, the hallmark pollutant of smog, making this spring the worst start of a smog season since 2008, according to state data. http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170525/2017-smog-season-packing-a-punch-with-worst-ozone-levels-since-2008 Carson sues air quality agency over mega-refinery approval. Carson is suing air quality regulators to challenge a plan that would combine two adjacent oil refineries in Carson and Wilmington into a single mega-refinery. The city on Wednesday filed a notice in Los Angeles Superior Court that it intended to take legal action against the South Coast Air Quality Management District to halt… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/05/25/72207/carson-sues-air-quality-agency-over-mega-refinery/ Senate bill aims to align NHTSA, EPA emissions programs. A half dozen senators on Thursday sponsored legislation to address technical discrepancies between separate federal programs that automakers say make it difficult to comply with carbon and fuel efficiency mandates. The bill, authored by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., would bring consistency to the practice of transferring fleetwide credits earned… http://www.autonews.com/article/20170526/OEM11/170529863/senate-proposal-aims-to-align-nhtsa-epa-emissions-programs Air pollution is significantly weakening our hearts, major new study finds. Cardiologist advises cyclists to avoid busy roads and pedestrians to walk as far away from the kerb as possible. The hearts of people who live in polluted areas are weaker than those who regularly breathe cleaner air, according to a new study which adds to the growing volume… http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/air-pollution-heart-disease-weak-pm-25-particulates-diesel-cars-fossil-fuels-a7756101.html CLIMATE CHANGE Don’t call it ‘climate change’: How the government is rebranding in the age of Trump. “Climate change” is out. “Resilience” is in. “Victims of domestic violence” are now “victims of crime.” Foreign aid for refu­gee rights has become aid to protect “national security.” “Clean energy investment” has been transformed into just plain “energy” investment. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/05/26/just-dont-call-it-climate-change-rebranding-government-in-the-age-of-trump/?utm_term=.87869d3449e8 Looking for Trump’s Climate Policy? Try the Energy Department. The Trump administration’s deepest impact on domestic climate policy might have little to do with its efforts to dismantle the Clean Power Plan or its decision on the Paris accord. Instead, the coming battle over the future of the Energy Department could prove far more significant for the United States’ long-term… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/climate/energy-department-climate-trump-budget.html?_r=1 Brown: Trump will come around on climate change. California Gov. Jerry Brown, one of the Democratic Party’s most outspoken critics of Republican climate change policy, said Wednesday he now believes that President Donald Trump is a political “realist” who will likely listen to what Pope Francis, China and other world leaders are saying on the key issue… http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/24/jerry-brown-donald-trump-climate-change-238794 http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article152470734.html Meet Jane, a climate scientist who fled Trump’s government. Worries about science censorship drove her from her post at the Energy Department. The day after President Donald Trump’s unexpected victory, Jane Zelikova was “crying her eyes out” in her office at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. As a scientist researching how big fossil-fuel industries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions… http://www.hcn.org/issues/49.9/meet-jane-a-climate-scientist-who-fled-trumps-government Barack Obama on food and climate change: ‘We can still act and it won’t be too late’ The former president addresses the greatest challenges facing the world, and what we can do about them. During the course of my presidency, I made climate change a top priority, because I believe that, for all the challenges that we face, this is the one that will define the contours of this century more dramatically perhaps than the others. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/may/26/barack-obama-food-climate-change A 2012 glacier melt actually warped Earth's crust. When a Greenland glacier melted in the unusually hot summer of 2012, it pushed so much water through that it warped the Earth's crust and caused a massive wave of ice and water to push its way seaward. That wave is a newly identified phenomenon for climate researchers and represents a troubling new trend in the understanding of how current sea-level rise estimates may be underestimated… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/26/stories/1060055187 A 2012 glacier melt actually warped Earth's crust. When a Greenland glacier melted in the unusually hot summer of 2012, it pushed so much water through that it warped the Earth's crust and caused a massive wave of ice and water to push its way seaward. That wave is a newly identified phenomenon for climate researchers and represents a troubling new trend in the understanding of how current sea-level rise… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/26/stories/1060055187 DROUGHT Farmers look back at range of impacts from drought. Lessons learned during the multi-year California drought will help farmers and ranchers cope with the next one—and those lessons extended beyond the farm to the realms of policy and public perception, according to farmers who spoke at a water conference in Monterey. Four farmers from different parts of the Central Valley talked about impacts of the drought… http://www.keyt.com/news/agriculture/farmers-look-back-at-range-of-impacts-from-drought/517397571 DIESEL ACTIVITIES California ARB opens solicitations for On-Road Advanced Technology Demonstrations Projects: Class 7, 8 trucks. The California Air Resources Board is seeking solicitations for up to $17 million in grants for its On-Road Advanced Technology Demonstrations Projects. Eligible projects will demonstrate pre-commercial Intelligent Transportation Systems and Connected Trucks; Advanced Engines and Powertrains; and Zero-Emission… https://chargedevs.com/newswire/california-arb-opens-solicitations-for-on-road-advanced-technology-demonstrations-projects-class-7-8-trucks/ FUELS Here Is The Fossil Fuel Power Plant That Doesn’t Produce Carbon Emissions. For the longest time, the world has lived with a simple truth; power plants using fossil fuels contribute to carbon emissions, period. However, a trio of trailblazers decided that this didn’t have to be the case and that fossil fuel can be used to provide energy without polluting the air. http://www.econotimes.com/Here-Is-The-Fossil-Fuel-Power-Plant-That-Doesnt-Produce-Carbon-Emissions-726951 Groups warn EPA against pausing oil and gas standards. A coalition of environmental groups is urging the Trump administration to maintain upcoming deadlines for oil and gas operators to cut emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. More than 60 conservation, health, labor and faith groups yesterday sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt urging him to keep in place Obama-era standards… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/26/stories/1060055205 New rules aim to cut methane emissions in Canada’s oil, gas sector. New rules to reduce methane emissions from Canada’s energy sector will cost the industry an estimated $3.3-billion over the next two decades, and will hit conventional oil and natural-gas producers the most dramatically. But federal officials also say that the value of conserved gas from 2018 to 2035… https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/new-methane-rules-aim-to-cut-emissions-from-canadas-oil-and-gas-sector/article35112124/ VEHICLES Stuttgart prosecutor puts Bosch under suspicion in Daimler emissions probe. German prosecutors investigating whether carmaker Daimler manipulated emission tests on its diesel cars are looking at whether auto components supplier Bosch was involved in the alleged fraud, it was confirmed on Friday. "There is an investigation into aiding and abetting fraud," a spokesman for the Stuttgart… https://www.reuters.com/article/daimler-emissions-bosch-idUSL8N1IS1NW Fresno County Welcomes 13 New Solar-Powered EV Chargers. CALSTART, which is dedicated to growing clean transportation technology, in partnership with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), has unveiled a model program providing solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 13 rural incorporated cities in Fresno County, Calif. https://ngtnews.com/calstart-announces-new-ev-charging-options-fresno-county Cheapest Electric Car In USA = $23,800 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive. When it comes to buying a car, price is a notable issue of consideration to … almost everyone. So, a lot of people want to know what the cheapest electric car is. I’d asked you what car you think that is … but we just put it in the title. Daimler’s 2017 smart fortwo electric drive coupe will have a starting price of $23,800 in the US, according to recent reports. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/26/cheapest-electric-car-usa/ Ottawa crafting plan to boost use of zero-emission vehicles. The federal government is developing a strategy to get more zero-emission vehicles on Canada’s roads, a process that has sparked a battle between the environmental lobby and the auto industry as each seeks to shape policy. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/ottawa-crafting-plan-to-boost-use-of-zero-emission-vehicles/article35121541/ State New Vehicle Market Predicted to Remain Strong in 2017. As depicted on the graph to the right, the rapid growth in the California new vehicle market has likely come to an end. After seven years of increasing sales, the market has fully recovered from the low point in 2009, and as a result, pent up demand is easing. http://www.cncda.org/CMS/Pubs/CA%20Auto%20Outlook%201Q%202017.pdf VW RECALL Back to the shop: Why California is telling Volkswagen to retool spending plan. Volkswagen’s plan to promote electric cars in California, part of its penalty for a massive air-pollution scandal, is being sent back for repairs because state officials say it doesn’t do enough to help low-income communities with bad air quality. The California Air Resources Board directed Volkswagen this week to retool its… http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article152715174.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article152746829.html http://kdal610.com/news/articles/2017/may/26/california-says-vw-clean-car-spending-plan-has-shortcomings/ GENERAL MOTORS (GM) GM is accused in lawsuit of cheating on diesel truck emissions. General Motors Co (GM.N) was accused in a lawsuit on Thursday of rigging hundreds of thousands of diesel trucks with devices similar to those used by Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE), to ensure they pass emissions tests. The proposed class-action lawsuit covers people who own or lease more than 705,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups fitted with "Duramax" engines from the 2011 to 2016 model years. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-lawsuit-idUSKBN18L25Y https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-25/gm-accused-of-using-vw-like-defeat-devices-in-some-of-its-trucks https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/business/energy-environment/general-motors-diesel-emissions-lawsuit.html?_r=0 GM denies allegations that it cheats on diesel emissions. General Motors on Thursday denied allegations made in a lawsuit that the company's full-size diesel pickup trucks cheat on emissions tests. The lawsuit filed by lawyers for two truck owners in U.S. District Court in Detroit alleges that trucks with Duramax diesel engines have three devices on them that are rigged to allow more pollution… http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-gm-emissions-20170526-story.html Diesel can’t catch a break: Lawsuits over emissions hit GM, Fiat Chrysler. Nitrogen oxide emissions are coming back for round two. wo auto manufacturers are in legal crosshairs this week because of emissions from their diesel vehicles. The US Department of Justice sued Fiat Chrysler of America (FCA)… https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/05/diesel-cant-catch-a-break-lawsuits-over-emissions-hit-gm-fiat-chrysler/ GREEN ENERGY Rooftop arrays hold hidden dangers for firefighters. It's common knowledge that solar panels can help the environment while letting homeowners save money on their electric bills. But many people don't realize that during a disaster such as a fire or explosion, solar panels can be a headache for firefighters and emergency responders. When firefighters arrive at a house with solar panels… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/05/26/stories/1060055092 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Volkswagen's clean car plan falls short in low-income neighborhoods, California regulators say. State regulators have asked Volkswagen to revise its plan to invest in zero emission technology in California, a victory for critics who said the automaker wasn't doing enough in disadvantaged communities. The investment plan, which will total $800 million over 10 years, is part of Volkswagen's obligation under a multi-billion settlement for evading pollution rules. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-volkswagen-zero-emission-1495742862-htmlstory.html OPINIONS Microsoft Wants Clean South African Energy. Sometimes it's hard to know whether the power a utility provides really comes from renewables. The two new data centers that Microsoft Corp. plans to build in South Africa will one day provide cloud computing services to the entire African continent. The power they use, however, will be generated and consumed entirely within South Africa’s grid. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-05-26/microsoft-wants-clean-south-african-energy Lights out! Eclipse to cut solar power in California. Think of it as a new kind of brownout. California now relies so much on solar power that on Thursday, state officials urged residents to turn off unneeded lights and unplug appliances during the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. Even though the sun will be only partially obscured in California, the eclipse at its midmorning peak will slash the output of the state’s solar power plants by more than 60 percent. http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Lights-out-Eclipse-to-cut-solar-power-in-11174543.php BLOGS Keeping California in the lead on climate policy in the Trump era. UCLA Law's Emmett Institute hosts symposium on steps to take as feds retreat from environmental goals. Representatives from state government, UCLA faculty and environmental activists from around the country identified ways in which California can continue to lead on climate policy at a time when… http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/keeping-california-in-the-lead-on-climate-policy-in-the-trump-era Climate Progress Continues Despite Changes in the Federal Administration. “We are in one of those moments where people are feeling, if not despair, at least a lot of discouragement about the climate movement and how things are going, particularly in the United Sates,” said Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board. But she remains optimistic. http://www.triplepundit.com/2017/05/climate-progress-continues-despite-changes-federal-administration/ A New Power Plant Burns Fossil Fuels Without Any Carbon Emissions. Startup NET Power wants to revolutionize carbon capture and storage systems to get fossil fuel plants to produce zero carbon emissions. Instead of attaching such systems into existing power plants, they built one from scratch. “FRIENDLIER” FOSSIL FUELS Fossil fuel plants, particularly coal-fired and natural gas plants… https://futurism.com/a-new-power-plant-burns-fossil-fuels-without-any-carbon-emissions/ Canada proposes new regulations on methane gas emissions. On Thursday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced proposed regulations to reduce methane emissions and air pollution from Canada's oil and gas industry. The public has until July 27, 2017, to comment on the rules. http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/politics/canada-proposes-new-regulations-on-methane-gas-emissions/article/493604#ixzz4iDGulpJj McNamara Realty to pay $30,000 to settle asbestos case. San Luis Obispo real estate and property management company McNamara Realty has agreed to pay $30,000 in order to settle a civil case over illegal removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material. Following an investigation conducted by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District and district attorney’s office… https://calcoastnews.com/2017/05/mcnamara-realty-pay-30000-settle-asbestos-case/ Electric vehicles sales in Canada are up 68%, thanks to Nissan and Tesla going strong. Electric vehicle sales keep increasing at an impressive pace in Canada to a point that they are now representing a meaningful percentage of overall car sales. During the first quarter 2017, electric vehicle deliveries reached a record high of 1,474 units (BEVs and PHEVs) – up 68% over the same period last year. https://electrek.co/2017/05/26/electric-vehicles-sales-canadatesla-nissan-q1-2017/ Report: Electric Vehicles Won’t See Price Parity Until 2025 Or Later. According to a recent Bloomberg report, electric vehicles will remain at an economic disadvantage until around 2025, because battery prices are too high. “High battery costs, limits to driving ranges and charging times mean that electric cars won’t have an economic advantage over combustion engines until 2025.” http://insideevs.com/electric-cars-wont-see-price-parity-until-2025-or-later/ Volkswagen’s car-charging plans curbed. Scandal-hit carmaker Volkswagen’s spending plan for clean-vehicle infrastructure — charging stations for electric cars — in the US has shortcomings, regulators have claimed. The German company has agreed to spend $800 million (£621 million) in California, part of $2 billion in the US over the next decade, as it looks to atone for diesel-emissions cheating. http://www.standard.co.uk/business/volkswagen-s-carcharging-plans-curbed-a3549671.html New Jersey Utility Moves to Encourage Green Energy. Although New Jersey had set aggressive goals for renewable energy, it has taken “only baby steps” to encourage energy efficiency, which is frequently the least expensive way to reduce consumption. The head of New Jersey’s largest utility called Wednesday for the state to move away from a century-old system that encourages utilities to sell as much energy as possible… http://www.govtech.com/fs/New-Jersey-Utility-Moves-to-Encourage-Green-Energy.html 5 ways to win private investors for energy-efficient buildings. The 2017 Sustainable Energy for All Forum kicked off with a stark warning: The world is not on track to reach its 2030 energy goals, including those on efficiency. To speed action, leaders in government and finance must better coordinate policy and investment to move more money toward clean energy. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/5-ways-private-investors-energy-efficient-buildings Under Trump, energy security is running on empty. The Trump administration has put forward a budget proposal for fiscal 2018 that would, if enacted, erode U.S. energy security, diminish our competitiveness in the growing global clean energy economy and slow progress in modernizing our domestic energy economy on the path to a low-carbon energy future. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/335146-under-trump-energy-security-is-running-on-empty ====================================================================== 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 May 2017 15:33:08 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 30, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm ______________________________________ Staff from the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development invite you to participate in workshops to discuss implementation of the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan (Action Plan). The workshops will be held at the locations and on the dates noted below. The agencies will follow the same format and show the same presentation at each of the workshop locations. LOS ANGELES: May 30, 2017 SAN DIEGO: May 31, 2017 For more information on the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan including upcoming workshops, please visit the webpage at http://www.casustainablefreight.org/ _________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm _________________________ AIR POLLUTION What those diesel fumes are REALLY doing to your health: Heart attacks, strokes and 40,000 deaths a year are blamed on rising air pollution levels Taking a breath of ‘fresh air’ may not be quite as healthy as you thought. Air pollution has become a major health problem in Britain, claiming more lives here than in most Western European countries, an alarming UN report revealed last week. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4553248/What-diesel-fumes-REALLY-doing-health.html#ixzz4iaoSlf7M Make this the week you... fight the pollution INSIDE your home A University of Surrey survey found that indoor air pollution can be worse for our health than outside because of all the chemicals in our homes. You can check pollution levels with a monitor, £170 from foobot.io, which sends data to a phone app. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4550610/Make-week-fight-pollution-INSIDE-home.html#ixzz4ib3UUydd CLIMATE CHANGE New advertising campaign targets lawmakers over votes for climate change policies A coalition of California businesses launched a new advertising campaign on Saturday to pressure lawmakers against enacting tighter policies on climate change and air pollution. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-climate-advertising-1495894122-htmlstory.html Climate change could make cities 8C hotter – scientists Under a dual onslaught of global warming and localised urban heating, some of the world’s cities may be as much as 8C (14.4F) warmer by 2100, researchers have warned. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/30/climate-change-could-make-cities-8c-hotter-scientists https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-cities-idUSKBN18P1KS Climate change is literally keeping us up at night Rising temperatures caused by climate change seem to be disrupting America’s sleep patterns, according to a new study. A temperature increase of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit causes three bad nights of sleep per 100 individuals per month. Across the United States, that amounts to 9 million sleepless nights a month and 110 million nights each year. http://nypost.com/2017/05/29/climate-change-is-literally-keeping-us-up-at-night/ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/climate-change-will-give-us-all-sleepless-nights-3dp7m269z http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-climate-change-sleep-20170522-story.html Could Individual States Lead Climate Change Efforts? Governor Terry McAuliffe, seen here at a National Governors Association meeting earlier this year, recently announced a plan to cut back on Virginia's carbon emissions. David Hart at George Mason University thinks other states could adopt similar measures to combat climate change. http://wvtf.org/post/could-individual-states-lead-climate-change-efforts#stream/0 The Ghost of Climate-Change Future The water is everywhere. For the second time in a month, Hawaii’s coastlines have been swamped by epic tides. The phenomenon, known as a king tide, is actually a convergence of a few different factors: high lunar tides, rising sea levels associated with… https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/05/the-ghost-of-climate-change-future/528471/ Climate change: $4 trillion carbon tax is needed to save humanity from global warming, say economists A global carbon tax that would raise trillions of dollars if applied across the world should be introduced if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change, 13 leading economists have said in a new report. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-carbon-tax-4-trillion-save-humanity-global-warming-economists-nicholas-stern-joseph-a7763376.html G-7 commits to climate change deal — except for Trump Seven wealthy democracies ended their summit Saturday in Italy without unanimous agreement on climate change, as the Trump administration plans to take more time to say whether the U.S. is going to remain in the Paris accord on limiting greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/27/g-7-source-us-gets-more-time-on-in-out-climate-pact-answer/ http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/27/530362729/g7-summit-ends-without-u-s-joining-consensus-on-climate-change Related Articles https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/05/30/stories/1060055250 http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/335436-mattis-trump-wide-open-on-climate-change http://www.latimes.com/politics/washington/la-na-essential-washington-updates-mattis-says-trump-still-wide-open-on-1495984000-htmlstory.html http://www.france24.com/en/20170530-paris-climate-change-agreement-world-united-trump-isolated-environment VEHICLES Mexico's Richest Man Developing Electric Taxis to Help Fight Air Pollution An automotive startup belonging to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim is working to develop a new electric taxi in order to help battle the lung-clogging pollution that plagues Mexico City, according to an executive at the company. http://www.thedrive.com/news/10703/mexicos-richest-man-developing-electric-taxis-to-help-fight-air-pollution EMISSIONS ISSUES EU moves to crack down on carmakers in wake of VW emissions scandal The European Union has moved towards cracking down on carmakers who cheat emissions tests by giving the EU executive more powers to monitor testing and impose fines. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/29/eu-moves-to-crack-down-on-carmakers-after-vw-emissions-scandal-monitor-testing-fines VW to cut environmental impact of carmaking by 45 percent In the wake of its diesel emission scandal, Volkswagen has done its best to portray itself as a cleaner, more thoughtful automaker. Part of the damage control plot includes a slew of new electric vehicles to round out the German automaker's portfolio in the coming years. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110709_vw-to-cut-environmental-impact-of-carmaking-by-45-percent A year of digging through code yields “smoking gun” on VW, Fiat diesel cheats Researchers from Bochum, Germany, and San Diego, California, say they’ve found the precise mechanisms that allowed diesel Volkswagens and Audis to engage or disengage emissions controls depending on whether the cars were being driven in a lab or driven under real-world conditions. https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/05/volkswagen-bosch-fiat-diesel-emissions-cheats-cracked-open-in-new-research/ VW's clean vehicle push has shortcomings, Calif. says California regulators said Volkswagen AG's spending plan on clean vehicle infrastructure had shortcomings and that it lacked details on how it would help disadvantaged communities as well as promote hydrogen fuel cell technology. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170526/OEM/170529884/vws-clean-vehicle-push-has-shortcomings-calif-says http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Pressure-mounts-for-VW-to-invest-in-low-income-11176810.php Daimler Said to Seek U.S. Lawyers for Executives in Diesel Probe Daimler AG is conducting a search for U.S. criminal defense lawyers to represent company executives who may be swept up in the Justice Department’s investigation of possible diesel-emissions cheating, according to people familiar with the matter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-30/daimler-said-to-seek-u-s-lawyers-for-executives-in-diesel-probe GREEN ENERGY U.S. Renewable Energy Jobs Employ 800,000+ People and Rising: in Charts Renewable energy jobs are growing around the globe as prices fall and interest in clean power rises. Worldwide, 9.8 million people are now employed in the renewable energy industry, including 3 million in the booming photovoltaic solar sector, up 12 percent from just a year ago, a new study shows. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26052017/infographic-renewable-energy-jobs-worldwide-solar-wind-trump California’s push for a 100 percent renewable energy future may hit roadblocks The path to a greener future in California might not be all fair winds and sunshine through Sacramento. A state senate proposal, Senate Bill 100, doubles down on existing goals and would make California the second state, after Hawaii, to commit to 100 percent renewable energy and zero-carbon sources for electricity. http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170529/NEWS/170529409 Unilever UK Now Powered 100% By Renewable Energy European consumer goods company Unilever has announced that its UK manufacturing sites are now powered 100% by renewable energy, thanks to several Power Purchase Agreements it has signed over the past six months. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/05/30/unilever-uk-now-powered-100-renewable-energy/ Russia Starts Largest Renewable Energy Auction in Bid for Jobs Russia is pressing ahead with its biggest-ever auction for renewable energy, seeking to award contracts to purchase 1.9 gigawatts of clean electricity as well as attracting foreign investment to support jobs at home. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-29/russia-starts-largest-renewable-energy-auction-in-bid-for-jobs Coal Country’s Power Plants Are Turning Away From Coal Coal is on the defensive in the nation’s power industry. Even in coal country. The pressure to shift more of the country’s electric supply to renewable sources is not just a rallying cry for environmentalists. Some of the power industry’s biggest customers … https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/26/business/energy-environment/coal-power-renewable-energy.html Sempra Energy Executive: 100 Percent Renewable Energy Can Be Done Today San Diego Gas and Electric has said it is committed to delivering more than 40 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources by 2018. Traditional energy companies maintain that more renewable energy sources like wind and solar cause problems for the electrical grid. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/may/26/100-percent-renewable-energy-can-be-done-today-sem/ WILD FIRES Why fighting wildfires often fails -- and what to do about it Fighting wildfires in America cost federal agencies almost $2 billion last year including more than half the budget of the U.S. Forest Service. Wildland fires are growing worse in a time of drought and climate change, and the biggest and most destructive fires can't be stopped. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-fighting-wildfires-often-fails-and-what-to-do-about-it/ MISCELLANEOUS Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant To Shut Down In 2019 The company that owns the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, site of the worst nuclear disaster in U.S. history, announced that it plans to shutter the facility in 2019 unless the state of Pennsylvania steps in to keep it open. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/30/530708793/three-mile-island-nuclear-power-plant-to-shut-down-in-2019 Car Wars-- Are bikes lanes bad for business? To bike lane or not to bike lane? In the San Diego region, residents and small-business owners pile into public meetings whenever government officials propose striping their streets with bike lanes and — most controversial of all — removing parking spots to do so. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-carwars-bike-lanes-201705230-story.html OPINIONS The Cap & Trade Debate Isn’t Just about Climate In less than three weeks, the latest political debate over California climate policy may be effectively over—taking with it one of the best opportunities in the foreseeable future for members of both parties to influence how the state responds to the threat of a warming climate. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/05/cap-trade-debate-isnt-just-climate/ Editorial Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra needs to get moving on an Exxon Mobil probe Xavier Becerra has been quite outspoken about much of the work he’s done as California’s attorney general since replacing Kamala Harris, newly elected to the U.S. Senate, in late January. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-becerra-exxonmobil-climate-change-schneiderman-20170530-story.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, 31 May 2017 16:23:24 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for May 31, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm _________________________ AIR POLLUTION UK government sued for third time over illegal air pollution from diesels Environmental lawyers are taking the government to the high court for a third time in a bid to remove “major flaws” from minister’s plans to tackle the UK’s illegal levels of air pollution. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/31/uk-government-sued-for-third-time-over-illegal-air-pollution-from-diesels http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/air-pollution-plan-quality-government-sued-clientearth-third-time-high-court-a7765066.html http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/government-is-failing-on-killer-toxic-air-say-voters-a3553611.html CLIMATE CHANGE On climate change, it’s Trump against the world President Trump is reportedly ready to fulfill one of his most controversial campaign pledges: pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, a landmark 2015 treaty in which nearly 200 countries committed themselves to reducing carbon emissions and tackling global warming. https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/05/31/climate-change-trump-against-world/C6IAFsziO2yz5VKzkiBMKL/story.html Related Articles https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/05/31/the-case-for-and-against-trump-leaving-the-paris-climate-change-agreement/?utm_term=.ab96c7c52454 http://gantdaily.com/2017/05/31/trump-bailing-on-the-the-paris-agreement-would-be-a-middle-finger-to-the-future/ http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/31/trump-has-much-to-lose-by-backing-out-of-paris-agreement-analysts-say.html http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/31/how-us-carbon-pollution-compares-with-the-rest-of-the-world.html Gov. Jerry Brown and Democrats say Trump is going 'backwards' if he pulls out of Paris climate pact Gov. Jerry Brown warned Wednesday that a decision by President Trump to withdraw the United States from a 2015 global climate change agreement could be "tragic," and vowed to keep California's ambitious efforts in place and on track. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-gov-jerry-brown-and-democrats-say-1496261754-htmlstory.html Related Articles http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article153577919.html U.S. resists plan to link climate change, ocean health: U.N. co-chair The United States is resisting plans to highlight how climate change is disrupting life in the oceans at a U.N. conference of almost 200 nations next week, Sweden's deputy prime minister, who will co-chair the talks, said on Tuesday. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-oceans-idUSKBN18Q1T5 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-resists-plan-to-link-climate-change-ocean-health-un-co-chair/ar-BBBGd5B California Today: To Fight Climate Change, Heal the Ground The climate change fight has focused largely on cutting emissions. But California is now considering another solution: dirt. Whereas an overabundance of carbon in the air has been disrupting our climate, plants are hungry for the stuff. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/31/us/california-today-climate-change-soil-initiative.html?_r=0 Does Silicon Valley Still Care About Climate Change? Earlier this month, venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins began the process of separating its cleantech investing from the rest of its fund. It marks the end of an era. Ten years after Kleiner star John Doerr was moved to tears during his TED talk about climate change, there’s no longer any question that VCs’ interest in clean energy is waning. https://hbr.org/2017/05/does-silicon-valley-still-care-about-climate-change Investors press Exxon on disclosure of climate change impact Disregarding the company's opposition, Exxon Mobil shareholders asked the oil giant to provide more information about the impact that climate-change policies could have on its business. http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/climate-change-issues-debated-exxon-meeting-47744233 http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/05/exxons-investors-climate-change-reporting CAP and TRADE Q&A: Price floor key to California auction results California and Quebec held their most recent joint-allowance auction on 16 May. What would you call out as the highlights of the auction results?Clearly, the selling of the full amount of current vintage allowances that were offered was the outstanding feature of the results. http://www.argusmedia.com/news/article/?id=1469663 VEHICLES California Celebrates 10 New Battery-Electric Buses, Charging Infrastructure The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that on Friday, June 2, the state of California and the city of Porterville will celebrate the award of $9.5 million that will bring 10 zero-emission, battery-electric buses and supportive infrastructure to serve disadvantaged communities in and around Porterville, located in the San Joaquin Valley. https://ngtnews.com/carb-applauds-city-purchase-10-battery-electric-greenpower-buses Will VW Group's electric cars "leapfrog" Tesla by 2025? Poll results Looking back from the 2020s or 2030s, it's entirely likely that the unexpected arrival of Tesla Motors was a major force—along with legislation, perhaps the major force—in getting legacy automakers to produce electric cars.http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110733_will-vw-groups-electric-cars-leapfrog-tesla-by-2025-poll-results EMISSIONS ISSUES EPA, Justice Department target Fiat Chrysler for alleged circumventing of Clean Air Act The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 23 the filing of a civil complaint in federal court in Detroit, against FCA US LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., V.M. Motori S.p.A., and V.M. North America Inc. (collectively, “FCA”). http://legalnewsline.com/stories/511121266-epa-justice-department-target-fiat-chrysler-for-alleged-circumventing-of-clean-air-act Lasting legacy of VW diesel scandal: EU gets serious about testing The Volkswagen diesel scandal left lasting imprints on the entire automotive industry, and may have changed the way regulators look at vehicles using the fuel forever. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110736_lasting-legacy-of-vw-diesel-scandal-eu-gets-serious-about-testing OPINIONS LOIS HENRY: Local air pollution control chief Seyed Sadredin vilified though valley has most strict pollution rules in nation I listened closely to a radio piece last week about San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Director Seyed Sadredin and couldn’t believe my ears. http://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/lois-henry-local-air-pollution-control-chief-seyed-sadredin-vilified/article_0ea9f97d-8256-5887-8b8c-39b12f7e6ee3.html Michael Bloomberg: From Billionaire Businessman To Climate Change Activist I spoke to Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and author of the new book Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet, about why he cares so much about climate change, the role companies have in protecting our planet, how he overcame a career challenge and his best piece of career advice. https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2017/05/30/michael-bloomberg-from-billionaire-businessman-to-climate-change-activist/#1eaaac15a200 Another deadly consequence of climate change: The spread of dangerous diseases With President Trump’s decision on U.S. participation in the Paris climate accords expected in the next few days, there has been widespread discussion of the many consequences that climate change will have for us and our children... https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/another-deadly-consequence-of-climate-change-the-spread-of-dangerous-diseases/2017/05/30/fd3b8504-34b1-11e7-b4ee-434b6d506b37_story.html?utm_term=.bc4e3261d5d5 BLOGS Corporate Boards Increasingly Fear Climate Change, Look To China For Climate Leadership With the United Kingdom on the brink of leaving the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS), the United States locked in the inertia of a Donald Trump presidency, and populism stoking fears of slackening commitment to meeting the climate challenge, support for carbon markets is coming from two once-unlikely sources: … http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/corporate-boards-increasingly-fear-climate-change-look_us_592ea617e4b047e77e4c3fd4 ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 16:48:45 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 1, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 1, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in the third meeting in an ongoing series of public working meetings to discuss Co-processing of biogenic feedstocks at conventional petroleum refineries. Topics include (1) pathway application and evaluation of the carbon intensity of renewable fractions, (2) quantifying and reporting the renewable fuel volumes, and (3) monitoring and verification under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The next meeting will be held at the following time and location: DATE: Friday, June 2, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. LOCATION: Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor ADDRESS: California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building 1001 “I” Street Sacramento, California 95814 Today’s notice is intended to confirm the date, time and location, and supply instructions on how to participate (in-person, over the phone, or webcast). This information along with a discussion paper and other materials for review will be posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm _________________________ CAP AND TRADE A new proposal on California's cap-and-trade program emerges as vote is delayed. A coalition of business-friendly Democrats is detailing their own ideas for cap and trade, a centerpiece of California's fight against global warming, the latest bid in a crowded field of efforts to extend the program. Cap and trade requires polluting companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions, and lawmakers… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-a-new-proposal-on-california-s-primary-1496257421-htmlstory.html Amid Trump Cuts, California Proposes Its Own Energy Moonshot. A pending cap-and-trade bill would earmark hundreds of millions of dollars for clean energy research, as the White House takes aim at federal funding. An ambitious California cap-and-trade proposal would earmark hundreds of millions of dollars annually for an energy research and development fund… https://www.technologyreview.com/s/607945/amid-trump-cuts-california-proposes-its-own-energy-moonshot/?set=607997 CLIMATE CHANGE New York, California Governors Form Climate Change Alliance. The governors of New York, California and Washington State formed a coalition to fight global warming in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord. The United States Climate Alliance will push to cut greenhouse gases and lead a state-level initiative to support the global agreement that the president has derided as harmful to U.S. interests… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-01/new-york-california-governors-form-climate-change-alliance http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/01/rounds-supports-trump-withdrawal-paris-accords/362779001/ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-trump-paris-climate-agreement-20170601-story.html http://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article153908859.html ‘Climate Change Is Real’: Many U.S. Companies Regret Paris Accord Exit. Soon after President Trump announced that the United States would back out of the Paris climate accord, several large companies based in the United States that had supported the international pact said they were disappointed by the decision and would continue their environmental efforts. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/01/business/climate-change-tesla-corporations-paris-accord.html?_r=0 China is getting serious about fighting climate change at home. Abroad, its investments tell a different story. Pakistan’s Thar region is a swath of desert in the country’s south long associated with poverty, drought, famine — and coal. Now, with some help from China, it could soon power the country. China has signed billions of dollars in agreements with Pakistan to help the country alleviate its chronic energy shortages, primarily by burning coal. http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-dirty-energy-20170601-story.html Elon Musk quits Trump advisory councils, saying, 'Climate change is real'. Elon Musk said he was resigning from two White House advisory councils after President Trump announced Thursday that he is withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate accord. Other pillars of corporate America — including Google’s chief executive and Amazon.com — also joined a growing chorus of disapproval over Trump’s decision. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-elon-musk-climate-change-20170601-story.html http://grist.org/briefly/elon-musk-just-quit-presidential-councils-over-paris-climate-treaty-rejection/ How pulling out of the Paris climate change agreement may hurt the US military. The U.S. government is turning its back on one of the most significant international climate change accords in modern history — and it’s only going to end up hurting the Department of Defense. President Donald Trump absolutely plans on withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement… http://www.businessinsider.com/how-pulling-out-the-paris-climate-agreement-may-screw-the-us-military-2017-5 What you need to know about the science of climate change. The president's announcement that the U.S. has pulled out of the Paris climate accord has renewed interest in the nearly two-year-old agreement. The way I see it – regardless of the final decision – anything that shines a spotlight on this important agreement is a gift. To understand why the Paris Agreement is important step in fighting global warming, you first need to understand the facts of climate change. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-science-what-you-need-to-know/ Governor Brown Looks Abroad For Climate Change Allies. Looking for allies in the fight against climate change, California Gov. Jerry Brown heads to China this week in a push to build foreign support for carbon-cutting efforts that have found resistance in Washington. California will work with governments around the world to combat climate change even if President Donald Trump rolls back environmental regulations… http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/05/31/governor-brown-looks-abroad-climate-change-allies/ 5 Changes That Could Come From Leaving The Paris Climate Deal. President Trump announced Thursday that the U.S. will leave the Paris climate deal. Here are five things that could be affected by the decision. 1. The coal industry Even coal companies had lobbied the Trump administration to stay in the agreement. They said they needed a seat at the table during international climate discussions to advocate for coal's place in the global energy mix. http://www.npr.org/2017/06/01/531056661/5-things-that-could-change-when-the-u-s-leaves-the-paris-climate-deal VEHICLES Utilities company offers $1,200 for purchasing electric cars. The electric utility for Vermont’s largest city is offering to help customers upgrade to electric cars, contributing $1,200 for the purchase of each new vehicle. Darren Springer, a Burlington Electric spokesperson, says the program is meant to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city. WVPS-FM reports (http://bit.ly/2qDvfTw ) the incentive program only includes electric-only vehicles — plug-in, hybrid vehicles that run on both gasoline and electric don’t qualify. https://www.apnews.com/06d4613359714dbf9541172bb3b50883/Utilities-company-offers-$1,200-for-purchasing-electric-cars U.S. judge lets investor diesel lawsuit against Daimler proceed. A federal judge in California will allow a U.S. investor class action lawsuit against Daimler AG (DAIGn.DE) and several senior executives to proceed over allegations the company did not disclose excess emissions. The German automaker faces ongoing investigations by U.S. and German authorities into excess diesel emissions. Last month, German prosecutors searched Daimler's offices as part of an investigation into diesel pollution. https://www.reuters.com/article/daimler-emissions-idUSL1N1IY13N The Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Revolution Has Started. Toyota is conducting a feasibility study to examine the potential of hydrogen fuel-cell technology for heavy-duty applications at the Port of Los Angeles. The feasibility study called “Project Portal” will begin at the Port of Los Angeles this summer with the support of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC). The CEC is investing in hydrogen fuel-cell infrastructure to support refueling needs while CARB… http://www.electronicdesign.com/power/hydrogen-fuel-cell-revolution-has-started GREEN ENERGY Sempra exec says 100 percent renewables is possible now. A top official with Sempra Energy, one of the nation’s largest utilities, made a stunning admission to a roomful of gas and oil executives this week: there is no impediment to California getting all of its energy from renewables – now. In simple terms, this means all power could come from sources like wind, solar and hydro without reliance on fossil fuels. http://inewsource.org/2017/05/26/sempra-100-percent-renewables-pxise/ MISCELLANEOUS EPA seeks comments on extension of national formaldehyde standard deadlines Interested parties have until June 8 to comment on new effective dates for national standard. Stakeholders in a new national formaldehyde emissions standard for composite wood products have until June 8 to comment on the extension of compliance standards recently announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/543568-epa-seeks-comments-formaldehyde-deadline-extensions OPINIONS Leaving Paris agreement is a step backward on climate change. Re: “President Trump will abandon Paris global climate pact, dismaying allies,” June 1 news story. As an architect, one of my key goals is designing sustainable buildings for current and future generations who will live and work in the structures I’ve created. A sustainable built environment is one of the best solutions we have to combat the effects of climate change. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/06/01/leaving-paris-agreement-is-a-step-backward-on-climate-change/ . BLOGS Hot Commodity: Late-Model Volkswagen TDIs, New or Used, Are Rare and Selling for a Bundle. Although Volkswagen has paid dearly for its mistakes leading up to its diesel-emissions scandal, most owners of 2.0-liter TDI models have emerged relatively well off, thanks to the restitution and buyback terms of the $10 billion settlement program. Volkswagen dealerships haven’t fared too badly, either, with their $1.2 billion settlement. And now they appear to be making a bundle selling new… http://blog.caranddriver.com/hot-commodity-late-model-volkswagen-tdis-new-or-used-are-rare-and-selling-for-a-bundle/ Donald Trump's climate change plans rebuffed by Wall Street. Activists hailed a vote by Exxon as a turning point in their decades-long campaign to get oil and gas companies to communicate how they would adapt to a low-carbon economy. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/donald-trump-climate-change-paris-agreement-wall-street-exxon-blackrock-global-warming-united-states-a7766331.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, 2 Jun 2017 15:07:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 2, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 2, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm _________________________ AIR POLLUTION Air pollution doesn’t just harm humans – it is destroying nature too. You may never have heard of cow parsley syndrome, yet it’s been visible over much of Britain for the past month – the spectacle of country roads fringed with a dense throng of tall white feathery flowers, three- to four-feet high, which many people now think of as an attractive addition to the landscape. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/01/air-pollution-harm-humans-nature-wildflowers-car-exhaust-sparrows How climate change and air pollution can affect your health. President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the landmark Paris climate agreement could have far reaching consequences on climate and fossil fuel emissions in the future. While climate change and pollution are often discussed in terms of environmental damage, they can also greatly impact public health. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/climate-change-air-pollution-affect-health/story?id=47789973 CLIMATE CHANGE Trump pulls US from global warming accord, to allies’ dismay. President Donald Trump declared Thursday he was pulling the U.S. from the landmark Paris climate agreement, striking a major blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming and distancing the country from its closest allies abroad. https://www.apnews.com/0cafd1e56b124f5b9cf17ace7031d6d0/Trump-pulls-US-from-global-warming-accord,-to-allies'-dismay China likely to gain as US withdraws from Paris agreement. President Donald Trump’s pullback from a global climate pact could accelerate China’s unlikely ascent toward leadership in stemming global warming and promoting green technology, and on global matters far removed from the environment. https://www.apnews.com/7105cb02ef7744cb96ded9f50b54faab/China-likely-to-gain-as-US-withdraws-from-Paris-agreement European leaders: climate change deal can't be renegotiated. Top European leaders pledged Thursday to keep fighting against global warming as President Donald Trump announced he was pulling out of the Paris climate accord, but they rejected his suggestion that the deal could later be renegotiated. The leaders of France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement that they regretted the United States' decision… https://www.apnews.com/b02b8dd078f94e59bccb1f70ae298755/European-leaders:-climate-change-deal-can't-be-renegotiated Protests, new climate pledges after Trump’s Paris pullout. Environmental campaigners protested Friday against President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord, while nations around the world pledged to double down on their efforts to curb global warming in response to the U.S. move. https://www.apnews.com/e2a4aa6dad7240e9836052e03576df68/Protests,-new-climate-pledges-after-Trump's-Paris-pullout Salt Lake City mayor criticizes Paris accord withdrawal. The mayor of Salt Lake City says Utah’s capital city will continue to follow the guidelines of the Paris climate change accord despite Republican President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the pact. Mayor Jackie Biskupski, a Democrat, said in a news release Thursday that warming temperatures are threatening the state’s water supply… https://www.apnews.com/242c3329a520439da36ba8eef019f7de/Salt-Lake-City-mayor-criticizes-Paris-accord-withdrawal AP FACT CHECK: Holes in Trump’s reasoning on climate pullout. Announcing that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, President Donald Trump misplaced the blame for what ails the coal industry and laid a shaky factual foundation for his decision. A look at some of the claims in a Rose Garden speech and an accompanying fact sheet about the deal to curtail emissions responsible for global warming: ... https://www.apnews.com/9e9509f4ee964d2aa3475f4b409645de/AP-FACT-CHECK:-Holes-in-Trump's-reasoning-on-climate-pullout NY Prosecutor Says Exxon Misled Investors on Climate Change. New York's top prosecutor on Friday accused Exxon Mobil of misleading investors about how it accounts for climate change risks, court filings show, increasing pressure on the company to turn over documents. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman claims to have evidence of "potential materially false and misleading statements by… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/02/business/02reuters-usa-climatechange-exxon.html?src=busln&_r=0 California Today: How California Reacted to Trump’s Paris Decision. Good morning. He wouldn’t be dissuaded. Defying fellow heads of state, environmentalists and members of his own staff, President Trump on Thursday said he would pull the United States from the Paris climate accord. “We are getting out,” he said. “But we will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal that’s fair.” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/us/california-today-paris-accord-reaction.html?em_pos=large&ref=headline&te=1&nl=california-today&emc=edit_ca_20170602&_r=1 World leaders close ranks on climate change: 'Paris agreement cannot be renegotiated'. President Trump concludes his announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. World leaders closed ranks Thursday, vowing to press on with the fight against global warming, even as President Trump said he was pulling the United States out of a landmark climate agreement. http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-trump-climate-reaction-20170601-story.html Climate change could foul up precipitation worldwide. Just this month alone, climate change has been blamed for sleepless nights, trees moving West, and now it's causing a new problem: Weird rainfall. The new study, which appeared in the journal Science Advances, suggests climate change will alter where rain falls around the world, making wet areas wetter and dry areas drier, especially in the summer. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2017/05/31/climate-change-could-foul-up-precipitation-worldwide/102351298/ Three states unite to back climate deal: 'This is an insane move by this president'. Three Democratic governors said Thursday they won't let the United States back away from a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite President Donald Trump decision to withdraw from an international pact. "This is an insane move by this president," California Gov. Jerry Brown said, blasting the decision as "deviant behavior from the highest office in the land." http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-states-trump-climate-deal-20170601-story.html Climate Change Authority tells government to adopt emissions intensity trading scheme. Advice from CCA and Energy Market Commission says policy uncertainty leaves wholesale electricity overpriced by up to $40 per megawatt hour. The government has been told wholesale electricity prices are above long-run costs by around $27 to $40 per megawatt hour because of policy uncertainty triggered… https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/02/climate-change-authority-tells-government-to-adopt-emissions-intensity-trading-scheme California plans to take the lead in fighting climate change and discuss merging carbon trading markets with China. California Governor Jerry Brown said on Thursday he will discuss merging carbon trading markets in his state and China when he travels to Asia later this week, a sign of the governor's ambition to influence global climate change policy. http://www.businessinsider.com/california-and-china-discuss-carbon-trading-markets-2017-6 Could Trump's climate decision mean cheaper gas? The price of oil just fell. The price of oil has fallen sharply as investors bet that President Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement will increase the country's oil and gas production. The cost of a barrel of crude slumped 2.4 percent, or $1.18, to $47.18 in electronic trading… http://billingsgazette.com/now/today/could-trump-s-climate-decision-mean-cheaper-gas-the-price/article_fac9316c-fc6e-5c3f-888b-7086ec55fab5.html White House suspends methane regulations. The Trump administration halted certain federal methane regulations Thursday, suspending for 90 days requirements for drillers to report and significantly reduce emissions of the potent greenhouse gas. On a dark day for climate advocates, the federal stay was in keeping with President Donald Trump’s announcement to… http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/white-house-suspends-methane-regulations/article_e89cd0dc-7d72-5e4b-8a8e-6c63804177a0.html FUELS U.S. is reducing dependence on fossil fuels even without Paris climate agreement. President Trump’s decision to back out of the Paris climate accord is a blow to environmental activists, but the nation's steady, years-long reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming won’t suddenly stop. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/01/us-reducing-dependence-fossil-fuels-even-without-paris-agreement/102392668/ Biofuels industry reacts to Trump’s Paris climate change accord announcement biofuels news item image. The biofuels industry has reiterated its commitment to tackling climate change in light of President Trump’s announcement that the US will withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor told Biofuels International: “Biofuels like ethanol stand… http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12410/biofuels_industry_reacts_to_trumps_paris_climate_change_accord_announcement/ European UCOME 2017 demand lower, biodiesel GHG savings increase. Demand for UCOME -- used cooking oil methyl ester -- this year has been lower than in recent years, largely due to increased greenhouse gas savings from first-generation biofuels across Europe, sources said. Demand for UCOME has also been lower as biofuel tickets… https://www.platts.com/latest-news/agriculture/london/european-ucome-2017-demand-lower-biodiesel-ghg-26747144 VEHICLES Top Russia Oil Boss Scorns Tesla, Electric Cars as Overrated. The day after President Donald Trump said the U.S. will exit from the Paris climate deal, the Russian chief of the world’s largest listed oil producer by output is taking on electric cars. Igor Sechin, chief executive officer of Rosneft PJSC, called manufacturers including Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. overvalued and said electric cars… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-02/top-russian-oil-boss-scorns-tesla-electric-cars-as-overrated China accelerates approvals for green car subsidies. China on Friday approved around 300 more green energy vehicle models to receive subsidies as part of a scheme that has rapidly boosted sales in the sector, with the pace of approvals accelerating from earlier in the year. China is the world's largest market for green energy vehicles, with the government aggressively promoting the segment… http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL3N1IZ2Q4 China Agrees to Delay Electric Car Quota by a Year: Source. China agreed to delay an 8 percent quota for electric and hybrid vehicles by a year until 2019, an auto industry source said on Friday, in a major concession for German carmakers seeking to expand in the world's largest auto market. In a draft in September, Chinese policymakers proposed that 8 percent of automakers' sales be battery-electric… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/02/technology/02reuters-germany-china-autos.html?src=busln Chevy’s electric Bolt creeps along while Tesla prepares a sprint. Elon Musk’s perpetual joker grin is probably a little wider today. The Chevrolet Bolt, the proletariat machine that beat his nascent Model 3 to market by the better part of a year, is, well, not bolting at all. Creeping would be a better word. After six months on the market, only 6,529 Bolts have found their way out of dealerships and into the wild. http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Chevy-s-electric-Bolt-creeps-along-while-Tesla-11189711.php GM is facing a lawsuit alleging emissions cheating — but the automaker checked out all of its diesel vehicles after VW's crisis. General Motors is fending off another class-action lawsuit, filed last week by Seattle firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, alleging that the carmaker cheated on emissions tests for its large Duramax diesel engines. The law firm also recently filed a lawsuit against GM alleging cheating for the diesel engines… http://www.businessinsider.com/gm-diesel-emissions-lawsuit-compliant-2017-5 Plug-in electric car sales for May: best Bolt EV month yet; Prime, Leaf, Volt higher too (updated). Sales of three high-volume plug-in electric cars rose last month, with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV 238-mile battery-electric hatchback logging its highest monthly total since sales began in December. Chevrolet delivered 1,566 Bolt EVs, bringing this year's five-month total to 5,950 (another 579 were sold in December 2016). http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110762_plug-in-electric-car-sales-for-may-best-bolt-ev-month-yet-leaf-and-volt-higher-too UBS: There's about to be 'an inflection point' in the electric car market, and these 7 stocks could win big. Tesla is often the first company that comes to mind when thinking of electric cars. But, there are a lot of other players set to profit from the growing electric car market. In a note to investors, UBS breaks down the seven companies set to soar as electric cars grow in popularity. http://www.businessinsider.com/7-stocks-set-to-take-off-in-the-electric-car-market-2017-6 Hyundai Electric Bus that Recharges Within an Hour to be Out by 2018. With the awareness regarding global warming on the rise, automakers came up with the technology of electric vehicles to cut down on the carbon emissions as well as the use of fossil fuels. First came the electric cars which were followed by electric scooters. But who would have thought that a humongous vehicle like the bus… https://www.industryleadersmagazine.com/hyundai-electric-bus-recharges-within-hour-2018/ EMISSIONS ISSUES German prosecutors expand diesel emissions probe at Audi. German prosecutors say they have expanded their investigation into suspected violations involving manipulation of diesel emissions at carmaker Audi to include cars sold in Germany and Europe. The statement Friday from prosecutors in Munich comes a day after the transport ministry said the company had used software that turned off emissions controls… https://www.apnews.com/02ffd234ef8e4bc9966615a6a8945922/German-prosecutors-expand-diesel-emissions-probe-at-Audi OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-audi-idUSKBN18S5Y5 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/business/audi-vw-diesel-germany.html GREEN ENERGY Brazil Plots Steady Clean-Energy Course Amid Political Turmoil. Brazil is taking steps to promote new renewable-energy projects as the government seeks to reassure the industry that political turmoil won’t threaten current power policies. The country will organize at least one power auction for clean-energy projects this year, according to Eduardo Azevedo, secretary of energy planning… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-02/brazil-plots-steady-clean-energy-course-amid-political-turmoil India, Once a Coal Goliath, Is Fast Turning Green. Just a few years ago, the world watched nervously as India went on a building spree of coal-fired power plants, more than doubling its capacity and claiming that more were needed. Coal output, officials said, would almost triple, to 1.5 billion tons, by 2020. India’s plans were cited by American critics of the Paris climate accord… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/world/asia/india-coal-green-energy-climate.html How To Fund Clean Energy Research To Slow Climate Change. The U.S. Department of Energy spends US$3-$4 billion per year on applied energy research. These programs seek to provide clean and reliable energy and improve our energy security by driving innovation and helping companies bring new clean energy sources to market. http://www.ibtimes.com/how-fund-clean-energy-research-slow-climate-change-2546499 Analysis: Trump's climate move to aid Asia energy investment, clean fuel push. The dramatic withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate accord will not only help to divert more renewable investments into Asia, but it will also lead to increased flows of US LNG into the region, while applying the brakes to US crude oil exports, analysts said Friday. https://www.platts.com/latest-news/natural-gas/singapore/analysis-trumps-climate-move-to-aid-asia-energy-26747459 With review period over, senators tell DOE to finalize rules. A dozen Senate Democrats are warning Energy Secretary Rick Perry that his department may be violating the law by not publishing five energy efficiency rules. The Department of Energy last year issued the standards — which cover products ranging from portable air conditioners to walk-in coolers… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/02/stories/1060055478 MISCELLANEOUS Scientists find hundreds of methane blow-out craters on floor of Arctic Ocean. Scientists have discovered hundreds of large craters littering the floor of the Arctic Ocean, some of which measure a few thousand feet across. Researchers determined the craters were formed more than 12,000 years ago by explosive methane blow-outs. Methane continues to seep from the craters today. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/06/02/Scientists-find-hundreds-of-methane-blow-out-craters-on-floor-of-Arctic-Ocean/2821496418303/ OPINIONS Trump just gave the world the middle finger. Here’s what has to happen now. Now that President Trump and the Republican Party have told the rest of the world to get lost, there is a way for Democrats to step up and signal to other countries that the United States remains committed to combating the long-term threat of global warming — even if Trump and the GOP are determined to render the United States a global outlier. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2017/06/02/trump-just-gave-the-the-world-the-middle-finger-heres-what-has-to-happen-now/?utm_term=.8235a0f1cccb How bad could Trump’s Paris Agreement withdrawal be? A scientist’s perspective. The U.S. failing to meet its Paris commitment would cause about $100 billion of damage to the global economy. Even before the Paris Agreement was signed in December 2015, market forces and policy measures were starting to tilt the world toward a lower-carbon future. U.S. carbon dioxide emissions peaked in 2007… https://theconversation.com/how-bad-could-trumps-paris-agreement-withdrawal-be-a-scientists-perspective-78721 Editorial: Getting beyond Paris. Candidate Donald Trump made a promise; yesterday President Trump kept that promise, while leaving the door open for a renegotiated “fairer” deal. What has gotten lost amid all the entirely predictable hot-air spewing is that the Paris agreement was always more symbolism than substance. It was an entirely voluntary agreement — not binding on any of the member countries that signed it. http://www.bostonherald.com/opinion/editorials/2017/06/editorial_getting_beyond_paris BLOGS Electric Vehicles Charge Ahead. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, with more charging stations available, but the short range is holding them back. In 2014, there were two local places for electric car owners to plug in. Today, there are 17 charging stations at various hotels, grocery stores and parking lots in Champaign, Urbana and Danville, according to PlugShare's database of more than 500,000 stations. http://www.govtech.com/fs/Electric-Vehicles-Charge-Ahead.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 Jun 2017 14:50:01 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 6, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 6, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ Sound Wall-Vegetation Combination Barriers as Near-Roadway Pollutant Mitigation Strategies. Suzanne Paulson, Ph.D., Yifang Zhu, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles and Akula Venkatram, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California For more go to the announcement at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/paulson6/paulson6.htm ___________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm CAP AND TRADE China CO2 market launch set for November at earliest: government researcher. China will launch its nationwide carbon emissions trading system by November at the "very earliest", a government researcher said on Tuesday. As part of pledges made to help secure a global climate change pact in Paris in 2015, China said it would complete the launch of the nationwide emissions trading platform this year. http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-china-energy-carbon-idUKKBN18X0N7 Ontario holds second cap-and-trade auction. Ontario’s second auction in its cap and trade program aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions is taking place today, after the first auction sold out. The March auction brought in $472 million, which the government says it will put toward programs that reduce emissions and help businesses and consumers adapt to a low-carbon economy. http://globalnews.ca/news/3506012/ontario-holds-second-cap-and-trade-auction/ California Looks to Set a 100% Renewable Standard and to Tie its Carbon Market with China. In the wake of President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris accords, California is more determined than ever to reduce CO2 emissions. It has said that it would increase its use of renewables to 100% by 2045 while also trying to tie its cap-and-trade system to that of China’s emerging trading plan. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/06/california-looks-set-100-renewable-standard-tie-carbon-market-china/ AIR POLLUTION A plan to build homes at the 91-to-110 freeway interchange is back on the table, but it has some people worried. Businessman Ali Awad went to Los Angeles City Hall five years ago with a simple plan: Build 24 new homes on a vacant lot, next to the interchange of the 91 and 110 freeways. The Planning Commission shot down that idea, worrying that nearby car and truck emissions… http://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-ln-freeway-interchange-housing-20170606-htmlstory.html Big trucks may pollute way more than previously thought. June is off to a smoggy start in Southern California – four of the first five days have exceeded federal Clean Air standards. Emissions from heavy duty diesel trucks are the largest contributor to smog here, and a new study has found that those emissions could be much higher than previously thought. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/06/05/72578/big-trucks-may-pollute-way-more-than-previously-th/ Dumping coal could save 52K lives per year — study. Fully replacing coal-fired electricity generation with solar power in the United States could save some 52,000 lives annually, researchers concluded in a newly released study. While the long-term price tag for that undertaking would be almost $1.5 trillion, the conversion would ultimately be profitable, with "a substantial health and environmental benefit,"… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055616 CLIMATE CHANGE A climate chain reaction: Major Greenland melting could devastate crops in Africa. As melting Greenland glaciers continue to pour ice into the Arctic Ocean, we have more than the rising seas to worry about, scientists say. A new study suggests that if it gets large enough, the influx of freshwater from the melting ice sheet… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/06/a-climate-chain-reaction-major-greenland-melting-could-devastate-crops-in-africa/?utm_term=.ab3f7750dfaa Paris Climate Deal Needs New Rules and Clarity, Scientists Say. The Paris climate accord needs to be strengthened through new negotiations and national commitments to transparency, a study showed. Uncertainty about the pledges made by almost 200 countries in the landmark climate deal means the world could fail to mitigate runaway global warming… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-06/paris-climate-deal-needs-new-rules-and-clarity-scientists-say Google, Facebook Join Cities in Challenging Trump on Climate. Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Microsoft Corp. and Facebook Inc. are among dozens of companies that pledged their support for policies combating climate change following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris accord. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-05/google-and-facebook-join-cities-in-challenging-trump-on-climate Xi Jinping and Jerry Brown of California Meet to Discuss Climate Change. President Xi Jinping of China met on Tuesday with Gov. Jerry Brown of California, embracing one of President Trump’s most prominent critics on the environment as China prepares to take a more commanding role in fighting climate change. The meeting, coming five days after Mr. Trump announced that the United States would abandon… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/asia/xi-jinping-china-jerry-brown-california-climate.html?_r=0 http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/06/dispatches-from-china-brown-meets-with-chinese-pres-xi-jin-ping/ Liberals have a responsibility too: make climate change a top issue. For too long, liberals have been treating climate change as a third or fourth tier issue. As the US exits the Paris Climate Accord, it’s time for liberals to re-evaluate an issue that subsumes all others. On Thursday when the announcement hit that Trump was taking America out of the Paris Climate Accord, my social media feed predictably blew up. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2017/jun/06/liberals-climate-change-trump-paris-accord Climate change progress at Trump's EPA is grinding to a halt, workers reveal. Current and former staff say projects that mention climate change have been ‘de-emphasized and halted’ as EPA tears up key planks of emissions-lowering agenda. Current and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees have described how work on climate change is grinding to a halt at the agency, with programs being scrapped and fears that staff may be reassigned away from climate-related tasks. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/06/climate-change-work-trump-epa California signs deal with China to combat climate change. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed an agreement to work with China to lower greenhouse gas emissions Tuesday, just days after President Trump pulled the United States out of an international climate change agreement. The agreement, though nonbinding, aims to expand cooperation between China and California on renewable energy… http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/336537-california-signs-deal-with-china-to-combat-climate-change Climate change and the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season. As the world's oceans warm, what affect might this have on the power of hurricanes?. June 1 is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which covers the North Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and it runs until November 30, 2017. That doesn't mean to say we cannot see a tropical storm or hurricane develop outside of these dates. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/06/climate-change-2017-atlantic-hurricane-season-170605112745578.html Trump ignites climate pledges with Paris order. Governors, mayors and CEOs are clamoring to sign onto a slate of new climate pacts organized over the weekend after President Trump announced he would leave the Paris Agreement. Twelve states, including two with Republican governors, are joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, launched by California, New York and Washington. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055590 Former EPA boss: 'Clean break' from U.N. talks needed. The United States should make a "clean break" from international climate talks if the country no longer plans to be part of the Paris Agreement, said former U.S. EPA Administrator William Reilly. Speaking with the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast, Reilly, who served under President George H.W. Bush, noted he has spoken out against… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055592 FUELS Analyst warns of 'false prophet' predicting higher prices. The oil and gas industry continues to enjoy its revival, even as there is growing unease over the future direction of oil prices. Though the per-barrel price of oil has dipped below $50 recently, companies are still managing to capitalize on new technology, enhanced drilling efficiencies and easy credit access to expand production. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055567 VEHICLES China Helps Big Auto Get Bigger. China's plan to halt new electric-vehicle permits may prevent the market from overheating. But it's also likely to crowd out new energy startups and pave the way for the nation's incumbent manufacturers to gain an even greater share of the world's largest car market. Make no mistake; China is still committed to its goals of increasing annual sales of electric vehicles… https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-06-06/big-auto-wins-as-china-pulls-the-plug-on-electric-car-permits Brown Looks To Lure Chinese Electric Car Companies. California Governor Jerry Brown is in China this week looking to strengthen ties in the fight against climate change. In reality that’s meant meetings heavy on formality and light on substance, which could open the way for more concrete agreements down the road. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/06/brown-looks-to-lure-chinese-electric-car-companies/ HIGH-SPEED RAIL Judge Rules High-Speed Rail Project Can Use Greenhouse Gas Funding. California regulators did not abuse their discretion when they decided to pay for the state’s high-speed rail project with money from a greenhouse gas emissions program, a Sacramento County judge said in a ruling made final on Monday. The Transportation Solutions Defense and Education Fund… http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/06/05/judge-rules-high-speed-rail-project-can-use-greenhouse-gas-funding/ GREEN ENERGY Prince Was a Secret Patron of Solar Power. The musician's anonymous investment ultimately helped dozens of clean-tech entrepreneurs in Oakland. Before his abrupt death a year ago, the pop musician Prince made an investment in green energy that’s now helping solar start-ups weather an assault from President Donald Trump. It started with a conversation in 2011 between Prince and his friend Van Jones, a CNN commentator… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-06/prince-was-a-secret-patron-of-solar-power Perry Challenges China Ahead of Clean Energy Summit. The man who now leads the energy department he once promised to abolish is headed to China to make the case for why the Paris climate accord doesn’t work and how technology -- and natural gas -- can be just as effective in heading off global warming. U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry is due in Beijing on Tuesday for a gathering of energy ministers… https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-06-05/trump-energy-chief-goads-china-as-it-hosts-forum-on-clean-fuels Sandoval says he will sign bill to bring rooftop solar back to Nevada. Gov. Brian Sandoval said Monday he intends to sign a bill that supporters expect will bring the rooftop solar industry back to Nevada. During a ceremony to sign the major bills implementing the two-year, $8.2 billion general fund budget, Sandoval said he will be signing Assembly Bill 405… https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/2017-legislature/sandoval-says-he-will-sign-bill-to-bring-rooftop-solar-back-to-nevada/ DOE review author called renewable energy policies 'greatest emerging threat' to reliability. Dive Brief: •The U.S. Department of Energy's controversial baseload power review will be authored by an individual previously critical of clean energy policies, according to recent media reports. •Travis Fischer, author of a 2015 study critical of green policies, is writing the review, according to the Energy and Policy Institute, a watchdog group. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-review-author-called-renewable-energy-policies-greatest-emerging-threa/443961/ Japan ramps up clean energy as U.S. recedes. The rumbling brown turbine on the bank of the gurgling Arakawa River is one of many different engines powering the recovery of the Fukushima region. Here, in the idyllic hills in southwest Fukushima city is Tsuchiyu Onsen, a traditional hot spring resort nestled in a wooded national park. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055566 U.S. storage market surges to record. The U.S. energy storage market experienced its best quarter in history. Pictured is an energy storage research and demonstration site in Harrodsburg, Ky. Louisville Gas & Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities Co. The U.S. energy storage market just surged to its best quarter in history, deploying 234 megawatt-hours of power. The spike represents a 944 percent increase from the same quarter last year… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055615 VEHICLES BlueLA Car Sharing Program Prepares to Launch 100 EVs, 200 Charging Stations. On Friday, June 9, City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will launch a demonstration station that will kick-start the “BlueLA Electric Car Sharing Program,” a pilot project that will deploy 100 electric cars and 200 EV charging stations starting this year. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the electric car sharing… https://ngtnews.com/bluela-car-sharing-program-prepares-launch-100-evs-200-charging-stations MISCELLANEOUS California Governor Says China ‘On the Move,’ U.S. Role Reduced. California Governor Jerry Brown said “America can’t rest on its laurels” as competitive pressures from China become more intense. “The role of America in the world has been reduced because of Trump’s pullout from the Paris accord,” Brown said in a Bloomberg Television interview with Tom Mackenzie on Tuesday in Beijing. https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-06-06/california-governor-says-china-on-the-move-u-s-role-reduced Brown: State won't reach its clean car goal without China. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) wants Chinese companies to fill the state's demand for electric vehicles. Brown signed agreements Sunday and yesterday with two Chinese provinces to work on clean energy and climate change policies and called for Chinese companies to begin selling more electric vehicles in California to help it meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/06/stories/1060055573 OPINIONS Withdrawing from the Paris deal takes four years. Our next president could join again in 30 days. While President Trump has vowed to formally withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, sparking international outrage, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of U.S. involvement forever. A future president could have us back in the agreement in as little as 30 days, legal experts say. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/05/withdrawing-from-the-paris-deal-takes-four-years-our-next-president-could-join-again-in-30-days/?utm_term=.9820bb08ba2f Climate change is real. So why won’t the right admit it? Around 97% of climate scientists confirm the existence of manmade global warming, and public opinion is steadily catching up. In the UK, a recent poll suggested 84% of British people want Theresa May to “convince Trump not to quit” the Paris climate agreement. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/06/climate-change-right-brexiters-donald-trump Let's scrap regulations in favor of a carbon tax. Tax reform is hot this year, and rightly so. Mending an outdated tax system is an important political and policy objective. I am optimistic that Republican lawmakers will be successful, but no matter the scale or scope of this effort, it will not be the last big tax bill. Because tax reform is a perpetual effort, it is not too early to start considering post-tax-reform tax reform ideas. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/06/lets-scrap-regulations-in-favor-of-a-carbon-tax-commentary.html BLOGS El Nino and global warming combine to cause record-breaking heat in Southeast Asia. Scientists at The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) have found that a devastating combination of global warming and El Niño is responsible for causing extreme temperatures in April 2016 in Southeast Asia. The research, published on June 6 in the journal Nature Communications, shows that El Niño triggered the heat… https://phys.org/news/2017-06-el-nino-global-combine-record-breaking.html#jCp Quantifying the effects of climate change. Last year was the hottest on record, Arctic sea ice is on the decline and sea levels continue to rise. In this context, satellites are providing us with an unbiased view of how our climate is changing and the effects it is having on our planet. Estimates show that the global sea level is rising by about 3 mm a year. This is one of the major threats of global warming, especially for low-lying coastal areas. https://phys.org/news/2017-06-quantifying-effects-climate.html#jCp Global warming. A concrete and terrible case: Florida. Enough abstraction. Below is a concrete and measurable example of the environmental danger that each of the Florida people is facing. Sorry, that each of us is facing. Joe Romm, founder of climate progress, provides us with a terrible article on what Florida might be like in the near future. America’s trillion-dollar coastal property bubble could burst “before the sea consumes a single house.” Here’s why. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/6/6/1669235/-Global-warming-A-concrete-and-terrible-case-Florida ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 16:25:39 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 7, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 7, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm AIR POLLUTION One Chart Suggests Trump May Be Wrong About Emissions and GDP. Donald Trump last week drew a straight line between membership in the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement and American economic hardship when he withdrew U.S. support for the pact. “The cost to the economy at this time would be close to $3 trillion in lost GDP and 6.5 million industrial jobs… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-07/one-chart-suggests-trump-may-be-wrong-about-emissions-and-gdp EPA delays Obama air pollution rule by one year. The Trump administration is putting a one-year delay on implementation of a major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air pollution rule from the Obama administration. The EPA announced the delay in the ozone pollution rule enforcement late Tuesday, saying that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had notified state governors. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/336663-epa-delays-obama-air-pollution-rule-deadline-by-one-year Pruitt's quick strike on ozone roils greens, delights GOP. Earlier this year, Scott Pruitt had little to say about U.S. EPA's 2015 ozone standard during his Senate confirmation process for becoming the agency's administrator. But he made his position clear late yesterday by abruptly announcing his decision to delay for a year attainment designations with the 70 parts per billion threshold, accompanied by a suggestion that… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055691 CLIMATE CHANGE Existing climate efforts expected to keep US goals on track. The momentum of climate change efforts and the affordability of cleaner fuels will keep the United States moving toward its goals of cutting emissions despite the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris global accord, business and government leaders in a growing alliance said Tuesday. New York, California and 11 other states representing nearly 40 percent… https://www.apnews.com/581f527033844782ae9f3a3c0c6b8c61/Existing-climate-efforts-expected-to-keep-US-goals-on-track Rhode Island Senate passes bill to shield climate research. A proposal that would shield climate scientists and other university researchers from public records requests could be heading to Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo. The state Senate voted unanimously to pass the bill Tuesday. The House passed companion legislation on a 58-6 vote in January. https://www.apnews.com/1ab311d501e349d4940e4b8669562c53/Rhode-Island-Senate-passes-bill-to-shield-climate-research French envoy: US climate exit may signal multipolar world. France’s U.N. ambassador says President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord may be perceived as “the birth certificate of the multipolar world.” Francois Delattre told reporters Tuesday that the impact of Trump’s decision goes beyond climate change policy to the U.S. role in the world. https://www.apnews.com/4218a4ffe921419aa25b416104c9f390/French-envoy:-US-climate-exist-may-signal-multipolar-world Sununu says he’s not joining states’ climate change alliance. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said he is doesn’t plan to join an alliance set up by other states pledging to uphold the Paris climate change accord. The Concord Monitor reported (http://bit.ly/2rRWehN) the Republican governor told the newspaper in a statement Monday that he wasn’t interested in joining the alliance “at this time.” https://www.apnews.com/3df3f38705c64379b94dc9e45b50aade/Sununu-says-he's-not-joining-states'-climate-change-alliance China is now looking to California – not Trump – to help lead the fight against climate change. Gov. Jerry Brown met with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, in a rare move that catapults California’s status as a negotiator with China while the U.S. falls back on climate change. The leaders met less than a week after President Trump pulled the U.S. from a historic Paris climate accord… http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-china-global-climate-20170606-story.html Greenhouse emissions fall for another year in California. California has continued to chip away at its greenhouse gas emissions even as its economy grows, according to new data released by state regulators on Wednesday. Emissions fell by a third of a percent in 2015, which regulators said was equivalent to removing 300,000 vehicles from state roads for a year. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-emissions-keep-1496860837-htmlstory.html Sonoma County, cities join Bloomberg-led climate action coalition. A growing number of Sonoma County cities are signing on to a national coalition of governments, businesses and educational institutions formed to push back against President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from an international climate pact. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7070978-181/sonoma-county-cities-join-bloomberg-led?artslide=0 Coalition Of States, Regions Fighting Climate Change Meet In China. California has several new agreements with China and regions within the country. Gov. Jerry Brown has signed “memorandums of understanding” about developing new, clean technology. The agreements are non-binding, but they describe a pathway for the two countries to raise new clean technology businesses. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/07/dispatches-from-china-coalition-of-states,-regions-fighting-climate-change-meet-in-china/ Ditching Paris had nothing to do with science. Ever since U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt helped orchestrate the United States' withdrawal from an international climate accord backed by decades of scientific research, he has spent days deflecting dozens of questions about science. The hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" yesterday tried more than 10 times to get Pruitt to answer whether or not… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055666 VEHICLES 3 challenges Tesla faces as shareholders meet. Tesla Inc. is riding high as it hosts its annual shareholders’ meeting Tuesday. Shares are trading at record levels, and Tesla has surpassed General Motors and Ford in market value. It’s about to introduce its first mass-market electric car, the Model 3 sedan, as well as a line of solar panels that look like roof tiles. https://www.apnews.com/01e9b8147edf460baa2fd90a80617fe5/3-challenges-Tesla-faces-as-shareholders-meet Tesla says new law will prohibit direct sales in Louisiana. Electric car company Tesla says it will be unable to sell cars directly in Louisiana, under a bill Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law. Tesla enthusiasts had urged the Democratic governor to veto the legislation, but it was on a list of signed measures released by Edwards’ office Tuesday. The electric car brand is sold through a direct-to-customer model… https://www.apnews.com/030979576b3a49b19b3f9189d5a3e7bf/Tesla-says-new-law-will-prohibit-direct-sales-in-Louisiana CA: Marin Electric Vehicle Projects Get $240K Jolt. Almost a quarter of a million dollars will go toward green vehicle technology in the coming fiscal year under a plan approved by Marin transportation officials. The projects that will share $240,000 beginning July 1 include an electric bus pilot program, $75,000; electric vehicle charging stations at Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit stops, $35,000; and public charging stations, $55,000. http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/12341238/marin-electric-vehicle-projects-get-240k-jolt Tesla envisions up to 20 'Gigafactories' worldwide. Tesla Inc. will open as many as 20 large factories worldwide as it makes multiple models of electric cars and batteries to store energy, co-founder and CEO Elon Musk said yesterday. Speaking at a shareholder meeting at the company's headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., Musk outlined a vision of the company as far larger… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055663 China passes U.S. as world's top EV market. Electric vehicle sales are surging but could still fall below increasingly ambitious goals if incentives aren't maintained, according to the International Energy Agency. The number of EVs on the road jumped to 2 million in 2016, more than doubling from 2015, according to the Global EV Outlook 2017. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055688 VOLKSWAGEN VW independent monitor: Company is trying to change. The independent monitor overseeing Volkswagen’s efforts to prevent a repeat of its diesel emissions scandal said Tuesday that his “initial impression” is that the company is making a serious effort to change its ways. Former U.S. deputy attorney general Larry Thompson must certify the policies and practices Volkswagen is putting in place to ensure compliance with anti-fraud and environmental laws. https://www.apnews.com/d789678c2933484586b42667e4b9ab22/VW-independent-monitor:-Company-is-trying-to-change GREEN ENERGY After Trump blasts Paris accords, NC may expand solar power. Conservative Southern lawmakers on Tuesday moved to extend the growth of renewable energy in North Carolina, just days after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would exit the Paris climate agreement because curbing fossil fuels would hamper the economy. State House members introduced legislation negotiated between… https://www.apnews.com/6b1643f49711493c8cbc17f0e2d2dc0f/After-Trump-blasts-Paris-accords,-NC-may-expand-solar-power Hawaii solar energy programs for low-income families failing. Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s plan to make solar energy available to the masses by creating a community program has not taken off after two years of deliberation. This has led to the state’s wealthy residents being the ones reaping solar benefits, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported (http://bit.ly/2rHifxS). https://www.apnews.com/f19da7e1c10848c28821745849e4ae06/Hawaii-solar-energy-programs-for-low-income-families-failing NC House poised to rewrite state solar laws. A major rewrite of the state's renewable energy policy is on its way to the House floor later this week, but skeptics say it's moving too quickly and with too little public consideration. House Bill 589, which was announced by a news release from Speaker Tim Moore's office Monday afternoon, cleared the House Energy Committee in a little over 30 minutes Tuesday morning. http://www.wral.com/house-poised-to-rewrite-state-solar-laws-/16745374/ California regulators weigh whether the state needs more power plants. California energy officials are, for the first time, rethinking plans to build expensive natural gas power plants in the face of an electricity glut and growing use of cleaner and cheaper energy alternatives. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced Tuesday that it has put a hold on a $2.2-billion plan to rebuild several old natural gas power plants… http://www.latimes.com/sdhoy-california-regulators-weigh-whether-the-state-needs-more-power-plants-20170606-story.html Clean energy advocates in Beijing shrug off Trump's effect. International clean energy officials are brushing off President Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate agreement, saying that momentum is on the side of renewable energy. Attendees at the Clean Energy Ministerial in Beijing this week are still optimistic about the world's ability to transition to clean energy… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055623 Meet the designer of Trump's solar wall. When reports surfaced late yesterday that President Trump was floating the idea of a border wall covered in solar panels, many observers found it hard to take seriously. "I mean, it's physically possible. It seems politically silly," said Michael Webber, deputy director of the University of Texas' Energy Institute. "This is a bizarre way do solar power, and it's a bizarre way to build a wall." https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055662 Nev. makes its claim to be America's green leader. Many states make claim to the title of America's clean energy leader. Few states have a case like Nevada. Silver State lawmakers passed 11 energy bills before the clock ran out on the legislative session in Carson City on Monday. Among the approved measures: a plan to restore net metering for solar panel-owning homeowners, a proposal to boost the state's renewable portfolio… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/07/stories/1060055660 MISCELLANEOUS 85 percent of the top science jobs in Trump’s government don’t even have a nominee. Presidents invariably encounter key moments where they need to rely on scientific expertise. George W. Bush faced an anthrax attack after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Barack Obama faced the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the Ebola outbreak. Now President Trump has made a momentous decision about climate change. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/06/trump-has-filled-just-15-percent-of-the-governments-top-science-jobs/?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.11a191e0aeee OPINIONS Our View: Trump surrenders U.S. leadership on climate change. These are the only nations that have turned their backs on the most important global agreement to address climate change, the Paris climate accord. The United States was the leader in forging the agreement in 2015 and 195 nations signed it, including every industrialized power, from Western Europe to Russia, India and China. http://www.postbulletin.com/opinion/our_view/our-view-trump-surrenders-u-s-leadership-on-climate-change/article_64c05219-cc30-5c00-bee0-ca4266bc98cf.html The other reason to shift away from coal: Air pollution that kills thousands every year. When President Donald Trump announced on June 1 that he had decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord, he asserted that staying in the pact would prevent our nation from further developing its fossil fuel reserves. Critics understandably have called this a setback for global efforts to curb greenhouse gas pollution. https://theconversation.com/the-other-reason-to-shift-away-from-coal-air-pollution-that-kills-thousands-every-year-78874 BLOGS An American Leader Is in China Right Now Signing All These Climate Deals. It Is Obviously Not Trump. Pandas! Fanfare! The Great Hall of the People! Oh my! Chinese President Xi Jinping met this week with a powerful American leader who believes climate change is real and wants to open the economic floodgates for US-China cooperation on green tech. I’m not kidding. https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/06/an-american-leader-is-in-china-right-now-signing-all-these-climate-deals-it-is-obviously-not-trump/ Solar energy powers millions of green jobs. Energy is the lifeblood of our society. Uninterrupted streams of electrons power the production of the goods we consume, heat and light our homes, fuel our vehicles, power our gadgets and increasingly drive local jobs. We do not have to sacrifice those benefits or jobs to the dirty fossil fuel industry. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/336357-solar-energy-offers-millions-of-green-jobs-powered-by Military still fretting climate change despite Trump’s global actions. The Defense Department and the military services are doing their best to keep their heads above water. That’s not a figurative statement. Just days after President Donald Trump announced the United States will leave a landmark global pact to fight climate change… https://federalnewsradio.com/defense-news/2017/06/military-still-fretting-climate-change-despite-trumps-global-actions/ Oil Companies Invest To Protect Billion-Dollar Assets Along Louisiana's Vanishing Coast. Sarah Mack pilots her 24-foot boat to the edge of a grassy salt marsh in southern Louisiana to bring a slow-moving, $90 billion crisis to life. Tierra Resources, a wetland restoration company, planted plastic poles at the edge of the marsh more than a year ago. http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/06/07/oil-companies-louisiana-coast Could climate change shut down the Gulf Stream? The 2004 disaster movie "The Day After Tomorrow" depicted the cataclysmic effects—superstorms, tornadoes and deep freezes— resulting from the impacts of climate change. In the movie, global warming had accelerated the melting of polar ice, which disrupted circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean, triggering violent changes in the weather. https://phys.org/news/2017-06-climate-gulf-stream.html#jCp ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 14:21:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 8, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 8, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm AIR POLLUTION 'Lack of progress' prompts study of Portland air pollution authority. Growing impatient for Oregon legislators to clean up Portland's toxic air, Multnomah County and city leaders want to do it themselves. The county and city said Wednesday that they will spend $120,000 to study creating a metropolitan air pollution authority. Such an agency would take power away from the state Department of Environmental Quality… http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/06/lack_of_progress_prompts_study.html Deportation fears among LA residents near shuttered Exide plant could impact health study. Nearly 20,000 residents near the shuttered Exide Technologies battery recycling plant could be visited Saturday as part of what Los Angeles County officials called a massive, unprecedented effort to gather health information from those who have lived for years near the chemical-spewing facility. http://www.dailynews.com/health/20170607/deportation-fears-among-la-residents-near-shuttered-exide-plant-could-impact-health-study EPA isn't ensuring refiners meet benzene standards — IG. When U.S. EPA regulators set limits on benzene content in gasoline in 2007, they predicted the new rule would eventually cut emissions of the toxic chemical by 20,000 tons per year. A decade later, however, the agency needs to do more to make sure refiners and importers are meeting those standards, EPA Inspector General Arthur Elkins said in a report released this morning. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/08/stories/1060055766 CLIMATE CHANGE California businesses join, pay for Gov. Brown’s China trip. Gov. Jerry Brown has company on his trip to China to further his climate change agenda: About 30 California business leaders are along for the ride to support Brown’s policies and build their own business deals. The business delegation is led by the Bay Area Council business advocacy organization and includes executives at transportation… https://www.apnews.com/146d04e81b2e472e9af6fffdf204998f/California-businesses-join,-pay-for-Gov.-Brown's-China-trip Canada’s Strategy on Climate Change: Work With American States. The timing was coincidental, but the meeting had a new urgency. One day after President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accord — saying he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/07/world/canada/canadas-strategy-on-climate-change-work-with-american-states.html?_r=0 New York Senate Democrats urge GOP to fight climate change. State Senate Democrats are calling on the chamber's Republican majority to meet New York's progressive stance in combatting climate change. Democratic Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, of Westchester, on Wednesday sent a letter to Republican majority leader John Flanagan, urging him to advance bills to address climate change… http://wnyt.com/politics/new-york-senate-democrats-urge-gop-to-fight-climate-change/4507779/ Global warming unabated: Carbon dioxide tallied 2nd-largest rise on record last year. As President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the landmark Paris climate agreement last week, federal scientists reported 2016 tallied the second-largest rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide ever recorded. Carbon dioxide is the "greenhouse" gas scientists say is most responsible for global warming. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2017/06/07/carbon-dioxide-tallied-2nd-largest-rise-record-last-year/102595430/ What price are Californians paying to fight climate change? Californians pay about 15 cents a gallon extra at the pump to fight climate change. Here’s what they’re getting for their money: continued progress in the effort to curb carbon. Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.5 million tons in California in 2015, state officials announced Wednesday. The reduction was the equivalent of pulling 300,000 cars off the road for a year, according to the California Air Resources Board. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article154963014.html#storylink=cpy California Governor Jerry Brown is heading back to California, after five whirlwind days in China. The trip ended much as it began. Brown walked through a lush garden and tranquil pond at Beijing city hall to once again sit with a government official. "Well, I’m very glad to be here," says Brown. "I was a mayor myself, the city of Oakland." http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/08/gov-brown-heads-back-to-california-after-china-visit/ Alan Finkel: the man who could bring peace to Australia's climate wars. The chief scientist has been a neuroscientist, engineer and a one-man start-up machine - now he's turned his hand to politics. One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts was waiting but Alan Finkel was ready. The chief scientist, who has a PhD in electrical engineering and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in neuroscience… http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/alan-finkel-the-man-who-could-bring-peace-to-australias-climate-wars-20170608-gwn0cb.html State says it is reducing greenhouse gas emissions as economy grows. The California Air Resources Board says the latest statewide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions shows significant reductions even as the state has its strongest economic growth since 2005. “This data shows once again that California’s groundbreaking greenhouse gas emission-reduction programs are working as designed,” says Mary Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32745 Climate change could boost Lyme disease this year. Researchers expect Lyme disease infections to spike as climate change makes more areas of the world hospitable to the tick-borne bacteria that cause it. The incidence of Lyme infections has already doubled in the United States since 1991, to about eight cases per 100,000 people. And a confluence of climate factors could make this year even worse. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/08/stories/1060055701 Most science teachers don't understand climate change — study. Many science teachers in Florida and Puerto Rico, among the country's most at-risk regions to climate change, hold wrong and naive views of climate science, a study has found. The authors of the report, published in the International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, surveyed science teachers working at secondary schools who "claimed to deeply teach climate change." https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/08/stories/1060055739 DIESEL ACTIVITIES CARB certifies ROUSH CleanTech propane engine to .05 g/bhp-hr NOx. CleanTech has developed the first propane autogas engine available in class 4-7 vehicles and Blue Bird Type C buses certified to the optional low NOx level .05 g/bhp-hr. These new Environmental Protection Agency- and California Air Resources Board-certified propane engines are 75% cleaner than the current emissions standard. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/06/20170608-roush.html A Changing Climate: Is There Still a Case for Greener Trucks? Diesel is cheap, and environmental funding is under 
attack. Black smoke was once the inky signature of diesel engines everywhere. Now it has all but disappeared. A 1998 model year truck actually belched 35 times more smog-producing NOx and 60 times more particulate matter than equipment built… http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fuel-smarts/article/story/2017/06/a-changing-climate-is-there-still-a-case-for-greener-trucks.aspx FUELS African Oil Trader Taleveras Takes First Step Into Biofuels. Taleveras Group, the African oil trading company, is making its first moves into renewable energy by setting up a joint venture to build a biorefinery in the U.S. with Global Green Development Group. “The world is changing,’’ said Chairman Igho Sanomi in an interview in London. “People are getting more aware on the climate, so cleaner fuels are the future. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-07/african-oil-trader-taleveras-takes-first-step-into-biofuels GREEN ENERGY Biggest Job Growth Expected in Health Care & Renewable Energy. The occupation expected to grow the most over the next several years isn’t for the faint of heart. Jobs for wind turbine technicians—the people who install, maintain and repair wind turbines—are expected to increase 108 percent by 2024, more than any other profession. But it’s still a small industry overall. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2017-job-projections-2024/ The Energy 202: Seven former heads of Energy renewables office balk at Trump budget. On Thursday, all seven former Senate-confirmed heads of the Energy Department’s renewables office -- including three former Republican administration officials -- told Congress and the Trump administration that the deep budget cut proposed for that office would cripple its ability to function. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/06/08/the-energy-202-seven-former-heads-of-energy-renewables-office-balk-at-trump-budget/593819cde9b69b2fb981dc81/?utm_term=.f668ad1918aa DOE To Coal Miners: Drop Dead (Or Work On A Wind Farm In Texas) Energy Secretary Rick Perry has just pulled back the curtain on the Trump energy policy, and it ain’t pretty if you depend on coal for a living. In a new DOE blog post, Perry discusses the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and lays out the case for the US to “protect the environment”... https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/08/doe-coal-miners-drop-dead-work-wind-farm-texas/ 'Spectacular' drop in renewable energy costs leads to record global boost. Renewable energy capacity around the world was boosted by a record amount in 2016 and delivered at a markedly lower cost, according to new global data – although the total financial investment in renewables actually fell. The greater “bang-for-buck” resulted from plummeting prices for solar and wind power and led to new power deals in countries including… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/06/spectacular-drop-in-renewable-energy-costs-leads-to-record-global-boost 3 Growth Stocks in Renewable Energy. It's getting harder and harder for any serious investor to overlook renewable energy investments as just a simple fad. The economics of solar and wind energy improve every day and now -- depending on where they are deployed -- are often cheaper power sources than traditional fossil fuels. On top of that, you have older, more established power sources… http://journalstar.com/business/investment/markets-and-stocks/growth-stocks-in-renewable-energy/article_523507a9-f9ff-5f84-84bb-c0b173100b33.html Solar expansion slows compared with red-hot 2016. Falling costs for U.S. solar power helped fuel a sixth consecutive quarter with at least 2 gigawatts of new photovoltaic capacity coming online between January and March, industry data released this morning show. The latest market numbers from the Solar Energy Industries Association and partner GTM Research show an industry… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/08/stories/1060055715 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice Resides in Green Limbo at the EPA. For some on the left, justice comes in many forms. There is not just social justice, but also reproductive justice, which seeks to support access to birth control and abortion, and now environmental justice. The term itself is not new. Environmental justice emerged as a concept in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the environmentalists used civil rights laws… http://www.insidesources.com/environmental-justice-office-limbo-epa/ Passion for environmental justice fuels urban oil drilling study. A UCLA-student–led survey uncovered stark disparities in public health outcomes for L.A. neighborhoods with oil and gas drilling. It’s L.A.’s dirty little secret: 6,717 oil and natural gas wells operate within the Los Angeles Basin — even in residential communities. This spring, six UCLA seniors surveyed residents of one such community, Wilmington… http://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/passion-for-environmental-justice-fuels-urban-oil-drilling-study OPINIONS A Nationalist Strategy for Climate Change. Trump's approach is bumptious. It doesn't have to be. President Donald Trump has been defending his plan to withdraw from the Paris climate-change accord on nationalist grounds. Announcing the decision last week, he said he was “elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.” Vice President Mike Pence, in Iowa, said that Trump had shown he is “more concerned… https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-06-07/a-nationalist-strategy-for-climate-change ‘No viable solutions’ to global warming? Not exactly accurate. “As yet, there are no viable solutions” to global warming, Robert J. Samuelson bemoaned in his June 5 op-ed, “The truth about warming: We don’t yet have solutions.” “We need to keep searching and hope that something turns up.” Mr. Samuelson should broaden his analysis. As author John Michael Greer has written, climate change… https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/no-viable-solutions-to-global-warming-not-exactly-accurate/2017/06/07/1a76b66e-4acb-11e7-987c-42ab5745db2e_story.html?utm_term=.c611ebe055f5 The U.S. Can’t Leave the Paris Climate Deal Just Yet. Last week, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. But it will take more than one speech to pull out: Under the rules of the deal, which the White House says it will follow, the earliest any country can leave is Nov. 4, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/07/climate/trump-paris-climate-timeline.html?src=twr&_r=2&smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur CO2 isn't air pollution. Trump Derangement Syndrome rears its ugly head again as more fake news is disseminated by the AP and dutifully propagated by the Daily Sun with Sunday's front page headline: "Is U.S. 'cleanest'? Hardly." Domestic leftists, that mythical 97 percent of scientists who we're always being told believe in climate change, and the quasi-socialist states of… http://azdailysun.com/news/opinion/mailbag/co-isn-t-air-pollution/article_6b8f2e28-b6b4-5ecb-9ff3-9e6c0437ac2f.html Trump totally misunderstands climate change. Climate policy is the new culture war, driven by nearly theological passions. Or actually theological passions -- with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi claiming that Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord was a "dishonor to God." While God certainly values his creation, he is probably less concerned with the details of implementing the Paris agreement. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/opinion/2017/06/08/trump-totally-misunderstands-climate-change/372194001/ Climate Change Facts: Polar Bears Spending More Time Combating Drifting Sea Ice. Polar bears living in rapidly changing environments faced with dwindling sea ice also are facing a treadmill-like effect from the flowing ice. Research by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Wyoming shows this treadmill is forcing the bears to spend more energy than they’re used to. http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-facts-polar-bears-spending-more-time-combating-drifting-sea-ice-2549103 How to Support Renewable Energy (and Why You Really Should). How can you support renewable energy? Plus, why you should. Earlier this month came the news that China plans to invest $361 billion into renewable energy projects over the next three years. A few days later, President Barack Obama penned a single author article in the journal Science, "The irreversible momentum of clean energy,"… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-support-renewable-energy-and-why-you-really-should1/ Pollution isn't climate change. Some persons equate pollution with climate change. Not so. Much pollution is man-caused. However, climate change is another matter. There are much larger factors at work, all of a physical nature. This issue has been used by political factions for their own benefit. http://missoulian.com/opinion/letters/pollution-isn-t-climate-change/article_6e053cde-5dfc-54a5-a89d-a29674a6790a.html Biofuels work for Oregon. As an agricultural leader, Oregon is already home to nearly 16,000 jobs supported by biofuel production. With all the hype surrounding the oil boom, it’s tempting to pretend that America is on a glide path toward energy independence. Unfortunately, even as fracking reached new heights, America’s total domestic crude oil production declined in 2016. http://www.capitalpress.com/Opinion/Columns/20170606/biofuels-work-for-oregon BLOGS Trump Budget Bares Wholesale Disregard for Environmental Justice Communities, But a New Bill Gives Hope. Many low-income communities and communities of color in the U.S. have not always enjoyed the environmental and public health benefits of environmental safeguards. These communities and their advocates have long demanded redress of the unequal environmental burdens they experience…. http://blog.ucsusa.org/juan-declet-barreto/trump-budget-bares-wholesale-disregard-for-environmental-justice-communities-but-a-new-bill-gives-hope The U.S. Must Not Abdicate Leadership On Climate Change. It was clear from his statements while campaigning that if Donald Trump won the presidential election, it wasn't going to be good news for renewable energy. President Trump has spent his time in office so far undoing environmental regulations and trying to fulfill his campaign promise to revive the coal industry. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2017/06/08/the-u-s-must-not-abdicate-leadership-on-climate-change/#36d845f010d9 Hydrocarbon King: U.S. Ranks No.1 In 2016. Decreasing production in 2016 not enough to dethrone U.S. oil and gas industry. Despite the lowest commodity prices in 13 years, U.S. oil and gas production in 2016 continued to outpace all other nations, according to a note from the EIA. The United States has been first in the world in natural gas production since 2009, when American output surpassed Russia. http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Hydrocarbon-King-US-Ranks-No1-In-2016.html Acting on climate change and supporting coal workers – we have to do both. President Trump’s astounding decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord, packaged like a reality television season finale, was the culmination of a terrible series of events for those of us that care about the environment. From the beginning of his term, President Trump has set out on an openly anti-environmental agenda… http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/336839-acting-on-climate-change-and-supporting-coal-workers ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 12:57:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 9, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 9, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board in collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is holding a free professional wet cleaning demonstration workshop. The free workshop will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 2:00PM - 4:00PM in Los Angeles. Doors open at 1:45 PM. Venue: London Cleaners, 1073 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Space is limited. Register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-professional-wet-cleaning-demonstration-workshop-for-dry-cleaners-tickets-33498967313 or by searching for "wet cleaning workshop" on Eventbrite at: http://www.eventbrite.com For more details about the workshop, please visit ARB's Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program (AB998) website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/ab998.htm AIR POLLUTION As Trump's EPA delays smog rules, California vows to forge ahead. California officials say they are forging ahead with emissions-cutting measures despite the Trump administration’s move this week to delay implementation of Obama-era limits on ozone, the lung-searing gas in smog. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt told governors Tuesday he was extending by one year a deadline… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ozone-delay-20170607-story.html Low emissions target: how it would work and why the benchmark figure is a red herring. There is more to the design of a potential LET – which is widely expected to be included in the Finkel review – than whether it will allow coal-fired generators to be included in the scheme. In the discussion that has ensued, many reports have been hand-wringing about the “benchmark” set in the LET… https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/08/low-emissions-target-how-it-would-work-and-why-the-benchmark-figure-is-a-red-herring CLIMATE CHANGE 'Super Corals' on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef May Save it From Climate Change, Scientists Discover. Scientists have discovered a population of “super corals” that appear to have become resistant to extreme environmental conditions—being able to survive and thrive in hot, acidic and low-oxygen waters. And they now plan to search for more climate-adaptable coral populations within the Great Barrier Reef. http://www.newsweek.com/super-corals-great-barrier-reef-climate-change-623535 A Little-Known Climate Fund Is Suddenly In The Spotlight. The Green Climate Fund has been thrust into the spotlight of late. President Trump singled it out for scorn in his Rose Garden remarks last week announcing his decision to pull the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Along with that move, Trump noted, he is ending further U.S. contributions to the "so-called Green Climate Fund — nice name." http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/06/09/532106567/a-little-known-climate-fund-is-suddenly-in-the-spotlight “Do you believe?” is the wrong question to ask public officials about climate change. Policy, not the contents of hearts and minds, is what matters. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate agreement has sparked an unprecedented surge of interest in climate change, putting more mainstream media attention on the subject than I’ve ever seen. (A pretty low bar, admittedly.) https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/6/9/15760102/climate-change-belief Appeals court orders California Air Resources Board to change how it calculates greenhouse gas emissions. A California appeals court recently reversed a lower court’s decision to discharge a court order that had mandated the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to correct several violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) it had committed when it attempted to implement the state’s low carbon fuel standards regulations (LCFS). http://norcalrecord.com/stories/511124232-appeals-court-orders-california-air-resources-board-to-change-how-it-calculates-greenhouse-gas-emissions The news article that predicted the devastating impact of fossil fuels on climate change and warned the damage will be 'considerable in a few centuries' - in 1912! A tiny clipping from a New Zealand newspaper more than 100 years ago predicts the effects of global warming 'may be considerable in a few centuries'. The author links the burning of coal and warming of the atmosphere - describing it as a 'blanket' for the Earth. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4584444/A-century-old-newspaper-predicted-global-warming-1912.html#ixzz4jX2i4KwZ U.S. Congress introduces bipartisan bill on HFCs and other short-lived pollutants. Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (a Democrat from California) and Carlos Curbelo (a Republican from Florida) introduced the bipartisan Super Pollutant Emissions Reduction, or SUPER Act, into the U.S. Congress to combat short-lived climate pollutants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). http://www.ammonia21.com/articles/7671/u_s_congress_introduces_bipartisan_bill_on_hfcs_short_lived_pollutants Trump is 'wrong.' Chinese criticism intensifies over Paris. Normally tight-lipped Chinese officials are opening up about their disappointment in President Trump's withdrawal from the global climate pact signed in Paris. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has been in China this week to promote action on climate change, hopscotching from one event to another and signing nonbinding agreements… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060055784/search?keyword=california LA mayor's climate guru heads to clean tech incubator. Matt Petersen, the top climate expert for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, will take over as president and CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, a nonprofit that nurtures startups in the clean technology field. Petersen has worked as Garcetti's chief sustainability officer since 2013, a position the mayor created when he took office. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/09/stories/1060055795 GOP climate policy survives Trump's bombshell. Climate-conscious lawmakers are stumped on how to tackle carbon dioxide emissions at the federal level after President Trump's decision to pull the plug on U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement — but a few proposals are showing new signs of life. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060055802 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Trucking Alliance cautions Ottawa on carbon strategy. The Canadian trucking industry is supportive of current and future carbon reducing regulations, but decision makers should heed lessons from the past when considering future environmental policy direction and regulatory language. That was essentially the message delivered by Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) President Stephen Laskowski… http://www.todaystrucking.com/trucking-alliance-cautions-ottawa-on-carbon-strategy FUELS VEHICLES Race Is on to Mine Metal Powering Electric Vehicles. The race is on to supply more of the cobalt needed for batteries in the fast-growing market for electric vehicles -- and that means fresh competition for the big players Glencore Plc and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A pipeline of projects is looming in places including Australia, the U.S. and Canada after cobalt prices more than doubled in the past year. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-08/cobalt-upstarts-eye-glencore-s-turf-for-244-billion-ev-spoils Porsche Cayenne diesel emissions exceed legal limits – Spiegel. Diesel models of Volkswagen's sports car maker Porsche have much higher emissions than is legally allowed, German weekly Der Spiegel reported on Friday, citing test results. The magazine asked German test institute TUV Nord to check emission levels for the Porsche Cayenne V6 TDI, an SUV model, under normal driving conditions. http://www.reuters.com/article/volkswagen-emissions-porsche-idUSL8N1J65BE?feedType=RSS&virtualBrandChannel=11563 https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/09/business/09reuters-volkswagen-emissions-porsche.html?_r=0 VW RECALL Bosch software enabled emissions cheating by VW, FCA, study says. A study alleges that Robert Bosch Gmbh created the software that enabled Volkswagen AG to evade diesel emissions standards for years. Technical documents also indicate Bosch code was used in a so-called defeat device for a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles model… http://www.autonews.com/article/20170609/OEM11/170609775/bosch-software-enabled-emissions-cheating-by-vw-fca-study-says GREEN ENERGY The Energy 202: What the Dodd-Frank rollback could mean for energy companies. While everyone was watching James B. Comey's testimony in the Senate on Thursday, the other side of the Capitol was more quietly (but also consequentially) passing a piece of legislation that would have far-reaching financial implications if it becomes law. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/06/09/the-energy-202-what-the-dodd-frank-rollback-could-mean-for-energy-companies/5939899be9b69b2fb981dcb1/?utm_term=.8f6d386beaed Can California really hit a 100% renewable energy target? California takes pride in its clean energy credentials, but the state may be poised to take an even more dramatic next step: deriving 100 percent of its electrical power from renewable energy sources by the end of 2045. “I don’t think it’s a big stretch, politically,” said Senate President pro tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), who introduced a bill in Sacramento that would lay down the zero-carbon sources threshold. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-california-100percent-20170601-story.html Renewables provide more than half UK electricity for first time. National Grid reported that, on Wednesday lunchtime, power from wind, solar, hydro and wood pellet burning supplied 50.7% of UK energy. Add in nuclear, and by 2pm low carbon sources were producing 72.1% of electricity in Great Britain. Wednesday lunchtime was perfect for renewables being both sunny and windy. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-40198567 MISCELLANEOUS OPINIONS Ramesh Ponnuru on Climate Change (Audio). Bloomberg View columnist Ramesh Ponnuru presents a column explaining that President Donald Trump has been defending his plan to withdraw from the Paris climate-change accord on nationalist grounds. The fact that almost all the other governments of the world favor the accord should not keep us from pursuing our interests. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2017-06-08/ramesh-ponnuru-on-climate-change-audio In assessing global warming, look beyond the stranded polar bears. The iconic photograph of polar bears stranded on floating ice often appears when the Globe runs a story on climate change. This is unfortunate, not only because it’s lazy journalism, but because it sends the wrong message. Climate change is destroying coral reefs. https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/letters/2017/06/08/assessing-global-warming-look-beyond-stranded-polar-bears/Gn7S6xW0vTaPOjw3KAsaRI/story.html Paris Agreement: President Trump’s Mystery Math. By this time, your eyes may have glazed over from reading the myriad of fact checks and rebuttals of President Trump’s speech announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. There were so many dizzying falsehoods in his comments that it is nearly impossible to find any truth in the rhetorical fog. http://www.theenergycollective.com/edfclimate411/2406415/paris-agreement-president-trumps-mystery-math Trump’s climate change sociopathy. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris climate agreement is not just dangerous for the world; it is also sociopathic. Without remorse, Trump is willfully inflicting harm on others. The declaration by Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, that Trump believes in climate change makes matters worse, not better. http://jordantimes.com/opinion/jeffrey-d-sachs/trump’s-climate-change-sociopathy President, EPA wrong on climate change. It is troubling that the president of the United States and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency have abdicated our nation’s leadership in the world-wide effort to mitigate climate change. The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord reflects the triumph of money driven ideological politics over science. http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/06/09/letters-editor-june-9-2017/381076001/ Letter to the editor: Global warming according to Trump. On the Hugh Hewitt show (Sept. 21, 2015), Donald Trump said, "Global warming ... it's a hoax ... it's a hoax. I'm not a believer in global warming. I'm not a believer in man-made global warming. I believe there's weather. I believe there's change ... and I believe it goes up, and it goes down, and it goes up again ... but I am not a believer… http://www.tehachapinews.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-global-warming-according-to-trump/article_3e0b035c-4af6-11e7-be56-d3da5560f9cb.html BLOGS The Other Reason to Shift away from Coal: Air Pollution That Kills Thousands Every Year. Shifting coal-fired power plants in the U.S. to natural gas would have tremendous positive effects on human health in America. When President Donald Trump announced on June 1 that he had decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-other-reason-to-shift-away-from-coal-air-pollution-that-kills-thousands-every-year/ Climate Change Is Literally Making You Lose Sleep. Sleep deprivation is miserable, but it’s more than a mere inconvenience. Climate change caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases is wreaking havoc on our planet — from heat waves to heavy rainstorms to higher sea levels, the consequences of global warming are far-reaching. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-is-literally-making-you-lose-sleep_us_59397ccae4b0b65670e5684f?section=us_healthy-living Trump’s War on Oceans. In 2008, when President George W. Bush issued the traditional proclamation declaring June to be National Ocean Month, it was peppered with platitudes about America’s “precious waters” and included a shoutout to the newly minted Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument he had established two years earlier. https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/06/08/433823/trumps-war-oceans/ Corporate America Is Committing To Carbon Cuts Through Science-Based Targets. Kellogg Company is on a mission to increase its share of world markets while also keeping its greenhouse gas emissions in check. And the cereal maker says that it will use science-based targets that are accredited and verified by third parties. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/06/08/corporate-america-is-committing-to-carbon-cuts-through-science-based-targets/#7ecb141b3ea8 California’s Delta Poised to Become Massive Carbon Bank. A newly certified carbon trading protocol could help solve a number of problems in the West’s largest estuary, including flood risk, water pollution, habitat loss and threats to a critical freshwater supply. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/06/09/californias-delta-poised-to-become-massive-carbon-bank ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 13:58:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 12, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 12, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) Executive Officer has posted the final 2016 Crude Average Carbon Intensity calculation. It can be found on the following LCFS webpage: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/crude-oil/crude-oil.htm. ¬¬¬¬________________________________________________ Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm CAP AND TRADE Macron Seeking Stiff Carbon Costs to Avert Climate Change. Emmanuel Macron reached out to Germany to establish a common price floor for carbon dioxide emitted by power utilities as the French president seeks to strengthen his alliance with Angela Merkel after the U.S. decided to exit the Paris climate accord, according to people familiar with the matter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-09/macron-said-to-push-for-franco-german-c02-emissions-price-floor Cap and trade funds electric vehicle car share for the poor. An electric vehicle car-share program launched Friday in Los Angeles is funded in part by $1.67 million in revenue from California's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions. The BlueLA EV system will run in low-income communities: portions of the LA neighborhoods of Westlake, Pico-Union, Koreatown, Echo Park and the city's downtown. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/12/stories/1060055875 AIR POLLUTION Scientists may have just found an unexpected new threat to the ozone layer. Severe storms over the central United States may be posing bigger problems beyond bad weather. New research suggests that frequent summertime storms in the Great Plains region could be depleting the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, putting humans at increased risk of unhealthy exposure to ultraviolet radiation. And some scientists believe that climate change could make the situation worse. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/09/scientists-may-have-just-found-an-unexpected-new-threat-to-the-ozone-layer/?utm_term=.098c18c4c01a Jerry Brown’s trip to China earned him wall-to-wall media coverage — internationally and here at home. Much less covered was another environmental visit the California governor took just weeks earlier: to Bell Gardens in Los Angeles County, a transportation corridor with some of the worst air quality in the state. “It is a little surprising to actually be there (in Bell Gardens) and witness first-hand… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/12/brown-grossly-hypocritical-to-oppose-oil-production-in-california Air pollution more harmful to children in cars than outside, warns top scientist. Children are at risk of dangerous levels of air pollution in cars because exposure to toxic air is often far higher inside than outside vehicles, a former government chief scientific adviser has warned. Prof Sir David King, writing for the Guardian, says walking or cycling to school would be much better for children’s health. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/12/children-risk-air-pollution-cars-former-uk-chief-scientist-warns http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/816148/air-pollution-cars-toxic-gases-children Health Effects of Oil and Gas Emissions Investigated in Texas. Focus is on benzene, volatile organic compounds and other chemicals within a half-mile of production wells. Lucas Jasso, 66, has seen a lot of changes in Karnes County, Texas, since oil and gas companies first began flocking to his part of the state several years ago. “I call it Flare City USA — every time I go into the countryside, I see flares,” Jasso said. “It used to be paradise.” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/health-effects-of-oil-and-gas-emissions-investigated-in-texas/ CLIMATE CHANGE Kerry says U.S. climate goals in reach despite Trump Paris pullout. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry predicted on Monday that the United States will achieve goals to limit climate change set by the Obama administration despite President Donald Trump's decision to quit a 2015 global pact. Kerry, an architect of the Paris climate agreement, said during a visit to Oslo… http://in.reuters.com/article/us-usa-climatechange-kerry-idINKBN1931RQ U.S. formally rejects Paris climate treaty at G-7 environmental meeting. Two weeks after President Trump announced he’d withdraw from the Paris climate accord, the U.S. on Monday took its first concrete step toward that end by formally rejecting the agreement on the world stage. At a meeting in Italy, environmental ministers from G-7 nations released a lengthy communique on climate change… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/12/us-formally-rejects-paris-climate-treaty-g-7-envir/ https://insideclimatenews.org/news/12062017/g7-scott-pruitt-climate-change-paris-agreement-international-relations BlackRock Urges Exxon to Disclose More About Climate Change-Related Risks. The world's largest asset manager BlackRock Inc on Friday urged Exxon Mobil Corp to "enhance its disclosures" regarding risks related to climate change. Less than two weeks ago, shareholders approved a measure calling for increased transparency on climate change… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/12/business/12reuters-exxon-mobil-climatechange-blackrock.html?_r=0 How Much Do You Know About Solving Global Warming? There is no silver bullet for climate change, because slowing planetary warming will require a variety of strategies. “Drawdown,” a new book edited by the green entrepreneur Paul Hawken, analyzes 100 potential solutions, ranks them by the amount of greenhouse gases they could cut, and reaches some surprising conclusions about the most effective ways to fight global warming. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/09/climate/drawdown-climate-solutions-quiz.html?ref=energy-environment San Francisco joins 11 cities in posting deleted climate data. More than a month after the Trump administration purged data tracking climate change from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, the numbers are going back online in some unexpected places. San Francisco and 11 other cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Houston and Seattle, were set to launch their own websites Sunday publishing the numbers. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/San-Francisco-joins-11-cities-in-posting-deleted-11210766.php http://climatechangedispatch.com/san-francisco-mayor-reposts-deleted-epa-global-warming-web-pages/ Trump leads ferocious fight against carbon regulations. While President Trump’s beliefs about global warming remain something of a mystery, his actions make one thing clear: He doesn’t consider it a problem for the federal government to solve. Trump’s recent decision to pull out of the Paris climate deal was just his latest rapid-fire move to weaken or dismantle federal initiatives to reduce carbon emissions… http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Trump-leads-ferocious-fight-against-carbon-11210820.php Governor And German Official Vow To Work To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Governor Jerry Brown met with Germany's federal minister for the environment in San Francisco Friday, and the two vowed to work to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the governor's office announced. Barbara Hendricks, Germany's Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, met with Brown in the wake of… http://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Governor-And-German-Official-Vow-To-Work-To-Curb-11210180.php Cities need state help to meet Paris climate goal. Just minutes after President Donald Trump announced his decision to pull the United States out of the Paris pact to fight climate change, mayors began announcing their plans to stay committed to it. "As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future," Mayor Bill… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article155561214.html#storylink=cpy Pollution, climate change among risks to Canadian waterways, says WWF. The World Wildlife Fund says Canada can no longer pretend it is a country rich with pristine lakes and rivers. In a new report based on four years of research, the conservation organization says one-third of Canada’s 167 watersheds are experiencing high levels of disturbance due to everything from pollution and overuse to climate… http://www.torontosun.com/2017/06/12/pollution-climate-change-among-risks-to-canadian-waterways-says-wwf NASA Report: As Climate Change Continues, Tropical Regions Will Likely See More. People who live in the tropics can expect to see more rainfall in the future as the climate changes, NASA research shows. The research lead by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Hui Su revealed current climate models are underestimating the decreases in high clouds in these regions. http://www.ibtimes.com/nasa-report-climate-change-continues-tropical-regions-will-likely-see-more-rainfall-2551005 Germany, California to tackle climate change together. Germany is teaming up with California to cooperate on tackling climate change following the U.S. government's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement. Europe's largest economy and the biggest U.S. state in economic terms will back the work of the "Under 2 Coalition," which includes cities, regional governments and states… http://www.businessinsider.com/r-germany-california-to-tackle-climate-change-together-2017-6 $1.8B methanol plant gains key permit from Washington State— with conditions. Developers of a $1.8 billion Cowlitz County methanol plant would have to offset — or find ways to reduce — carbon emissions under the terms of a key shoreline permit approved this week by the state Department of Ecology. The high-profile Northwest Innovation Works project in Kalama is to produce methanol from Western natural gas… http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/18b-methanol-plant-gains-key-permit-from-washington-state/ Gov. Brown seeks global stage on climate. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) continues to take a leadership role on climate change in the wake of President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement by planning to attend global talks on warming in the fall. Brown returned Thursday from a trip to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and signed multiple agreements with national and… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/12/stories/1060055874 Big majority of Americans want states to act on climate — poll. Two-thirds of Americans believe that states should take responsibility for addressing climate change in the absence of federal leadership on the world's most pressing environmental challenge, according to a new poll by researchers at the University of Michigan. The survey, conducted before President Trump's announcement that… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/12/stories/1060055873 Did warming's effect on beans drive a migration crisis? Climate change, often cited as a threat to coffee farms, endangers more than cafés au lait. Coffee supports a large portion of some Latin American and African economies, where millions of small farms grow Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta trees within narrow temperature and rainfall ranges. But areas with the right conditions are becoming scarcer. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/12/stories/1060055855 DIESEL ACTIVITIES ARB study compares in-use NOx emissions from diesel, hydraulic hybrid diesel and LNG refuse trucks. A team from the California Air Resources Board (ARB), in partnership with the City of Sacramento, has characterized the in-use emissions from model year (MY) 2010 or newer diesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydraulic hybrid diesel engines during real-world refuse truck operation. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/06/20170612-arb.html FUELS How one group is charting health risks near oil fields. Lucas Jasso, 66, has seen a lot of changes in Karnes County, Texas, since oil and gas companies first began flocking to his part of the state several years ago. "I call it Flare City USA — every time I go into the countryside, I see flares," Jasso said. "It used to be paradise." Once mainly fields and ranchland, Karnes County is now a top crude oil producer in Texas, due to its location on top of the Eagle Ford Shale play. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/12/stories/1060055865 VEHICLES Here’s How to Kill Electric Cars. The Tesla Killer Isn’t What You Think It Is The electric car seems to be on an unstoppable trajectory. In the past five years, the number of electric cars on the road worldwide has soared to two million from basically nothing, the International Energy Agency said this week. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-09/the-tesla-killer-isn-t-a-car-at-all https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2017/06/11/how-to-kill-the-electric-car-report/#5d589ad8274e Germany to test Porsche Cayenne after media report on emissions. Porsche has said reports that the Cayenne breaches limits are "implausible". Germany's transport ministry is to test a Porsche SUV model following reports it could be in breach of diesel emissions limits. Der Spiegel magazine said it had tested the Cayenne V6 TDI and found its emissions were higher than allowed. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40251763 Legendary car designer Henrik Fisker unveils his Tesla rival. Henrik Fisker, the automotive designer behind iconic cars like the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin DB9, unveiled his long-range, electric sedan on Saturday. Fisker has made bold claims about the car. Last October, Fisker said the vehicle would have a range surpassing 400 miles and will be able to charge in just 9 minutes thanks to new battery technology. http://www.businessinsider.com/henrik-fisker-emotion-electric-car-unveil-2017-6 Number of electric cars worldwide increased 60% in 2016. Globally, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed 2 million units in 2016, an increase of 60 per cent compared to 2015, according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). In 2005, the number of electric cars owned worldwide was in the hundreds. A decade later, EV sales surpassed the 1 million milestone and in 2016… http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/number-of-electric-cars-worldwide-increased-60-in-2016 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LA pioneering largest EV car sharing program for disadvantaged communities. Mayor Eric Garcetti Friday unveiled what’s being billed as the nation’s largest EV car sharing program for disadvantaged communities, which will serve portions of Westlake, Pico Union, Koreatown, Echo Park and downtown Los Angeles. “We have to put sustainability at the center of everything we do in Los Angeles -- and putting more… http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20170609/la-pioneering-largest-ev-car-sharing-program-for-disadvantaged-communities http://electriccarsreport.com/2017/06/los-angeles-launches-electric-car-sharing-program-disadvantaged-communities/ http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/06/20170611-bluela.html http://cal.streetsblog.org/2017/06/12/ladot-and-bluela-partner-for-low-income-electric-car-share/ OPINIONS Trump's Climate Retreat Is About Fear, Not Just Greed. "Conditional cooperation" like the Paris accord breaks down if some individuals feel weak and defensive. Is it human nature to show restraint today, so that strangers might benefit tomorrow? Well, that depends on the human. Researchers studied this question by telling subjects that they and four other players were allowed to take up to $20 from… https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-06-12/trump-s-climate-retreat-is-about-fear-not-just-greed Don't confront drivers of gas-guzzling SUVs about climate change — talk to them about it instead. To the editor: I applaud Virginia Heffernan’s piece exhorting all of us to stop blaming and arguing with people who don’t agree with us on climate change. (“Stop playing the climate blame game. We're all responsible,” Opinion, June 7) I am a volunteer for a group proposing that the U.S. levy a fee on fossil fuel and then return all... http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-climate-change-blame-game-20170612-story.html Did Michael Gove really try to stop teaching climate change? Did Michael Gove really try to stop schools in England from teaching about climate change in geography? His ministerial return, as secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, has prompted a wave of claims that Mr. Gove tried to remove the teaching of climate change when he was in charge of the education department. http://www.bbc.com/news/education-40250214 Blaming global warming on our 'creator' abdicates our responsibility to act. Once again, simplistic thinking and binary choices are the only ways that deniers of global warming can analyze the issue. Max Isaacson’s June 7 letter stated that he "concedes" there is global warming, but believes since volcanoes and other natural conditions were primary contributors of the age-old established fact… http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/06/12/blaming-global-warming-our-creator-abdicates-our-responsibility-act/382718001/ 2017 Ford Fusion Energi: low electric range, no public charging frustrating. Electric-car charging infrastructure in the United States is getting better, but still has a very long way to go. While anyone that's given even a passing glance to plug-in vehicles would likely tell you the same thing, I experienced the impact of a charging-free society first-hand while driving a Ford Fusion Energi. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110949_2017-ford-fusion-energi BLOGS 10 green questions for the new cabinet. What follows all comes with the caveat that parts of it could be rendered obsolete in 5, 4, 3, 2…The Prime Minister has requested permission to form a government and appointed her new cabinet, but at the time of writing it remains unclear if she has the votes needed to pass a Queen's Speech or the authority to resist those in her party who want to hand her the number of a good removals firm. https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/blog-post/3011767/10-green-questions-for-the-new-cabinet US disagrees with G7 partners on climate change and refuses to endorse joint statement. The US is the only country to refuse to the endorsement in light of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The US has refused to endorse a joint communique with other G7 countries on climate change at the end of a two-day summit in Bologna, Italy but says it will continue to work with international partners on environment matters. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/g7-bologna-climate-change-environment-us-disagrees-international-partners-joint-statement-scott-a7785836.html Climate change drives Valley Fever to soar 800 percent in the U.S. Southwest. As the region dries out, infections from inhaling soil-dwelling fungus see stunning jump. The infection rate of Valley Fever in the Southwest United States has gone up a stunning 800 percent from 2000 to 2011, as dust storms have more than doubled. New research directly links the rise in Valley Fever to the rise in dust storms… https://thinkprogress.org/valley-fever-soars-climate-change-8b236cf4e9c9 Why Corn is a Climate Change Champion. A new, more detailed reference genome for corn will bring new insights to the world’s most productive and widely grown crop, according to researchers. “Our new genome for maize shows how incredibly flexible this plant is, a characteristic that directly follows from the way its genome is organized,”… https://www.agweb.com/article/why-corn-is-a-climate-change-champion-naa-ben-potter/ Can science fiction idea save us from global warming? Global warming is the reality that the world lives with today, with temperatures hitting new records every passing year. 2016 went down in history as the hottest year on record, with all-time highs of 42.7°C in Pretoria, South Africa to 54°C in Mitribah, Kuwait. Overall, the World Meteorological Organisation recorded a 1.2 degree rise in temperatures in 2016, warmer than pre-industrial levels. http://www.nation.co.ke/health/Can-science-fiction-idea-save-us-from-global-warming/3476990-3966964-55u3d3/index.html An Abandoned US Nuclear Base in Greenland Could Start Leaking Toxic Waste Because of Global Warming. In 75 years, Camp Century could literally melt down. Over the last century, many glaciers have pulled back farther than humans have ever previously witnessed. While the retreat of glaciers, and changes in the cryosphere more generally (which includes ice sheets and permafrost)… http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/06/camp-century-global-warming/ ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 14:30:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 13, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 13, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The June 14, 2017 meeting of the AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to June 23, 2017 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (PDT) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building, Training Room 1 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, California 95814. The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm ___________________________ Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm CAP AND TRADE Ontario earmarks $200M from cap and trade to make schools greener. Money is part of the $1.4B slated for school renewal and repair in the province this year. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Education Minister Mitzie Hunter announced on Tuesday that $200 million from the province's cap and trade program will go towards making schools in the province more energy efficient. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-cap-and-trade-schools-funds-energy-energy-wynne-hunter-1.4158260 AIR POLLUTION L.A. and Long Beach mayors sign pact setting zero-emissions goals for ports. The mayors of Los Angeles and Long Beach signed an agreement Monday directing the nation’s largest port complex to reduce air pollution by moving toward zero-emission trucks and yard equipment. The two-page declaration signed by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia says the ports “shall advance clean technologies and other efforts to move toward the goal of zero emissions”… http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-ports-clean-air-20170612-story.html Air monitoring program in San Ysidro launches public web tracker. Researchers and health advocates have recently launched a website to track in real time air pollution in San Ysidro, where residents have long complained about emissions pollution from the steady stream of vehicles crossing the U.S. border with Mexico. Air monitoring at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land crossing in the Western Hemisphere, has been inconsistent and inconclusive. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-ysidro-air-monitoring-20170613-story.html Expert: Every home located on toxic plume in El Cajon should be tested. There is no doubt now that some residents of two mobile home parks in El Cajon have been exposed to toxic gas seeping into their homes from a plume of contaminated groundwater. Recent air testing and a newly released health risk study make that clear. Residents of the Starlight Mobile Home Park and Greenfield Mobile Estates… http://inewsource.org/2017/06/12/whose-homes-will-be-tested/ IG scrutinizes EPA oversight of air quality models. U.S. EPA's inspector general is set to look at the agency's approval process for air quality dispersion models recommended for use by state, local and tribal air pollution regulators, according to a notice posted today on the IG's website. Regulators rely on such models to simulate the paths of pollutants after they're released into the atmosphere… https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/06/12/stories/1060055909 EPA fights green groups' bid to pursue Wyo. haze suit. U.S. EPA and power companies are teaming up in opposition to environmentalists’ legal challenge to a Wyoming haze reduction rule to reduce pollution from several Wyoming coal-fired power plants, including Dave Johnston Power Plant. PacifiCorp. U.S. EPA is again siding with the state of Wyoming and power producers to oppose a bid by environmentalists… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/13/stories/1060055957 FUELS World Coal Production Just Had Its Biggest Drop on Record. It’s the end of an era for coal. Production of the fossil fuel dropped by a record amount in 2016, according to BP Plc’s annual review of global energy trends. China, the world’s biggest energy consumer, burned the least coal in six years and use dropped in the U.S to a level last seen in the 1970s, the company’s data show. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-13/coal-s-era-starts-to-wane-as-world-shifts-to-cleaner-energy VEHICLES China to clamp down on new car plants in fight against capacity glut, pollution. China's top state planner said it would tighten regulations for building new factories for traditional petrol-burning vehicles, as the country cracks down on "zombie" firms and pushes automakers to convert to non-polluting electric vehicles. China's central government sees electric vehicles as a way for its industry to leapfrog ahead of international competitors… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-autos-overcapacity-idUSKBN19314U FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) Diesels Spew More Pollution Than Allowed Too. Emissions documented by same lab that uncovered VW scandal. U.S. alleges Fiat used defeat devices to evade emissions tests. Fiat Chrysler diesel vehicles spewed pollution as much as 20 times the legal limit, according to testing by the same researchers who exposed the Volkswagen AG emissions cheating scandal. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-13/vw-sleuths-say-fiat-diesels-spew-more-pollution-than-allowed-too GREEN ENERGY Global energy demand stumbles for third year –BP. Global energy demand continued its sluggish growth last year as China's growth fell to its lowest in nearly 20 years while renewables flourished, BP said in a report on Tuesday. Slower demand growth helped stall the acceleration of greenhouse gases emissions for a third year to levels not seen since the 1980s, although emissions remained well above targets set out by nations in Paris in 2015 to fight climate change, BP said. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-bp-energy-idUSKBN1941S7 OPINIONS Life Support for Coal Will Make the U.S. an Energy Backwater. The market made natural gas more appealing, and the future is in renewables anyway. In the run-up to World War I, German general Erich Ludendorff was said to have described his country’s alliance with the decaying Austro-Hungarian empire as like being “shackled to a corpse.” That phrase aptly describes the situation the U.S. will find itself in if it continues to bet on coal as the fuel of the future. The coal industry is dying. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-06-13/life-support-for-coal-will-make-the-u-s-an-energy-backwater BLOGS The EPA Budget Cuts Are A Direct Attack on Our Air, Water, and Health. Congress will have a chance this week to question why Scott Pruitt proposes to eviscerate the Environmental Protection Agency budget by 30%. Let that sink in—nearly a third of the agency’s activities could vanish. That is unless leaders in Congress stop such a hemorrhage and restore safeguards put in place to protect the air that Americans breathe and the water we drink. http://blog.ucsusa.org/brenda-ekwurzel/trump-pruitt-epa-budget-cuts Survey: Majority of Americans want states to take the lead on climate change. A majority of Americans believe states should take the lead to address climate change if the federal government fails to act. That’s one of the findings of the latest in a series of National Surveys on Energy and Environment. Sarah Mills is with the Center for Local, State and Urban Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. http://michiganradio.org/post/survey-majority-americans-want-states-take-lead-climate-change California to Trump: We’ll Fund Clean Energy If You Won’t. Amid federal cuts, some state scientists and senators think California should create an energy research effort similar to its breakaway stem-cell initiative. In 2004, nearly 60 percent of California voters approved a ballot measure that dedicated $3 billion to embryonic-stem-cell research, in an act of democratic defiance aimed at President George W. Bush’s earlier ban on federal funding. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608083/california-to-trump-well-fund-clean-energy-if-you-wont/ Big Oil lauds Paris pullout but warns of rising seas, severe storms. Fossil fuel companies are among the biggest supporters of President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord. Yet federal documents reveal that some companies are well aware of the severe risks of a warming planet. In filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, several oil and pipeline companies acknowledge that climate change… https://www.revealnews.org/article/big-oil-lauds-paris-pullout-but-warns-of-rising-seas-severe-storms/ Miami Considers Converting Residential Land Into Floodwater Parks. In order to mitigate the increased flooding risk in Miami’s low-lying neighborhoods, scientists and government officials in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact have considered converting developed residential land back into natural spaces designed to hold floodwater. http://www.builderonline.com/land/development/miami-considers-converting-residential-land-into-floodwater-parks_c The three-minute story of 800,000 years of climate change with a sting in the tail.There are those who say the climate has always changed, and that carbon dioxide levels have always fluctuated. That's true. But it's also true that since the industrial revolution, CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have climbed to levels that are unprecedented over hundreds of millennia. So here's a short video we made, to put recent climate change and carbon dioxide… https://phys.org/news/2017-06-three-minute-story-years-climate-tail.html#jCp Google can now map the air pollution levels of city roads: Firm can pinpoint toxic hot spots in a bid to help commuters find a healthier route. Google is now using its all-seeing Street View vehicles to map the pollution levels of city roads. The cars have been fitted with sensors to detect pollutants and map a city's most toxic hot spots in a bid to help commuters find a healthier route. The map reveals that levels of harmful pollutants at junctions http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4599902/Google-Street-View-maps-air-pollution-help-commuters.html#ixzz4jubMzI9D ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 16:01:06 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 14, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi ___________________________ The June 14, 2017 meeting of the AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to June 23, 2017 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (PDT) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building, Training Room 1 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, California 95814. The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm ___________________________ Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm CAP AND TRADE Ontario's 2nd cap-and-trade auction sells out. Ontario's second cap-and-trade auction sold out of its current allowances this month, bringing the program's total revenue so far to nearly $1 billion. The June auction in the system aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions follows the inaugural one in March, which also sold out. Environment Minister Glen Murray said the results show Ontario's carbon market is working and that businesses are engaged in it. https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/7370068-ontario-s-2nd-cap-and-trade-auction-sells-out/ http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/cap-and-trade-revenue-nears-1-billion-as-second-auction-sells-out-1.3457689 AIR POLLUTION The Heat Wave Sweeping the East Coast Comes With a Side of Smog. The heat wave that’s gripped the east coast over the past few days is also making it harder to breathe. The culprit is a dangerous mix of diesel exhaust, paint fumes and trees, baked by the heat to create a blanket of ozone. Children, the elderly, and people with heart conditions or asthma are most at risk. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-13/smog-is-unwelcome-companion-to-heat-wave-sweeping-east-coast BMW's Hometown Munich Mulls Diesel Ban to Fight Air Pollution. BMW AG’s hometown of Munich is considering outlawing older diesel cars, the latest European city to crack down amid mounting evidence that the technology’s not that clean after all.The driving ban was floated after a government study detected hazardous pollution levels in the Bavarian city’s air… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-14/bmw-s-hometown-munich-mulls-diesel-ban-to-fight-air-pollution Nearly 14,000 Companies in China Violate Pollution Rules. Environmental inspectors in northern China have found that nearly 14,000 companies, or 70 percent of the businesses they examined, failed to meet environmental standards for controlling air pollution, according to a state news agency report. The inspectors working for the Ministry of Environmental Protection came up… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/world/asia/china-companies-air-pollution-paris-agreement.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0 Valero’s Benicia Refinery Outage Triggered ‘Huge’ Release of Pollution. The Valero refinery in Benicia released more than 74,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide during 14 days of flaring after a power outage in May, according to a report the company has filed with state officials. “A huge amount of sulfur dioxide was emitted,” said Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/06/12/valero-outage-sent-37-tons-of-toxic-gas-into-air-over-two-weeks/ Air quality officials crack down on odor-producing manufacturer in Paramount. South Coast Air Quality Management District officials want the Carlton Forge Works in Paramount to reduce the persistent smells emanating from its facility on East Adams Street. The SCAQMD on Tuesday filed a petition for an administrative order requiring the company to put a stop to the odors, the agency said Tuesday. http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170613/air-quality-officials-crack-down-on-odor-producing-manufacturer-in-paramount EPA: air pollution rule should be delayed – despite its effect on children. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges postponing Obama administration measure might have ‘disproportionate’ effect on young people. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed delaying a federal air pollution rule for two years, despite acknowledging that children will be disproportionately harmed by the decision. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/14/epa-pollution-rule-delay-children CLIMATE CHANGE Here’s the latest report card on California’s battle against climate change. New data released by state regulators provide a detailed snapshot of California’s battle against global warming. We’ve crunched the numbers on specific sources of pollution, including planes, cars and trucks, and how the state’s pollution compares to the size of its economy. The state has been chipping away at greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-pol-sac-california-climate-change/ Marshall Islands Leader Appeals for Help on Climate Change. The leader of the Marshall Islands is appealing for help to convince U.S. President Donald Trump of the need to fight global warming following his decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The president of the Marshall Islands is appealing for help to convince U.S. President Donald Trump of the need to fight global warming… https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-06-14/marshall-islands-leader-appeals-for-help-on-climate-change Study: Wildfires, Climate Change Could Make Sierra a Polluter. What if nature were to become a polluter, discharging millions of tons of planet-warming carbon into the atmosphere in much the same way as diesel-fueled trucks or coal-fired power plants? This nature-as-polluter scenario might seem far-fetched, but it’s well on its way to becoming reality, according to a recent study co-authored by UC Merced Professor… https://yubanet.com/regional/study-wildfires-climate-change-could-make-sierra-a-polluter/ Merkel urges bigger fight against climate change after U.S. move. Germany and the rest of Europe should redouble their efforts to fight climate change after the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris climate pact, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday. Merkel told members of her conservative party in the German town of Erfurt that the U.S. decision would not stop those committed to protecting the earth from continuing their efforts. http://www.businessinsider.com/r-merkel-urges-bigger-fight-against-climate-change-after-us-move-2017-6 Scientists Blame ‘Climate Change’ For Thick Sea Ice That Halted Arctic Expedition. Scientists who cancelled their Arctic expedition due to thick ice conditions haves an interesting excuse for why they had to abandon their research project — climate change. “We’re doing a large-scale climate change study and before we can even get going on it, climate change is conspiring… http://dailycaller.com/2017/06/14/scientists-blame-climate-change-for-thick-sea-ice-that-halted-arctic-expedition/ Brown named special envoy to U.N. climate talks. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) will serve as a special representative to the U.N. climate talks this fall to highlight the role of states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, officials announced yesterday. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, the president of this year's talks, named Brown the special envoy for states and regions to the U.N. climate conference… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060056005 U.S. could stay on Green Climate Fund board after all. The Trump administration might retain the United States' seat on the Green Climate Fund. White House/YouTube The United States might not lose its seat on the Green Climate Fund it has abandoned under President Trump. Trump two weeks ago in the White House Rose Garden denounced the U.N.-led fund to help poor countries cope with climate change as a multibillion-dollar boondoggle. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055986 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Electric bus company picks up more investors. Investors have poured another $55 million into Proterra Inc., a California-based manufacturer of electric buses that's preparing for a possible initial public offering. The infusion of capital comes from former Vice President Al Gore's investment fund and BMW, among others, and follows a January investment of $140 million. The company has raised $345 million since it was founded in 2004. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055979 FUELS EPA announces 2-year stay for emissions rule. The Trump administration wants a two-year stay of key requirements of U.S. EPA's regulations to limit methane emissions from new and substantially modified sources in the oil and natural gas sector. EPA officials announced last night that they are proposing a two-year stay of the methane rules, on top of an existing 90-day stay. In a news release… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060056001 LNG trade to drive global price convergence by 2035 — BP. The first commissioned cargo of liquefied natural gas was loaded at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in February. Cheniere Energy Inc. Analysts have long speculated on the potential for new U.S. shale gas supplies that buck traditional contract provisions to dramatically reshape global markets for the fuel. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055982 GREEN ENERGY Oil firms to increase wind and solar investments. The oil industry will step up investments in renewable energy as firms fall behind on discovering new crude reserves, according to separate reports published Monday. Since oil prices began falling in 2014, proved liquid reserves have dropped 15 percent to around 100 billion barrels. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055980 Texas firm raises $900M for rooftop projects. A little-known Houston company that finances home solar has raised more than $900 million for a nationwide expansion with the eventual goal of "hundreds of millions of systems on rooftops," according to a company spokesman. Summoning that level of cash is typically the terrain of larger, publicly traded rooftop-solar companies, such as Sunrun Inc. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055988 OPINIONS In the face of Trump's anti-climate change policies, L.A. and Long Beach push for greener ports. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia pledged this week to wean their ports off dirty diesel and other fossil fuels and switch to zero-emission equipment by 2035. This is the most aggressive plan yet to cut air pollution at the ports, by far. And it’s an essential transformation both to clean Los Angeles’ notoriously unhealthy air and to cut the carbon emissions that are fueling climate change. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-cleaner-ports-20170614-story.html Column: Life support for coal will make U.S. an energy backwater. In the run-up to World War I, German general Erich Ludendorff was said to have described his country’s alliance with the decaying Austro-Hungarian Empire as like being “shackled to a corpse.” That phrase aptly describes the situation the U.S. will find itself in if it continues to bet on coal as the fuel of the future. http://www.bendbulletin.com/home/5375921-151/column-life-support-for-coal-will-make-us Climate change resilience needed. Climate change and the resultant increase of mean temperature in different parts India is a grave situation which needs immediate action to check deaths and the health hazards caused by harmful, and fatal heat waves India is earnestly looking forward to a much-needed normal monsoon this year. If the predictions of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) are proved right… http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/climate-change-resilience-needed.html G20 summit: A good climate for change. New research has concluded that human brains rely on long-term and short-term memory as the basis of constantly evolving scenarios for the future. This unique ability to contemplate the future usually lifts our spirits. It is what makes us resilient. It is the reason why we have survived. It gives us hope. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/g20-summit-a-good-climate-for-change/article35308476/ BLOGS New Study from Researchers at Two California Universities Examines Indoor Particulate Matter Pollutants. EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides analytical services, sampling supplies, indoor environmental quality test kits and monitoring instruments to identify airborne pollutants. In May, the journal PLOS One published a new study that analyzed the presence of fine particulates in predominately low-income households in the San Diego area. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=209989 A One–Two Punch to Tackle China's Air Pollution Problems. New research shows how climate and air quality policies can work together to clean up China's air. Air pollution kills an estimated 4,000 people every day in China, which is why the country is taking significant measures to clean up the air. At the same time, China has pledged to support global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/a-one-two-punch-to-tackle-chinas-air-pollution-problems/ Large Canadian Arctic climate change study cancelled due to climate change. The Science Team of the Canadian Research Icebreaker CCGS Amundsen has cancelled the first leg of the 2017 Expedition due to complications associated with the southward motion of hazardous Arctic sea ice, caused by climate change. https://phys.org/news/2017-06-large-canadian-arctic-climate-cancelled.html#jCp Climate change causes killer heatwaves. In southern Asia, mortality is likely to rise with the thermometer. Researchers have established a direct link between global warming and heat-related deaths from killer heatwaves. A tiny rise of 0.5°C in mean summer temperatures in India or another comparable tropical developing nation could result in a 146% rise in mass death from the heat. http://climatenewsnetwork.net/climate-change-causes-killer-heatwaves/ ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 11:09:44 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 14, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 14, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi ___________________________ The June 14, 2017 meeting of the AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to June 23, 2017 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (PDT) at the CalEPA Headquarters Building, Training Room 1 1001 “I” Street, Sacramento, California 95814. The meeting notice and agenda are posted at: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ejac/meetings/meetings.htm ___________________________ Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., PDT (WEBCAST) Sierra Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, CalEPA Building 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California The 2010 emission standards for heavy-duty engines have established a limit for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions of 0.20 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from the previous emission standards. However, it is projected that even when the entire on-road fleet of heavy-duty vehicles operating in California is compliant with the 2010 NOX emission standards, the upcoming National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) requirements for ambient particulate matter and ozone will not be achieved in California without further significant reduction in NOX emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles. https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/sharp/sharp.htm CAP AND TRADE Ontario's 2nd cap-and-trade auction sells out. Ontario's second cap-and-trade auction sold out of its current allowances this month, bringing the program's total revenue so far to nearly $1 billion. The June auction in the system aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions follows the inaugural one in March, which also sold out. Environment Minister Glen Murray said the results show Ontario's carbon market is working and that businesses are engaged in it. https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/7370068-ontario-s-2nd-cap-and-trade-auction-sells-out/ http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/cap-and-trade-revenue-nears-1-billion-as-second-auction-sells-out-1.3457689 AIR POLLUTION The Heat Wave Sweeping the East Coast Comes With a Side of Smog. The heat wave that’s gripped the east coast over the past few days is also making it harder to breathe. The culprit is a dangerous mix of diesel exhaust, paint fumes and trees, baked by the heat to create a blanket of ozone. Children, the elderly, and people with heart conditions or asthma are most at risk. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-13/smog-is-unwelcome-companion-to-heat-wave-sweeping-east-coast BMW's Hometown Munich Mulls Diesel Ban to Fight Air Pollution. BMW AG’s hometown of Munich is considering outlawing older diesel cars, the latest European city to crack down amid mounting evidence that the technology’s not that clean after all. The driving ban was floated after a government study detected hazardous pollution levels in the Bavarian city’s air… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-14/bmw-s-hometown-munich-mulls-diesel-ban-to-fight-air-pollution Nearly 14,000 Companies in China Violate Pollution Rules. Environmental inspectors in northern China have found that nearly 14,000 companies, or 70 percent of the businesses they examined, failed to meet environmental standards for controlling air pollution, according to a state news agency report. The inspectors working for the Ministry of Environmental Protection came up… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/world/asia/china-companies-air-pollution-paris-agreement.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0 Valero’s Benicia Refinery Outage Triggered ‘Huge’ Release of Pollution. The Valero refinery in Benicia released more than 74,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide during 14 days of flaring after a power outage in May, according to a report the company has filed with state officials. “A huge amount of sulfur dioxide was emitted,” said Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/06/12/valero-outage-sent-37-tons-of-toxic-gas-into-air-over-two-weeks/ Air quality officials crack down on odor-producing manufacturer in Paramount. South Coast Air Quality Management District officials want the Carlton Forge Works in Paramount to reduce the persistent smells emanating from its facility on East Adams Street. The SCAQMD on Tuesday filed a petition for an administrative order requiring the company to put a stop to the odors, the agency said Tuesday. http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170613/air-quality-officials-crack-down-on-odor-producing-manufacturer-in-paramount EPA: air pollution rule should be delayed – despite its effect on children. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges postponing Obama administration measure might have ‘disproportionate’ effect on young people. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed delaying a federal air pollution rule for two years, despite acknowledging that children will be disproportionately harmed by the decision. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/14/epa-pollution-rule-delay-children CLIMATE CHANGE Here’s the latest report card on California’s battle against climate change. New data released by state regulators provide a detailed snapshot of California’s battle against global warming. We’ve crunched the numbers on specific sources of pollution, including planes, cars and trucks, and how the state’s pollution compares to the size of its economy. The state has been chipping away at greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-pol-sac-california-climate-change/ Marshall Islands Leader Appeals for Help on Climate Change. The leader of the Marshall Islands is appealing for help to convince U.S. President Donald Trump of the need to fight global warming following his decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The president of the Marshall Islands is appealing for help to convince U.S. President Donald Trump of the need to fight global warming… https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-06-14/marshall-islands-leader-appeals-for-help-on-climate-change Study: Wildfires, Climate Change Could Make Sierra a Polluter. What if nature were to become a polluter, discharging millions of tons of planet-warming carbon into the atmosphere in much the same way as diesel-fueled trucks or coal-fired power plants? This nature-as-polluter scenario might seem far-fetched, but it’s well on its way to becoming reality, according to a recent study co-authored by UC Merced Professor… https://yubanet.com/regional/study-wildfires-climate-change-could-make-sierra-a-polluter/ Merkel urges bigger fight against climate change after U.S. move. Germany and the rest of Europe should redouble their efforts to fight climate change after the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris climate pact, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday. Merkel told members of her conservative party in the German town of Erfurt that the U.S. decision would not stop those committed to protecting the earth from continuing their efforts. http://www.businessinsider.com/r-merkel-urges-bigger-fight-against-climate-change-after-us-move-2017-6 Scientists Blame ‘Climate Change’ For Thick Sea Ice That Halted Arctic Expedition. Scientists who cancelled their Arctic expedition due to thick ice conditions haves an interesting excuse for why they had to abandon their research project — climate change. “We’re doing a large-scale climate change study and before we can even get going on it, climate change is conspiring… http://dailycaller.com/2017/06/14/scientists-blame-climate-change-for-thick-sea-ice-that-halted-arctic-expedition/ Brown named special envoy to U.N. climate talks. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) will serve as a special representative to the U.N. climate talks this fall to highlight the role of states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, officials announced yesterday. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, the president of this year's talks, named Brown the special envoy for states and regions to the U.N. climate conference… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060056005 U.S. could stay on Green Climate Fund board after all. The Trump administration might retain the United States' seat on the Green Climate Fund. White House/YouTube The United States might not lose its seat on the Green Climate Fund it has abandoned under President Trump. Trump two weeks ago in the White House Rose Garden denounced the U.N.-led fund to help poor countries cope with climate change as a multibillion-dollar boondoggle. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055986 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Electric bus company picks up more investors. Investors have poured another $55 million into Proterra Inc., a California-based manufacturer of electric buses that's preparing for a possible initial public offering. The infusion of capital comes from former Vice President Al Gore's investment fund and BMW, among others, and follows a January investment of $140 million. The company has raised $345 million since it was founded in 2004. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055979 FUELS EPA announces 2-year stay for emissions rule. The Trump administration wants a two-year stay of key requirements of U.S. EPA's regulations to limit methane emissions from new and substantially modified sources in the oil and natural gas sector. EPA officials announced last night that they are proposing a two-year stay of the methane rules, on top of an existing 90-day stay. In a news release… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060056001 LNG trade to drive global price convergence by 2035 — BP. The first commissioned cargo of liquefied natural gas was loaded at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in February. Cheniere Energy Inc. Analysts have long speculated on the potential for new U.S. shale gas supplies that buck traditional contract provisions to dramatically reshape global markets for the fuel. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055982 GREEN ENERGY Oil firms to increase wind and solar investments. The oil industry will step up investments in renewable energy as firms fall behind on discovering new crude reserves, according to separate reports published Monday. Since oil prices began falling in 2014, proved liquid reserves have dropped 15 percent to around 100 billion barrels. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055980 Texas firm raises $900M for rooftop projects. A little-known Houston company that finances home solar has raised more than $900 million for a nationwide expansion with the eventual goal of "hundreds of millions of systems on rooftops," according to a company spokesman. Summoning that level of cash is typically the terrain of larger, publicly traded rooftop-solar companies, such as Sunrun Inc. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/14/stories/1060055988 OPINIONS In the face of Trump's anti-climate change policies, L.A. and Long Beach push for greener ports. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia pledged this week to wean their ports off dirty diesel and other fossil fuels and switch to zero-emission equipment by 2035. This is the most aggressive plan yet to cut air pollution at the ports, by far. And it’s an essential transformation both to clean Los Angeles’ notoriously unhealthy air and to cut the carbon emissions that are fueling climate change. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-cleaner-ports-20170614-story.html Column: Life support for coal will make U.S. an energy backwater. In the run-up to World War I, German general Erich Ludendorff was said to have described his country’s alliance with the decaying Austro-Hungarian Empire as like being “shackled to a corpse.” That phrase aptly describes the situation the U.S. will find itself in if it continues to bet on coal as the fuel of the future. http://www.bendbulletin.com/home/5375921-151/column-life-support-for-coal-will-make-us Climate change resilience needed. Climate change and the resultant increase of mean temperature in different parts India is a grave situation which needs immediate action to check deaths and the health hazards caused by harmful, and fatal heat waves India is earnestly looking forward to a much-needed normal monsoon this year. If the predictions of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) are proved right… http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/climate-change-resilience-needed.html G20 summit: A good climate for change. New research has concluded that human brains rely on long-term and short-term memory as the basis of constantly evolving scenarios for the future. This unique ability to contemplate the future usually lifts our spirits. It is what makes us resilient. It is the reason why we have survived. It gives us hope. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/g20-summit-a-good-climate-for-change/article35308476/ BLOGS New Study from Researchers at Two California Universities Examines Indoor Particulate Matter Pollutants. EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides analytical services, sampling supplies, indoor environmental quality test kits and monitoring instruments to identify airborne pollutants. In May, the journal PLOS One published a new study that analyzed the presence of fine particulates in predominately low-income households in the San Diego area. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=209989 A One–Two Punch to Tackle China's Air Pollution Problems. New research shows how climate and air quality policies can work together to clean up China's air. Air pollution kills an estimated 4,000 people every day in China, which is why the country is taking significant measures to clean up the air. At the same time, China has pledged to support global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/a-one-two-punch-to-tackle-chinas-air-pollution-problems/ Large Canadian Arctic climate change study cancelled due to climate change. The Science Team of the Canadian Research Icebreaker CCGS Amundsen has cancelled the first leg of the 2017 Expedition due to complications associated with the southward motion of hazardous Arctic sea ice, caused by climate change. https://phys.org/news/2017-06-large-canadian-arctic-climate-cancelled.html#jCp Climate change causes killer heatwaves. In southern Asia, mortality is likely to rise with the thermometer. Researchers have established a direct link between global warming and heat-related deaths from killer heatwaves. A tiny rise of 0.5°C in mean summer temperatures in India or another comparable tropical developing nation could result in a 146% rise in mass death from the heat. http://climatenewsnetwork.net/climate-change-causes-killer-heatwaves/ ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 14:07:29 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 15, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 15, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi ___________________________ CAP AND TRADE This is how an oil giant uses internal carbon pricing. Exxon Mobil Corp.'s Kearl project in Alberta. It's unclear if the company used an internal carbon price to analyze its climate risks. Exxon Mobil. Exxon Mobil Corp. proprietary records laying out a highly technical and advanced view of the company's climate strategy have surfaced, and the company is upset they've been made public. The files provide an unusually detailed window into how Exxon thinks about climate change behind closed doors… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/15/stories/1060056076 AIR POLLUTION ‘We can smell it’: Frustrated Paramount parents still worry about odors, toxic emissions. Keep at it. That’s the message Paramount residents have for air officials who have intermittently shut down two metal forging facilities for releasing a cancer-causing substance. And this week the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced it will be going after another metal-related business that received 190 odor complaints since December. http://www.presstelegram.com/health/20170614/we-can-smell-it-frustrated-paramount-parents-still-worry-about-odors-toxic-emissions >From Uber drivers to Zuckerberg’s security officers, Palo Alto has an idling problem. What do Mark Zuckerberg’s private security officers and drivers of school buses, Uber cars and the many construction vehicles sitting curbside on Palo Alto’s streets have in common? They’re all idlers — of parked vehicles. And to the dismay of many city residents, their idling vehicles spew pollutants into the air that could harm people and the environment. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/15/from-uber-drivers-to-zuckerbergs-security-officers-palo-alto-has-an-idling-problem/ Air Pollution From Wildfires Much Worse Than Previous Estimates. Particle pollution from wildfires, long known for containing soot and other fine particles known to be dangerous to human health, is much worse than previously thought, a new study shows. Naturally burning timber and brush from wildfires release dangerous particles into the air at a rate three times as high as levels known by the EPA… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/15/air-pollution-from-wildfires-much-worse-than-previous-estimates/ App for Air Pollution Could Be Coming to Your City. Air pollution is typically seen as a problem that affects entire cities or regions. But a new study shows that air quality can vary tremendously within a city — even block by block. The unexpected finding suggests that it might be possible for local authorities to pinpoint pollution hot spots that would otherwise go undetected — and help citizens avoid living in or traveling through those areas. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/app-for-air-pollution-could-be-coming-to-your-city/ar-BBCHI0V Air pollution plan 'unfair' on local authorities. The UK government is abdicating its responsibilities and "unfairly shifting the burden" of dealing with dirty air on to local authorities, says an industry body. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health outlined its views in response to the government's consultation on air pollution. Under pressure from the courts, an outline plan was published last month. A detailed scheme must be in place by the end of July. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40274238 Air Pollution Effects On Humans: Wildfire Smoke More Hazardous Than Thought. Scientists have flown through wildfires to learn more about the air pollution they produce, and the news is worse than expected. The emissions of fine particles when timber and brush burn are three times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated… http://www.ibtimes.com/air-pollution-effects-humans-wildfire-smoke-more-hazardous-thought-2552757 Summer Wildfires Produce More Air Pollution than Previously Thought. Naturally burning timber and brush launch what are called fine particles into the air at a rate three times as high as levels noted in emissions inventories at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new study. http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24133 CLIMATE CHANGE Swedish pension fund sells out of six firms it says breach Paris climate deal. Sweden's largest national pension fund, AP7, has sold its investments in six companies that it says violate the Paris climate agreement, a decision environmentalists believe is the first of its kind. AP7, which provides pensions to 3.5 million Swedes, said on Thursday it had sold out of ExxonMobil (XOM.N), Gazprom (GAZP.MM), TransCanada Corp (TRP.TO… http://in.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-investment-sweden-idINKBN1962CC Energy Department Closes Office Working on Climate Change Abroad. The Energy Department is closing an office that works with other countries to develop clean energy technology, another sign of the Trump administration’s retreat on climate-related activities after its withdrawal from the Paris agreement this month. The 11 staff members of the Office of International Climate and Technology… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/15/climate/energy-department-closes-office-working-on-climate-change-abroad.html?ref=energy-environment&_r=0 The Dutch Have Solutions to Rising Seas. The World Is Watching. The wind over the canal stirred up whitecaps and rattled cafe umbrellas. Rowers strained toward a finish line and spectators hugged the shore. Henk Ovink, hawkish, wiry, head shaved, watched from a V.I.P. deck, one eye on the boats, the other, as usual, on his phone. Mr. Ovink is the country’s globe-trotting salesman in chief for Dutch expertise on rising water and climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/15/world/europe/climate-change-rotterdam.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&_r=1 Host of next United Nations climate conference turns to California in the global warming battle. As the president of this year’s United Nations conference on climate change, Fiji’s prime minister is responsible for rallying countries to battle global warming. But on Tuesday, that effort drew him not to a national capital but to Sacramento, where he endorsed Gov. Jerry Brown’s ambitious plans on climate change. Prime Minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama signed an international agreement that California has spearheaded with states and provinces… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-fiji-climate-20170613-story.html Trump's EPA wants to focus on Superfund cleanups. Will its plans take climate change into account? he pioneers who built Seattle polluted and plumbed the lower Duwamish River for a century, straightening its wild curves and saturating its sediment with toxic chemicals from an asphalt plant, Boeing manufacturing facilities and other industries. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-epa-superfund-20170614-story.html El Niño helped melt Antarctic ice sheet twice as big as California. The El Niño that caused huge beach erosion on the West Coast in 2015-16 also help cause an ice sheet twice the size of California to melt in the Antarctic, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography said in a paper released Thursday in the journal Nature Communications. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/science/sd-me-elnino-antarctic-20170615-story.html What Ice Age Fossils Can Teach Us About Climate Change Today. Scientists have drawn a new road map for ocean temperatures and carbon dioxide that could help predict coming climate changes, and they did it using data on what happened in Earth’s seas during the last ice age. It’s hard to look into the past and see how warm or cold the ocean surface was, but fossils held the answer for the researchers. http://www.ibtimes.com/what-ice-age-fossils-can-teach-us-about-climate-change-today-2552241 Pruitt to be challenged on climate and regional programs. Climate change is unlikely to be a primary focus today as U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt takes the stand to defend his agency's proposed budget, despite the Trump administration's efforts to cut climate funding. "Top priority is how, with a 30 percent cut, EPA will function to fulfill its mission,"… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/15/stories/1060056075 DIESEL ACTIVITIES How air quality advocates are trying to win over truck drivers... again. Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Rich Dines was standing in front of a group of 25 or so skeptical truck drivers, doing his best to convince them to try low emission trucks... again. He was speaking at a workshop sponsored by the natural gas vehicle industry, and all day long, the drivers had been hearing that they should give the natural gas trucks, which many of them loathed, a second chance. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/06/14/72874/how-air-quality-advocates-are-trying-to-win-over-t/ FUELS Enviros eye multiple legal battles as Trump admin freezes regs. The Trump administration will likely end up in court defending recent decisions to postpone Obama-era requirements for slashing greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry. In a one-two punch this week, U.S. EPA and the Interior Department announced delays to separate regulations designed to reduce the amount of heat-trapping methane released… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/15/stories/1060056068 VEHICLES SDG&E hands out $200 credits for owners of electric vehicles. Nearly 7,000 San Diego Gas & Electric customers who own or lease clean-energy vehicles will soon receive a $200 credit on their residential utility bills. The credits are part of the California Air Resources Board’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will go to customers who enrolled in the Electric Vehicle Climate Credit Program by the May 31 deadline. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-electricvehicle-credit-20170614-story.html VW RECALL California story: Tracking down VW fraud. The California Air Resources Board’s aggressive questioning of Volkswagen about emission test results led to the company admitting in 2015 that it used a “defeat device” designed to cover up diesel emissions that greatly exceeded legal limits. The massive fraud case ultimately included a $14.7 billion settlement in 2016, $4.7 billion in civil and criminal fines and an executive-level shakeup. http://capitolweekly.net/california-tracking-down-vw-fraud/ GREEN ENERGY Support for clean energy driven by economics — report. Demand for clean energy is no longer a political issue — it's an economic one. That's the conclusion drawn by Deloitte in its annual report on global energy trends. The report, which was released yesterday, found increased support for renewable energy last year among both consumers and businesses. And it attributed this support to declining costs across the renewables sector… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/15/stories/1060056066 Renewable Energy Record Set in U.S. The U.S. set a new renewable energy milestone in March, in data released Wednesday. For the first time, wind and solar accounted for 10 percent of all electricity generation, with wind comprising 8 percent and solar coming in at 2 percent.The report was published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration(EIA), which collects and disseminates environmental data that is used to inform policymakers. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/solar-wind-renewable-energy-record/ OPINIONS If McAuliffe wants to lead on climate change, he should stop supporting pipelines. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) June 11 Local Opinions essay, “Why Virginia acted on climate change,” promoted a positive agenda for cooperative, progressive energy policies but omitted his hypocritical and dangerous support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Mountain Valley Pipeline projects. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/if-mcauliffe-wants-to-lead-on-climate-change-he-should-stop-supporting-pipelines/2017/06/14/6c5abc5e-5053-11e7-b74e-0d2785d3083d_story.html?utm_term=.efac257d3eb7 Trump's planned EPA cuts will hit America's most vulnerable. The Trump administration is using a deliberate and systematic approach to undermine, weaken and disempower America’s most vulnerable communities. The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed budget cuts are a clear-cut example of this attack. The cuts will gravely reduce the ability to enhance communities across the United States… https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/15/trumps-planned-epa-cuts-americas-most-vulnerable Op-ed: Air pollution is bad for business. Since taking office, President Donald Trump and his Environmental Protection Agency chief, Scott Pruitt, have been busy waging a “breathtaking” (literally) war on environmental regulations. Here are just a few of the highlights: America’s U.N. climate commitment — broken. EPA budget — butchered. Ozone standard — delayed. Protection of waterways… http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865682969/Op-ed-Air-pollution-is-not-only-a-health-liability-but-also-an-economic-liability.html OIRA works quietly on updating social cost of carbon. Not far from the White House, some of the federal government's most influential number crunchers are still working on the social cost of carbon. President Trump's executive order on energy independence effectively signaled "pencils down" on federal work to estimate the monetary damage of greenhouse gas emissions, disbanding the interagency working group… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/15/stories/1060056112 BLOGS Cities fight climate change through ecosystem restoration. Flooding and extreme heat are projected to increase over the next few decades and will be extremely costly for cities to manage. But a new study from Simon Fraser University shows how cities working together to restore and maintain ecosystems can be cheaper than building hard infrastructure to respond to climate change… https://phys.org/news/2017-06-cities-climate-ecosystem.html#jCp How Will Climate Change Affect the California Current Upwelling? The results of new simulations that account for internal climate variability contrast with previous projections of how this vital West Coast current will respond to anthropogenic warming. From southern British Columbia to Baja California, the California Current transports cold water southward for 3000 kilometers along North America’s West Coast. https://eos.org/research-spotlights/how-will-climate-change-affect-the-california-current-upwelling Chad is the country most vulnerable to climate change – here’s why. Poverty and conflict mean the nation is struggling to deal with rising temperatures. Of the 186 countries assessed in a recent survey of climate vulnerability, Chad was rated most in peril. A combination of high poverty, frequent conflicts, and the risk of both droughts and floods means the central African nation is bottom of the list… http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/chad-is-the-country-most-vulnerable-to-climate-change-here-s-why-a7785246.html States and industries face more climate court action. Governments that make promises they do not keep to cut greenhouse gases or to protect their citizens against climate change are finding themselves more frequently facing climate court action by their own citizens. According to a UN environment (the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP) report, climate change cases have been filed in 24 countries – with the US… http://climatenewsnetwork.net/states-and-industry-face-more-climate-court-action/ Climate change: Could melting Antarctic ice actually help to combat it? A team of scientists has found evidence that ancient volcanoes in Antarctica played a role in global climate and could help combat climate change now. A study, published in the journal, Nature Communications, explains how the chance discovery of a calcite crust in Antarctica, confirmed the region was subject to volcanic activity 24,000 years ago. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-15/climate-change-antarctic-volcanoes-shed-new-light/8619574 The Colorado River is shrinking because of climate change. The nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead on the Arizona/Nevada border and Lake Powell on the Arizona/Utah border, were brim full in the year 2000. Four short years later, they had lost enough water to supply California its legally apportioned share of Colorado River water for more than five years. Now, 17 years later, they still have not recovered. http://www.hcn.org/articles/colorado-river-shrinking-climate-change-drought The great myth of the global warming ‘pause’. While sceptics obsess over a global-warming hiatus, the sea gets steadily hotter. Readers of The Spectator will be familiar with the argument that climate change, like Britpop, ended in 1998. Raised on a diet of Matt Ridley and James Delingpole, you may have convinced yourself that climate scientists… https://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/06/the-great-myth-of-the-global-warming-pause/# ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 15:00:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 19, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 19, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE With budget done, California lawmakers turn to other issues. After approving a $125 billion budget last week, California lawmakers are turning their attention to other matters for the last three months of the annual legislative session. Aside from a controversial increase in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed in April, no major legislation has yet cleared both the Assembly and Senate. http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20170618/with-budget-done-california-lawmakers-turn-to-other-issues AIR POLLUTION The Energy 202: California scores its first big environmental victory of the Trump era. Between the very little Attorney General Jeff Sessions was willing to say about his conversations with President Trump and the essentially nothing Senate Republicans were willing to say about their health-care bill, there was one revealing bit of testimony on Capitol Hill late last week -- from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/06/19/the-energy-202-california-scores-its-first-big-environmental-victory-of-the-trump-era/5946ffb2e9b69b2fb981dd77/?utm_term=.f8bcf0e984ca Trump administration backs away from fight over California's power to set rules for cars and trucks. The Trump administration is backing off its threat to revoke California’s unique authority to set its own tough pollution standards for cars and trucks — rules that have become a crucial tool for states to combat climate change without help from Washington. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt assured lawmakers… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-waiver-trump-20170615-story.html http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-s-waiver-appears-secure-for-1497547579-htmlstory.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article156435834.html#storylink=cpy http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article156469809.html#storylink=cpy https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/stories/1060056177/search?keyword=calif State fines three companies for violating cargo handling equipment air quality rules. The California Air Resources Board has fined three companies $726,250 for failing to comply with the state’s cargo handling equipment regulation, which sets emission standards for a range of equipment used mostly at ports and railyards, including gantry cranes, yard trucks, and forklifts. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32798 Heat wave means unhealthy air this weekend across parts of Southern California. As temperatures head north of 90 degrees this weekend, smog levels are expected to reach unhealthful levels across much of Southern California. Air quality will be worst in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys, and throughout the Inland Empire and the mountains. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/06/16/72991/heat-wave-means-unhealthy-air-this-weekend-across/ California Summer Weather Brings 'Very Unhealthy' Smog. California’s blistering heat wave could produce “very unhealthy” levels of smog as temperatures continue to rise across the southern region of the state, officials warned Friday. A statement released by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) said ozone levels are expected to reach “unhealthy to very unhealthy” levels… http://www.newsweek.com/california-heat-wave-smog-pollution-air-626678 CLIMATE CHANGE Dutch government: will meet 2020 greenhouse gas targets after extra measures. The Dutch government said on Monday it would meet its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in the year 2020 from 1990s after taking extra measures. The Netherlands had begun to fall behind on its commitments after the 2008 financial crisis, but was ordered by a court in June 2015 to take steps to catch up. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-climatechange-idUSKBN19A1OS Rick Perry just denied that humans are the main cause of climate change. Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Monday denied that man-made carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of climate change. Asked in an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” whether he believed that carbon dioxide was “the primary control knob for the temperature of the Earth and for climate,” Perry said that “No… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/19/trumps-energy-secretary-just-denied-that-man-made-carbon-dioxide-is-the-main-driver-for-climate-change/?utm_term=.4e3de231f3ac http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/rick-perry-carbon-dioxide-not-causing-global-warming/article/2626393 http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/06/rick-perry-is-in-charge-of-nuclear-safety-too-bad-he-doesnt-understand-basic-science/ http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/us-energy-secretary-rick-perry-co2-is-not-the-primary-control-knob-for-climate-change/vi-BBCT2jl http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/energy-chief-carbon-dioxide-prime-driver-warming-48134405 Carbon Capture Needed in Climate Change Fight, IEA Says. Carbon capture and storage is gradually gaining government attention after being overtaken by investment in wind and solar energy, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) saying the technology will be crucial to limiting global warming. The IEA estimates carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be needed to cut 14 percent of the emissions… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/19/business/19reuters-australia-carboncapture.html?src=busln&_r=0 U.S.-China Beef Deal Puts Higher Emissions on the Menu. The growing Chinese middle class has a love affair with beef, and it now has a new supplier. The deal could increase U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. For the first time in 14 years, American beef will end up on Chinese dining tables, thanks to a trade deal finalized this week. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16062017/china-beef-consumption-exports-higher-greenhouse-gas-emissions-climate-change Global warming brews big trouble in coffee birthplace Ethiopia. Rising temperatures are set to wipe out half of Ethiopia’s coffee-growing areas, with loss of certain locations likened to France losing a great wine region. Global warming is likely to wipe out half of the coffee growing area in Ethiopia, the birthplace of the bean, according to a groundbreaking new study. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/19/global-warming-brews-big-trouble-coffee-birthplace-ethiopia Climate change could burn a hole in USFS budget. Climate change appears to be fueling more wildfires as U.S. Forest Service officials are increasingly concerned they don’t have the funds to effectively handle another devastating season. While Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell told senators this month he’s got enough budget funds to deal with most of the 7,000 fires that occur annually in national forests, “it’s that 1 to 2 percent of our fires… http://www.bendbulletin.com/nation/5388114-151/climate-change-could-burn-a-hole-in-usfs Trump EPA backs away from attacking California emission waiver. Sometime between March1 and 7, a specific page vanished from the website of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Amidst coverage of the removal of the word "science" from the mission statement of the EPA's Science and Technology Office, it went largely unnoticed. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108647_trump-epa-backs-away-from-attacking-california-emission-waiver HEATWAVE >From Phoenix to Sacramento, the West is sweating through worst heat wave in decades. All-time heat records could be in jeopardy in the Southwest this week as a dome of hot, high pressure settles over the region. Triple-digit highs are in the forecast from Arizona to Northern California — including the Sierra Mountains. Notably, this heat wave is going to last through the week, which raises concerns of heat-related illness. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/06/19/from-phoenix-to-sacramento-the-west-is-sweating-through-worst-heat-wave-in-decades/?utm_term=.119b2a2c068c When it comes to Southern California's heat wave, the worst is yet to come. Firefighters labored in scorching heat Sunday against five separate brush fires across Southern California as forecasters warned of more triple-digit temperatures in inland communities. The punishing heat wave broke records on Sunday in Lancaster, Palmdale and Sandberg, which saw highs of 108, 108 and 99 degrees, respectively. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fire-weather-20170618-story.html Sizzling heat wave creates health hazard in southwestern US. The Southwestern U.S. is about to feel the wrath of a punishing heat wave that includes a forecast of 120 degrees in Phoenix — a temperature not seen in the desert city in more than 20 years. The broiling temperatures will also be felt in Las Vegas and Southern California, creating a public health hazard. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Heat-wave-creates-health-hazard-in-southwestern-US-11229370.php Study Shows Killer Heat Waves Getting Worse. Killer heat is getting worse, a new study shows. Deadly heat waves like the one now broiling the American West are bigger killers than previously thought and they are going to grow more frequent, according to a new comprehensive study of fatal heat conditions. Still, those stretches may be less lethal in the future, as people become accustomed to them. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/06/19/study-killer-heat-waves-getting-worse/ Heat Wave Accelerating Runoff From Sierra. Heavy rains and snow this past winter has left rivers flowing higher than average and reservoirs near capacity. The California Department of Water Resources says that river flows range from about 20-percent above average in the Sacramento River near Shasta, to double the average flows in the San Joaquin and Kings Rivers. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/06/19/heat-wave-accelerating-runoff-heavy-rain-snow-sierra/ How long will heat wave last in Southern California? The region’s heat wave entered its second week today, with highs again forecast to hit triple-digit territory in some L.A. County communities, and forecasters said the above-normal heat would extend into next week. Also in today’s forecast is dense fog along the coast and in much of Los Angeles, and a dense fog advisory will be in force until 9 a.m. http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20170619/how-long-will-heat-wave-last-in-southern-california Extreme Heat Tourism? It’s a Thing in Death Valley. Desert dwellers in the western U.S. see temperatures topping 120 degrees (49 Celsius) as a reason to hunker down indoors and turn up the air conditioning. But some tourists welcome it as a bucket-list opportunity to experience Death Valley — famously the hottest place in America. Many will get their chance in the days ahead as a vicious heatwave bakes parts of Arizona, California and Nevada. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/06/19/extreme-heat-tourism-its-a-thing-in-death-valley/ The Latest: Surgeons warning of burn danger during heat wave. The Latest on the heat wave affecting the Southwestern U.S. (all times local): 11:35 a.m. Surgeons at the major burn center serving Arizona are urging people to be aware of the danger of severe burns caused by excessive heat blanketing the southwestern United States. Dr. Kevin Foster of the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix issued the warning Monday. He says second and third degree burns from hot asphalt and concrete… http://syvnews.com/business/the-latest-surgeons-warning-of-burn-danger-during-heat-wave/article_f6fd1d21-9682-5337-9399-cad7ee213369.html DIESEL ACTIVITIES LA-area port truckers to strike over emissions plan. Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif., drayage truckers will strike at three companies after both cities unveiled plans to transition to zero-emission trucks by 2035 and promote common environmental standards at ports nationwide. Both cities had signed declarations expanding their Clean Air Action Plans to launch a zero-emissions port truck pilot program in upcoming years… http://www.ccjdigital.com/la-area-port-truckers-to-strike-over-emissions-plan/ Emissions are reduced by 90% Swedish engine manufacturer Scania has launched its 13-litre DI13M IMO Tier III compliant marine engine. The engine is capable of running entirely on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel resulting in emissions of carbon dioxide being reduced by up to 90%. Additionally, IMO Tier III requires emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to be cut by more than 70%. http://www.boatingbusiness.com/news101/boatbuilding/engines-and-propulsion/scania-seawork-premier#sthash.wbrUf01V.dpuf VEHICLES China propels rise of electric ultra-high-performance cars. Want an insanely fast ride with zero emissions? Startup NIO has the car: An electric two-seater with muscular European lines and a top speed of 195 miles per hour (313 kilometers per hour). The catch: The EP9 costs nearly $1.5 million. NIO, a Chinese-Western hybrid with bases in Shanghai, London and Silicon Valley, created it to showcase the company's technology… http://hosted2.ap.org/PAPIT/02db2d7cf27349608ffb3d3ba8872aa0/Article_2017-06-19-AS--China-Electric%20Muscle%20Cars/id-0205f75b08b34b68bbe64f967c410086 Bolt EV ad, EPA vs California, U.S. Senate electric cars, China emissions advice: Today's Car News. Today, we've got news on this year's electric Bolt EV (an ad!), the Senate's former electric cars (more than a century ago), a stand-down by EPA head and climate-denier Scott Pruitt, and California partnering with China on zero-emission vehicles. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111066_bolt-ev-ad-epa-vs-california-u-s-senate-electric-cars-china-emissions-advice-todays-car-news MISCELLANEOUS CARB Reviewing 2016 Enforcement Report This Week. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), part of the state's Environmental Protection Agency, will present the 2016 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards during their June 22 meeting and also are scheduled to hear the Enforcement Division's 2016 Annual Report. The Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards are presented annually to esteemed persons in the air quality and climate change community: https://eponline.com/articles/2017/06/19/carb-reviewing-2016-enforcement-report.aspx OPINIONS This EPA research program just got a rave scientific review. Trump wants to eliminate it. As Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt defended massive proposed budget cuts to a House subcommittee Thursday, experts from the nation’s top science organization voiced their support for one of the programs slated for elimination. A report released Thursday by the National Academy of Sciences… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/16/this-epa-research-program-just-got-a-rave-scientific-review-trump-wants-to-eliminate-it/?utm_term=.194003926671 Will Republicans play ball with Jerry Brown on cap-and-trade? Gov. Jerry Brown was doing his best Tuesday to fill the vacuum created by Donald Trump’s abdication in the fight against climate change, while engaging in some important politicking. Having just returned from a trip to China that was focused on climate policy, Brown brought together the prime minister of the island nation of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, and the governors. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article156384149.html#storylink=cpy Opinion: Air Quality board has to stop the district staff’s sneaky bid to allow more pollution. When it comes to protecting the planet from global warming, it’s not just the elephant in the china shop we should fear, it’s the rat in our midst. Earlier this month, President Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the historic Paris Agreement, dealing a blow to international efforts to combat climate change. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/19/opinion-air-quality-board-has-to-stop-the-districts-sneaky-bid-to-allow-more-pollution/ More drought-resistant water sources in San Diego County? Sure thing. The Sweetwater Authority announced plans for an expansion of its groundwater desalination plant in 2012 that would double its production from 5 million gallons a day to 10 million gallons a day. These are some of the tubes that house the membrane filters in the existing system. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/editorials/sd-sweetwater-authority-desalination-plant-20170616-story.html Act locally on climate with diesel emissions bill: Letter to the editor. The Paris climate accord is great public relations, but a farce in reality. Read the accord, and you'll see it's not more than a weak "feel good" agreement to try to improve conditions but lacking teeth. If Gov. Kate Brown wants to make a difference, she should put her efforts into restoring Senate Bill 1008, regarding diesel emissions, to its original state and getting it passed. http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/06/act_locally_on_climate_with_di.html Carbon Emissions Rising at the Slowest Rate in Decades. Why’s That? Globally, carbon emissions are rising. But they are doing so at the slowest rate since the 1980s. That’s the conclusion from oil giant BP, which says that the reason is that utilities are using less coal and they are using more renewable energy. And the corporate world has embraced the change. Specifically, renewable energy supplies rose by 12%... https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/06/carbon-emissions-rising-slowest-rate-decades-whys/ Many want to save Tangier — but how? Tangier residents are known for being self-reliant and resilient, as people who live on a tiny island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay need to be. Still, protecting the island from disappearing under the waves — thereby protecting both its unique culture and a valuable ecosystem — will require resources beyond the community. http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/life/2017/06/19/many-want-save-tangier-but-how/398954001/ Our View: On climate change, just ask a lobsterman. The effects of man-made climate change are real. All that's left is to. During a week in which much of the world was wondering whether the president of the United States considers climate change a threat, in a Portland hotel conference room full of people who spend their lives in the water, the question of man-made warming wasn’t even being asked. http://www.centralmaine.com/2017/06/19/our-view-on-climate-change-just-ask-a-lobsterman/ BLOGS Is California's Cap-and-Trade Program in Trouble? Early this month, on the same day that President Donald Trump announced he was pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, the California State Assembly voted on a bill of its own, designed to fight climate change. AB 378, authored by Southeast L.A. County Assembly member Cristina Garcia, would have updated the state's cap-and-trade program… http://www.laweekly.com/news/california-democrats-at-an-impasse-over-cap-and-trade-legislation-8329290 Keeping California’s Natural Gas System Safe. The massive natural gas leak at Aliso Canyon shined a light on California’s aging natural gas infrastructure. And five years of extreme drought also exacted its toll on transmission pipelines. Now the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has been awarded $4.6 million by the California Energy Commission for two projects https://www.environmentguru.com/pages/elements/element.aspx?id=5070375 Energy Secretary Rick Perry says carbon emissions not main driver for climate change. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Monday he does not believe carbon dioxide is a primary contributor to global warming, a statement at odds with mainstream scientific consensus but in line with the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/energy-secretary-rick-perry-says-carbon-emissions-not-main-driver-climate-change/ Warning over exposure to fatal heatwaves across globe amid rise in emissions. Almost three-quarters of the world's population will be exposed to deadly heatwaves by the end of the century if carbon emissions continue to rise at their present rate, research has shown. http://guernseypress.com/news/uk-news/2017/06/19/warning-over-exposure-to-fatal-heatwaves-across-globe-amid-rise-in-emissions/#DD7PxoR0jVAZawU9.99 Canadian group eyes oil-sands emissions. Producers in Alberta’s oil sands would face new reporting requirements and controls that toughened with rising emission rates under recommendations by a group advising the provincial government. The Oil Sands Advisory Group (OSAG) disclosed its recommendations after the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) predicted output from the oil sands will increase… http://www.ogj.com/articles/2017/06/groups-eye-oil-sands-emissions-production.html Paper: Focus on pickup trucks, not Priuses, to reduce gasoline use, emissions. Larger trucks and SUVs with powerful, high-displacement engines are the low-hanging fruit for any policymaker seeking the most efficient path to reducing gasoline use and the associated emissions, according to an issue brief by an expert in the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. http://news.rice.edu/2017/06/19/paper-focus-on-pickup-trucks-not-priuses-to-reduce-gasoline-use-emissions/#sthash.x9y76h0C.dpuf Alberta advisory group sets out recommendations on oilsands emissions cap. Alberta's Oil Sands Advisory Group is recommending a series of escalating measures including financial penalties and potentially halting projects to ensure greenhouse gas emissions from the oilsands remain within a mandated 100-megatonne limit. http://journalofcommerce.com/Resource/News/2017/6/Alberta-advisory-group-sets-out-recommendations-on-oilsands-emissions-cap-1024869W/ http://www.ogj.com/articles/2017/06/groups-eye-oil-sands-emissions-production.html Federal Pullback, Climate Change Could Boost State Spending On Disasters. The tornado hit the suburbs of east New Orleans at lunchtime on a mild Tuesday in February. The twister spun across mid-century ranch houses still etched with the spray-painted symbols that search and rescue squads left after Hurricane Katrina. At its calmest, the tornado tugged at asphalt shingles. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/federal-pullback-climate-change-could-boost-state_us_5947d957e4b024b7e0df4ddb California’s attorney general is becoming a big problem for Trump’s climate agenda. Xavier Becerra, California’s combative attorney general, has become the Golden State’s face of resistance to the Trump administration’s domestic initiatives, the blunt voice rejecting the president’s attempts to roll back the progressive immigration and environmental policies so central to California’s sense of itself. http://fusion.net/story/570170/california-attorney-general-trumps-climate-attacks/ New York Senate narrowly passes bill to reallocate funds for nuclear subsidies. The New York Senate voted 32-28 in favor of a measure to fund Zero Emissions Credits aimed at saving the state's nuclear facilities, but some clean energy advocates say the subsidies would come at the expense of regional efforts. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-york-senate-narrowly-passes-bill-to-reallocate-funds-for-nuclear-subsid/445272/ Boston creates website for climate change data removed from EPA's site. Boston is among 13 cities to have posted the EPA's climate change information, which includes research on global warming and emissions data. http://www.metro.us/news/local-news/boston/climate-change-epa-boston-website US eyed FCA diesels since 2015 – report. US regulators told Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in November 2015 they suspected some of the automaker's vehicles were equipped with secret software allowing them to violate emission control standards, according to a news agency report citing recently released emails. http://www.just-auto.com/news/us-eyed-fca-diesels-since-2015-report_id177125.aspx Creative Pie Slicing To Address Climate Policy Opposition. There are two fundamental, and fundamentally different, barriers to pricing greenhouse gases. The one economists tend to focus on is the economy-wide cost of reducing emissions: substituting to lower-carbon and (for now) higher cost production of energy and other products. That is, the hit to the size of the economic pie. http://www.theenergycollective.com/severinborenstein/2406934/creative-pie-slicing-address-climate-policy-opposition ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 16:18:02 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 22, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 22, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Gov. Brown in 'thick' of negotiations on cap and trade. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and lawmakers still aim to reach a deal this summer to extend the state's cap-and-trade system through 2030. Speaking at a conference presented by the clean energy trade group Advanced Energy Economy, state Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León (D) said lawmakers and the governor are "in the thick of negotiations right now"… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056422 Conservative climate plan could shield oil companies. A provision in a high-profile carbon tax plan could insulate companies that release greenhouse gases from lawsuits. The plan by the Climate Leadership Council, a group of Republican statesmen and economists, would place a $40 tax on each ton of carbon dioxide and roll back existing climate regulation. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056423 AIR POLLUTION Take a Look at the States Sending the Most Carbon Into the Air. A recent report distributed by a diverse group including Ceres, Bank of America Corp., the Natural Resources Defense Council and electricity suppliers Entergy Corp. and Exelon Corp. offers a state-by-state breakdown of carbon-dioxide emissions from power plants. Here are the highlights: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/take-a-look-at-the-states-sending-the-most-carbon-into-the-air London Mayor Seeks Pollution-Free Transport System by 2050. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan called for the city’s entire transport network to operate with zero greenhouse-gas emissions by the middle of the century under a 3.3 billion-pound ($4.2 billion) a year program aimed at reducing dangerous levels of pollution. Transport for London will gradually expand the city’s planned ultra-low emissions zone… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/london-mayor-seeks-pollution-free-transport-system-by-2050 State fines three companies for violating cargo handling equipment air quality rules. The California Air Resources Board has fined three companies $726,250 for failing to comply with the state’s cargo handling equipment regulation, which sets emission standards for a range of equipment used mostly at ports and railyards, including gantry cranes, yard trucks, and forklifts. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32798 Air pollution tied to survival odds for liver cancer patients. For people diagnosed with liver cancer, living in an area with heavy air pollution from industry, traffic or smoke is linked to lower odds of survival, a California study finds. The association between levels of tiny particles known as PM 2.5 in the air and death from liver cancer or from any cause was strongest for people… http://www.businessinsider.com/r-air-pollution-tied-to-survival-odds-for-liver-cancer-patients-2017-6 California Has Worst Air Quality in the U.S. A new report indicates that California has the worst air pollution of any state in the country. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2017 report on air pollution says California has the highest ozone levels of any state. The study was done analyzing levels of ozone and particle pollution in counties across the country. http://kfrog.cbslocal.com/2017/06/22/california-worst-air-pollution/ https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/21/california-named-us-state-worst-air-quality-yet/ Precedent-setting cap on oil refinery emissions delayed. Bay Area air regulators on Wednesday postponed adopting the nation’s first limits on greenhouses gases from oil refineries because of complaints that the public wasn’t given enough time to review 11th-hour changes. With both environmentalists and oil company workers complaining of insufficient notice, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District board agreed to wait… http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/06/21/precedent-setting-cap-on-oil-refinery-emissions-delayed/ D.C. Circuit sets argument date in long-running ozone case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has scheduled Sept. 14 oral arguments on two long-running lawsuits to U.S. EPA's implementation of its 2008 ozone standard. The suits, both filed two years ago, challenge various aspects of the agency's state implementation plan requirements… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056449 CLIMATE CHANGE NYC Weatherman Quits TV to Save Europe From Climate Change. Mike Favetta is heading to Italy to help companies cope with a changing planet. On the afternoon of June 1 in New York, meteorologist Mike Favetta was celebrating his last day working for local 24-hour TV station News 12 at his favorite spot in the Bronx's vanishing Little Italy. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/nyc-weatherman-quits-tv-to-save-europe-from-climate-change A major climate change study was canceled because of climate change. Scientists from the University of Manitoba set out to measure how climate change would impact sea ice in Hudson Bay, in northeastern Canada. Their goal was to help prepare local marine industries and the coast guard for what lay ahead. Unfortunately, as you can see in the video above, severe ice conditions caused by climate change… https://qz.com/1010657/a-major-climate-change-study-was-canceled-because-of-climate-change/ Council approves resolution on Paris climate accord. In the first voting session of the 2017-19 City Council, the body voted 9-1 today to recognize that global warming is occurring and that San Antonio will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. San Antonio joins other cities across the U.S. in the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda by its adoption and support of the Paris Agreement… http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Council-approves-resolution-on-Paris-climate-11239709.php Global warming struggle is like fight to end slavery — Gore. Former Vice President Al Gore compared humanity's struggle against global warming to moral movements of the past, including the abolition of slavery in the U.S., the fight against apartheid in South Africa, the suffrage movement and gay rights. He insisted the climate change fight can be won, given the pace of renewable energy expansion. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056443 Energy CEOs tell Pruitt they want carbon regulation. U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt asked utility CEOs about replacing the Clean Power Plan. Gage Skidmore/Flickr Dozens of power industry executives who flew to Washington for a Monday meeting with U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had three minutes apiece to tell him whether they want to replace the Clean Power Plan. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056398 Conservative climate plan could shield oil companies. A provision in a high-profile carbon tax plan could insulate companies that release greenhouse gases from lawsuits. The plan by the Climate Leadership Council, a group of Republican statesmen and economists, would place a $40 tax on each ton of carbon dioxide and roll back existing climate regulation. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056423 Perry says 'I don't mind being skeptical' on warming. Energy Secretary Rick Perry reasserted his skepticism about climate change yesterday when lawmakers pressed him to explain the impacts that people are having on global temperatures. Speaking to the Senate Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056421 Dems ramp up post-Paris messaging, action plans. Democrats are on a messaging blitz today, highlighting the response at the federal, state and local level to President Trump's bombshell announcement about U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local leaders, and the New Democrat Coalition, which includes 61 members of Congress… https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060056406/search?keyword=calif HEATWAVE No Heat Safety Rules Yet For Indoor Workplaces. California requires employers in several outdoor industries to take extra precautions on hot days to protect their workers, but the state has yet to establish heat safety rules for indoor workplaces. Paola Laverde is with the state's workplace safety agency, Cal/OSHA. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/06/21/there-are-rules-to-protect-outdoor-workers-during-hot-weather-what-about-indoor-employees/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES Companies fined for selling illegal truck aftermarket parts. The California Air Resources Board says it has reached settlements with Derive Systems Inc., and Hypertech Inc. to resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code related to the advertising and sales of illegal aftermarket performance parts in California, especially tuner products made for diesel pick-up truck engines... http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32800 FUELS Zinke pledges to enforce Obama-era methane rule amid rewrite. The Trump administration will enforce an Obama-era regulation aimed at restricting harmful methane emissions from oil and gas production, even as it seeks to rewrite the rule to be more industry-friendly, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Tuesday. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/zinke-pledges-to-enforce-obama-era-methane-rule-amid-rewrite/2017/06/20/367e3c14-55f3-11e7-840b-512026319da7_story.html?utm_term=.74afe151e88f BLM methane rule delay has NM businesses and lawmakers at odds (again). While the state's Democratic lawmakers are fighting in the District of Columbia to keep Obama-era energy policies in place, New Mexico business leaders said the Environmental Protection Agency is on the right track with its plan to delay for two years Bureau of Land Management methane rules meant to curb methane emissions from oil and gas wells. http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2017/06/22/blm-methane-rule-delay-has-nm-businesses-and.html Enough tall oil for biofuels, biomaterials and energy use, study concludes. International energy and climate consultancy Ecofys has completed a new study into crude tall oil (CTO) availability, current usage, whether the feedstock creates additional demand for land, and if the use of CTO in advanced biofuels can have a distortive effects on markets. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12501/enough_tall_oil_for_biofuels_biomaterials_and_energy_use_study_concludes/ VEHICLES The U.K. Wants to Lead World in Driverless and Electric Vehicles. The U.K. government plans to invest more than 800 million pounds ($1 billion) in new driverless and zero-emission vehicle technology as it seeks to boost its economy while leaving the European Union. Investment in research and new recharging infrastructure is intended to make Britain a “leader” in electric and autonomous vehicles… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/u-k-seeks-to-lead-world-in-driverless-and-electric-vehicles VW RECALL Interpol seeks five ex-VW managers over emissions fraud, report says. The U.S. has issued international arrest warrants for five former Volkswagen managers accused of wrongdoing in connection with the carmaker's diesel emissions-cheating scandal, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on Thursday. The five ex-managers and developers, including two executives under former CEO Martin Winterkorn… http://www.autonews.com/article/20170622/OEM02/170629914/interpol-seeks-five-ex-vw-managers-over-emissions-fraud-report-says GREEN ENERGY The $123 Billion Question Hanging Over Renewable Energy. Different standards, lack of regulator hinder assessments. The green-bond market has boomed on the allure of investments that help the environment. Now, the industry is trying to show that the reality matches these ambitions. Advisers and rating companies are starting to track the environmental effect of projects funded by green bonds, such as the impact on air pollution. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-22/green-bond-mania-spurs-demand-to-back-up-climate-saving-promises The Energy 202: Trump takes on wind energy, talks solar-powered border wall in Iowa speech. On Wednesday evening, an evidently gleeful President Trump gave a campaign-style speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in which he attacked some of his favorite objects of ire in front of diehard fans, including Democrats, the Russia investigation and the news media. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/06/22/the-energy-202-trump-takes-on-wind-energy-talks-solar-powered-border-wall-in-iowa-speech/594aaf07e9b69b2fb981ddef/?utm_term=.9ca59e2249f0 California invested heavily in solar power. Now there's so much that other states are sometimes paid to take it. On 14 days during March, Arizona utilities got a gift from California: free solar power. Well, actually better than free. California produced so much solar power on those days that it paid Arizona to take excess electricity its residents weren’t using to avoid overloading its own power lines. http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-fi-electricity-solar/#nt=oft12aH-1la1 The Rise Of Wind Energy Raises Questions About Its Reliability. Steven Somsen's farm got a new addition last year, breaking up fields of wheat and soybeans that span as far as the eye can see from his rural North Dakota home. "We ended up with some towers on our property," he says, nodding toward the giant, spinning, white wind turbines dotting the farmland around his house. http://www.npr.org/2017/06/22/532763718/the-rise-of-wind-energy-raises-questions-about-its-reliability EDF Renewable Energy Signs Wind & Solar PPAs To Supply 600 Megawatts. Energy company EDF Renewable Energy has this week reportedly signed two separate Power Purchase Agreements for solar and wind energy projects that together total 600 megawatts. On Wednesday, US independent power producer EDF Renewable Energy announced that it had signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) agreement… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/22/edf-renewable-energy-signs-wind-solar-ppas-supply-600-mw/ Trina Solar Modules Now Producing Electricity At India’s 2nd Largest Solar Power Project. Trina Solar recently issued a press release boasting of the fact that its solar modules have started feeding electricity to the grid in India from a large-scale project of SB Energy, a joint venture company of Softbank, Foxconn Technology and Bharti Enterprises. The project, with a capacity of 455 megawatts (DC), is perhaps the… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/22/trina-solar-modules-now-producing-electricity-indias-2nd-largest-solar-power-project/ Brooklyn homeowners sell green energy to neighbors. Solar power, or so-called green energy, appeals to Brooklyn homeowner Michael Guerra. A few years ago, he installed solar panels on the roof of his Park Slope brownstone. "Electricity only gets more expensive over time, and it just seemed to me to be a one-time investment in order to cap my cost," he said. http://www.fox5ny.com/news/262992155-story Industry scrambles to build projects before tax window closes. The wind industry is scrambling to exploit a federal tax incentive well before it disappears in 2020, according to industry insiders. Under a deal reached in Congress in 2015, the production tax credit is shrinking every year until it vanishes at the end of the decade. 2016 was the last full year to get the PTC's full value; projects this year can claim 80 percent. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056420 Trump’s solar wall plans need a clean view. US president Donald Trump’s suggestion to add solar panels to a wall he wants built along the border with Mexico may require some unexpected cooperation from America’s southern neighbor to make it a reality – Mexico will have to agree to help keep it clean. Mr. Trump said on Wednesday in Iowa that the structure… http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/trumps-solar-wall-plans-need-a-clean-view MISCELLANEOUS Trump hire for key enviro office scorns climate 'alarmists'. A staunch critic of federal rules who has written passionate rebukes against "climate alarmism" has been hired for a top job in the White House's environmental office. Mario Loyola is the new associate director of regulatory reform at the White House's Council on Environmental Quality. He previously worked at the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/22/stories/1060056397 OPINIONS Who needs Paris? U.S. is well on its way to lower emissions with economic, technological changes. Even as President Trump was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate deal, environmentalists — and former President Barack Obama — said it didn’t matter, and the U.S. was locked into a low-emissions future anyway. With the dust of the decision settling, analysts have taken a closer look and say it’s still possible, though difficult… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/21/paris-climate-goals-attainable-without-us-governme/ Ninth Circuit Court To California: You Can't Always Get What You Want. America’s most regulation-friendly court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, stunned the public on May 10th by acceding to a Trump Administration request for additional time to consider whether a state agency, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), should have unprecedented power to materially impede interstate commerce. https://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2017/06/22/ninth-circuit-court-to-california-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want/#2d174d166d4e BLOGS Mayor debuts green transport plan, as London faces air pollution warning. Wide-ranging new strategy promises huge expansion of cycle network and the delivery of a zero emission transport network by 2050. With perfect timing, the unveiling of the Mayor of London's wide-ranging new transport strategy yesterday coincided with the triggering of an emerging air quality alert… https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3012420/mayor-debuts-green-transport-plan-as-london-faces-air-pollution-warning Electric vehicles inefficient way to reduce CO2 emissions: study. Subsidizing electric and hybrid cars would not only cost Canadian citizens a fortune, but would also ultimately provide little environmental improvement, according to a recent study by the Montreal Economic Institute. Subsidizing the purchase of electric cars in Canada is an inefficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions… https://phys.org/news/2017-06-electric-vehicles-inefficient-co2-emissions.html#jCp Canadian Oil And Gas At Risk Under Stricter Emissions Rules, Study Finds. It is among the most exposed industries, says think-tank. A study by financial think-tank Carbon Tracker says Canadian oil and gas companies rank among some of the most exposed to climate policy risk. The report is part of an effort to increase disclosure on climate risks in the industry by looking… http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/06/21/canadian-oil-and-gas-at-risk-under-stricter-emissions-rules-stu_a_22509182/ That Tesla Battery Emissions Study Making the Rounds? It's Bunk. No, making a Tesla battery does not equal eight years of driving an internal combustion car. If you're predisposed to hate electric cars, then there's a wonderful story making the rounds that'll support your worldview. It claims that the production of Tesla battery produces carbon emissions equivalent to driving an internal-combustion vehicle for eight years—8.2, to be precise. http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/hybrid-electric/news/a27039/tesla-battery-emissions-study-fake-news/ States Taking Lead on Reducing Methane Emissions. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. While it does not last as long as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, methane absorbs more energy and consequently has a 100-year global warming potential 28 to 36 times greater than that of CO2. The major sources of methane emissions… http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/id=1202790746332/States-Taking-Lead-on-Reducing-Methane-Emissions?slreturn=20170522153046 ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 15:12:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 23, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Workshop on June 26, 2017, that will focus on the design of a pilot financial mechanism for dairy-related projects producing low carbon fuels, as required under SB 1383 (Lara). The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm. -------------------------------------------------- Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment?. If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm -------------------------------------------------- The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Xi Jinping Is Set for a Big Gamble With China’s Carbon Trading Market. As other countries look to China to take the lead in fighting global warming after President Trump’s rejection of the Paris climate agreement, President Xi Jinping is pushing ahead with an ambitious plan to build the world’s largest market for carbon emissions permits. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/world/asia/china-cap-trade-carbon-greenhouse.html AIR POLLUTION Tucson-area ozone pollution worst since 2012. The Tucson metro area's air is suffering its worst ozone pollution since 2012. The Arizona Daily Star reports (http://bit.ly/2sKacRk ) the region has exceeded federal standards for ground-level ozone five times this year. Beth Gorman, a Pima County environmental quality manager, says officials don't know exactly why the ozone levels are so high, but typically… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AZ_TUCSON_POOR_AIR_QUALITY_AZOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District files suit over alleged open burning violation. A pollution control district alleges that limited partnership in Fresno violated regulations regarding open burning. San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District filed a complaint on May 16 in the Fresno County Superior Court against Poonia Family Limited Partnership… http://norcalrecord.com/stories/511128003-san-joaquin-valley-unified-air-pollution-control-district-files-suit-over-alleged-open-burning-violation EPA cuts will harm NC’s air and water quality, hurt fishing, says state agency. Planned staff cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency, which employs more than 2,000 people in Research Triangle Park, are seen as the beginning of major cutbacks to scientific research and pollution enforcement in North Carolina. This week’s buyout offer to more than 1,200 employees agency-wide comes in… http://www.heraldsun.com/news/article157827029.html#storylink=cpy Sadiq Khan: Gove must get a grip on 'life and death' air pollution crisis. Mayor of London wants urgent meeting with new environment secretary to press for action on toxic air quality. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has requested an urgent meeting with the new environment secretary, Michael Gove, to urge him to get a grip on Britain’s “life and death” air pollution crisis. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/23/sadiq-khan-michael-gove-life-and-death-air-pollution-crisis CLIMATE CHANGE Urban Farming Won't Save Us From Climate Change. Community gardens serve many purposes. Slowing climate change isn't one of them. In places such as New York and Boston, the appeal of the self-sustaining rooftop farm is irresistible. If only enough unused space were converted to fertile fields, the thinking goes, local kale and spinach for the masses could be a reality, even in the most crowded neighborhoods. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/urban-farming-won-t-save-us-from-climate-change Mexico now dependent on US natural gas for hitting emissions targets. Mexico is becoming increasingly dependent on U.S.-produced natural gas to keep its lights on and its emissions low, a Mexican official told U.S. energy regulators in Washington Thursday at an all-day meeting on energy security. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mexico-now-dependent-on-us-natural-gas-for-hitting-emissions-targets/article/2626929 Why is China suddenly leading the climate change effort? It’s a business decision. China watchers and other commentators debate China’s resolve and capability to fill the political vacuum left by the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord this month. Why would China be eager to take leadership on climate change? https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/06/22/why-is-china-suddenly-leading-the-climate-change-effort-its-a-business-decision/?utm_term=.5b1c9a416c97 Climate change threatens to wipe some islands off the map. Leaders of island nations are worried about future of Paris agreement to limit emissions. To small island nations where the land juts just above the rising seas, the U.S. pulling out of the Paris climate change pact makes the future seem as fragile and built on hope as a sand castle. Top scientists say it was already likely that Earth’s temperatures… https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/climate-change-threatens-to-wipe-some-islands-off-the-map/2017/06/23/45798a1a-5770-11e7-ba90-f5875b7d1876_story.html?utm_term=.4dbaba297ab9 On Gardening: Healthy Soils Initiative for home gardens. A recent On Gardening column draw attention to California’s Healthy Soils Initiative, which is part of “California’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing carbon sequestration in and on natural and working lands.” The initiative is part of the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture programs, which include coordinated work on efficient water usage… http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/lifestyle/20170622/on-gardening-healthy-soils-initiative-for-home-gardens Melting and cracking – is Antarctica falling apart? Although fracturing and surface melting on the Larsen C ice shelf might sound like indicators of climate change, these processes are natural. Antarctica boasts a great many superlatives: it is the driest continent, the coldest, the remotest, the windiest and the highest on average. Right now, during midwinter, it is also the darkest. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/23/melting-and-cracking-is-antarctica-falling-apart-climate-change California enters the global climate stage. As Trump backs off climate agreement, California tackles ambitious renewables goal. Este artículo también está disponible en español aquí. California is often the first state in the West to test new solutions to social and environmental problems. These days, the state is at the fore of a much more ambitious challenge, as it finds its progressive ideals… http://www.hcn.org/articles/california-enters-the-global-climate-stage At their core, environmental issues are women's issues. Susan Noonan is the president of the Woman's City Club of Greater Cincinnati. President Trump’s recent announcement to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate agreement was a major disappointment to most Americans who believe that climate change is real and urgent. http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/06/23/its-going-take-more-women-leadership-tackle-climate-change/390946001/ Huge Icelandic Eruption Mimics Industrial Emissions. The Holuhraun lava field explosion of 2014 and 2015 could help scientists sharpen climate change models. The largest Icelandic eruption in 230 years offers a unique look into how aerosols affect the atmosphere—and an international team of researchers says it could sharpen the way scientists model climate change. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-icelandic-eruption-mimics-industrial-emissions/ CEOs stick with Trump despite Paris withdrawal. When President Trump made a dramatic declaration to exit the Paris climate agreement three weeks ago, a question loomed: Would the CEOs who advise Trump and are staunch advocates of climate change leave his side? The answer appears to be no. Even as they lend their names to efforts to fulfill U.S. pledges without Trump, many continue to engage with the president on his business councils… https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060056476 Climate change or global warming? One persuades more voters. The phrases "global warming" and "climate change" are often used interchangeably, but more voters doubt the existence of global warming. Most Americans — Democrats and Republicans alike — believe climate change is happening. Far fewer agree that global warming is real, according to a new study published yesterday in the journal Climatic Change. Democrats… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/23/stories/1060056482 VEHICLES Tesla in Talks to Set Up Electric Car Factory in Shanghai. Tesla Motors is in discussions to establish a factory in Shanghai, its first in China, a move that could bolster its efforts in one of its major markets even as it further lifts China’s position as a builder of electric cars. In a statement on Thursday, Tesla said it needed to set up more overseas factories to make cars that customers could afford. Such a strategy is a must in China, which charges steep tariffs for imported cars. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/22/business/tesla-factory-china.html Chargeway: the best electric-car idea you've never heard of. Pretty much everyone knows how to put fuel into a conventional car. You pull up to the pump, open the vehicle's fuel door, put in a credit card, select diesel or one of three grades of gasoline, lift the hose, and pump. (In New Jersey and Oregon, someone else does this for you.) Electric-car charging isn't quite that simple. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111182_chargeway-the-best-electric-car-idea-youve-never-heard-of Eco-Tip: Incentive is for new, used electric cars. A new incentive program available from Southern California Edison provides a payment of $450 to owners of new or used plug-in cars. It covers both all-electric cars (such as the Chevy Bolt) as well as cars running on electric power before transitioning to a gas engine (such as the Chevy Volt). Previous rebates, such as the California Rebate… http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2017/06/23/eco-tip-incentive-new-used-electric-cars/422248001/ Report: Consumer Benefits of Increased Efficiency in Light-Duty Vehicles. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has released a briefing outlining the consumer benefits of increased efficiency in 2025-2030 light-duty vehicles in the U.S. As noted in the report introduction, U.S. regulatory agencies have been conducting a number of studies over the past two years… https://ngtnews.com/report-consumer-benefits-increased-vehicle-efficiency GREEN ENERGY Solar energy powers clean water, business opportunities for refugees. Sadick Thenest remembers how his 8-year-old daughter had a narrow brush with death two years ago, when she contracted cholera after drinking contaminated water. “She was so gaunt, weak and had terrible diarrhea,” said the refugee from Burundi. “A slight delay in rushing her to hospital would have meant something else - but with God’s grace she survived.” http://www.reuters.com/article/us-africa-refugees-energy-solar-idUSKBN19E1CB?feedType=RSS&virtualBrandChannel=11563 Trump’s putdown of wind energy whips up a backlash in Iowa. President Trump’s putdown of wind energy at his Iowa rally was denounced Thursday across the state, which takes pride in its position as a national leader in wind generation. Trump was talking up his support for coal during his speech in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday night when he said… https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/trumps-putdown-of-wind-energy-whips-up-a-backlash-in-iowa/2017/06/22/4e299a9a-578b-11e7-840b-512026319da7_story.html?utm_term=.64777b7b78a1 Groups lose suit seeking to save trees from solar farm. Environmental groups have lost a lawsuit seeking to block a New Jersey theme park from cutting down nearly 15,000 trees to make way for a solar farm. The groups opposed approval granted by the Jackson Township committee and planning board to allow Six Flags Great Adventure and KDC Solar to move forward with the project that… http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/23/groups-lose-suit-seeking-to-save-trees-from-solar-/ Scientists debate: could renewable energy entirely replace fossil fuels in U.S. by 2050? Scientists generally debate their studies and projections in relatively civil language, but perhaps the currently adversarial tenor of U.S. politics has spilled over into science. A 2015 study on the potential for renewable energy use in the U.S. has now produced not only a stringent attack… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111183_scientists-debate-could-renewable-energy-entirely-replace-fossil-fuels-in-u-s-by-2050 A border wall made of solar panels wouldn't actually be good for the environment. Is this a bright idea? Physically imposing… aesthetically pleasing… and solar? On Wednesday, President Trump added a new descriptor to the wall he'd like to see built along the United States’ southern border. http://www.popsci.com/border-wall-solar-panels#page-2 In state where big wind thrives, a scuffle over rooftop solar. Kansas utilities say solar-owning homeowners are in a class by themselves. Or they should be. The utilities and staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission are asking state regulators to agree, and deem that some sort of new rate structure is appropriate to ensure utilities can fully recover costs of maintaining the grid. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/23/stories/1060056496 MISCELLANEOUS Project gets people in San Francisco bicycling. Volunteers have given away hundreds of bikes in San Francisco. Bicycles are an eco-friendly way to get around. But many people do not know how to ride a bike, and some people cannot afford one. So an organization in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood came up with a solution. https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2017/06/project-gets-people-in-san-francisco-bicycling/ OPINIONS Review Free juice! Hyundai reimburses electric charging costs to Ioniq drivers. I have made no secret of my affection for electric cars. Seduced by their smooth, strong, silent motors, and the promise of never visiting a gas station again, the battery electric vehicles represent a real promise for a future of petroleum-free motoring. But not everyone agrees with me. http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-hyundai-ioniq-review-20170624-story.html Gov. Brown prepares for a new climate battle, and it probably will cost you. It’s been miserable out there. Death Valley reached a deadly 127-degree record. Flights were canceled in Phoenix because it isn’t safe to take off when the temperature exceeds 117 degrees. Parts of our valley sizzled at 110. And there was U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry blathering on CNBC about how he doubts carbon dioxide and humans cause climate change… http://www.sacbee.com/article157888664.html#storylink=cpy Letter: Congress must act on climate change. I recently installed air-conditioning in a house in the mountains. The lovely couple had lived there for 50 years without needing it, but the summers are now getting too hot. It wasn't the time nor place to teach these Coalville residents about the science of climate change, but if they read this perhaps they can connect the dots that… http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5411862-155/letter-congress-must-act-on-climate These 9 electric vehicles are fun, durable, and will make your commute more bearable. Seeing an adult on a scooter or skateboard isn't as rare of a sighting as it used to be. That's because scooters and boards are easy last-mile solutions: they're light, relatively inexpensive, and don't take up a ton of space. There's really no reason to not go electric, either. http://www.businessinsider.com/electric-scooters-skateboards-commute-2017-6/#cycleboard-1 When your next breath depends on clean air you favor the Clean Air Act. The 19th annual “air quality report card” released in April by the American Lung Association, called “State of the Air,” showed continued improvement in air quality overall. But I was especially pleased to see that my own county received an “A” for ozone pollution and an “A” for particle pollution. http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article157704919.html#storylink=cpy Another View: Cap-and trade is improving air, protecting jobs in California. In her recent Community Voices article, Caroline Farrell of the Center for Race, Poverty and the Environment claimed that California legislators are not doing enough to address air quality and climate change in the Central Valley (“Salas puts Kern residents’ health on a back burner,” June 16). http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/another-view-cap-and-trade-is-improving-air-protecting-jobs/article_b1a23a3f-3c0c-55c5-8fe7-0acc977f59ff.html BLOGS Here’s why Big Oil would back a carbon reduction plan. Some of the biggest oil and gas producers in the country have now endorsed a plan to tax emissions from their products. Why would they do that? And why are some environmental activists scorning corporate support for a climate action plan? On Tuesday the Climate Leadership Council announced that energy giants Exxon Mobil, BP, Shell, and Total had joined seven other corporations… http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/339069-heres-why-big-oil-would-back-a-carbon-reduction-plan As Climate Change Threatens Food Supplies, Seed Saving Is An Ancient Act Of Resilience. In Norway, a high-tech seed vault flooded from melting permafrost. In Montana, locals keep their seeds in the library. On Feb. 26, 2008, a $9-million underground seed vault began operating deep in the permafrost on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, just 810 miles from the North Pole. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/as-climate-change-threatens-food-supplies-seed-saving_us_594c8780e4b0326c0a8d074c Study Shows People Are Hotter On ‘Climate Change’ Than ‘Global Warming’. For Republicans in particular, it seems to matter what you call it. A new study finds that language matters when it comes to people’s perceptions of climate science: More people said they believe in “climate change” than in “global warming.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-global-warming-terms_us_594bea2fe4b01cdedf017597 Will California Overhaul Its Cap-and-Trade Program? Far from California on the flatlands of Central Arkansas, a group of four farmers are applying themselves toward growing more climate-friendly rice. It’s a little-known issue: Rice grows in a soup of standing water and microscopic organisms. https://www.laprogressive.com/greenhouse-gases/ Why Acting on Climate Change is Good Strategy for India. As PM Modi sets out to visit the US for his first meeting with President Trump, the approach of the two leaders on climate change cannot be more different. President Trump has ceded leadership on the issue by pulling the US out of the Paris Agreement earlier this month. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/why-acting-climate-change-good-strategy-india Electric vehicles inefficient way to reduce CO2 emissions: Study. Subsidizing the purchase of electric cars in Canada is an inefficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that is not cost effective, according to a Montreal Economic Institute study released Thursday. Montreal: Subsidizing the purchase of electric cars in Canada is an inefficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions… http://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/cars/electric-vehicles-inefficient-way-to-reduce-co2-emissions-study/59288391 The trouble with geoengineers “hacking the planet”. Geoengineering seems to be the new darling idea making the rounds of the science and technology media. But what is geoengineering? Loosely speaking, the term refers to deliberate manipulation of the Earth’s ecosystem so as to achieve some desired climate effect—usually a cooling to offset the effects of human-caused global warming. http://thebulletin.org/trouble-geoengineers-“hacking-planet”10858 Autonomous Vehicles Will Improve Safety, Lower Costs to Drivers. Ultimately, automated driving systems could usher in a host of benefits, from improved highway safety to reduced emissions and congestion. They might also save money, increase productivity and give more people access to mobility. Visitors to the General Motors Futurama pavilion at the New York World’s Fair of 1939 saw something quite amazing: an automated highway system. http://www.govtech.com/fs/Autonomous-Vehicles-Will-Improve-Safety-Lower-Costs-to-Drivers.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 Jun 2017 16:40:58 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 26, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 26, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff has posted the staff presentation for the Workshop on June 26, 2017, that will focus on the design of a pilot financial mechanism for dairy-related projects producing low carbon fuels, as required under SB 1383 (Lara). The presentation can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm -------------------------------------------------- Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm -------------------------------------------------- The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE AIR POLLUTION Trump administration looks to ease rule on toxic dust exposure. The Trump administration wants to exclude the shipbuilding and construction industries from an Obama-era rule to reduce workers’ exposure to a toxic material that can cause a deadly lung disease. The rule finalized on Jan. 9 reduces permissible exposure to beryllium from 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air to 0.2 micrograms of beryllium per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour period. http://thehill.com/regulation/pending-regs/339130-labor-dept-proposed-changes-to-worker-protection-rule CLIMATE CHANGE Carbon in Atmosphere Is Rising, Even as Emissions Stabilize. On the best days, the wind howling across this rugged promontory has not touched land for thousands of miles, and the arriving air seems as if it should be the cleanest in the world. But on a cliff above the sea, inside a low-slung government building, a bank of sophisticated machines sniffs that air day and night, revealing telltale indicators of the… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/26/climate/carbon-in-atmosphere-is-rising-even-as-emissions-stabilize.html A flurry of recent statements show widespread climate doubt in the Trump administration. After President Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, journalists repeatedly asked the White House what he thought about climate change — and couldn’t get straight answers. Since then, though, additional statements from Trump and members of his administration have provided… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/23/there-really-isnt-much-mystery-about-what-trump-and-his-government-think-about-climate-change/?utm_term=.a3b906b30363 Sea level rise isn’t just happening, it’s getting faster. In at least the third such study published in the past year, scientists have confirmed seas are rising, and the rate of sea level rise is increasing as time passes — a sobering punchline for coastal communities that are only now beginning to prepare for a troubling future. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/26/sea-level-rise-isnt-just-happening-its-getting-faster/?utm_term=.613a5ac27d85&wpisrc=nl_most-draw7&wpmm=1 Mayors seize initiative on climate. With the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, national policy on climate change will emerge from U.S. cities working to reduce emissions and become more resilient to rising sea levels, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said at the annual U.S. Conferences of Mayors meeting in Miami Beach. The conference supported the Paris agreement… http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Mayors-seize-initiative-on-climate-11244846.php Experts: US exiting climate pact may doom some small islands. To small island nations where the land juts just above the rising seas, the U.S. pulling out of the Paris global warming pact makes the future seem as fragile and built on hope as a sand castle. Top scientists say it was already likely that Earth's temperatures and the world's seas will keep rising to a point where some island states may not survive through the next 100 years. http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/science/article/Experts-US-exiting-climate-pact-may-doom-some-11239108.php US Mayors Push Back Against President Trump On Climate Change. While Republicans and Democrats in Washington deeply divided over how to deal with climate change, the mayors of more than 250 cities are taking a stand. On the final day of the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Miami Beach, they unanimously backed an ambitious commitment to have their cities run entirely on renewable sources, such as wind and solar, in two decades. http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/06/26/us-mayors-push-back-against-president-trump-on-climate-change/ U.S. mayors promise climate action, rebuke Trump. U.S. mayors voted today at their annual meeting in Miami Beach on resolutions aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions, approving a proposal to reach 100 percent clean energy by 2035. If each of the 1,481 cities represented in the U.S. Conference of Mayors achieves zero-carbon emissions energy by 2035, national greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 619… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/26/stories/1060056569 Meet Jerry Brown, from 'Gov. Moonbeam' to climate beacon. Jerry Brown was taking in the rare sight of pandas gamboling on wooden platforms and munching bamboo when the impatience inside him spilled out. "They look a little lazy," he said after observing politely. "They do a lot of sitting around, don't they?"Brown doesn't have time to waste. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060056541 HEATWAVE 12 billion gallons of water pour into Lake Tahoe amid this week's heat wave. The process of the Sierra Nevada spring snow melt sped up this week as a heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to parts of the Western United States. A thawing snowpack that's massive after a brutal winter fed rivers and reservoirs with high-flowing runoff. One place that saw a stunning impact from all the runoff is Lake Tahoe. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Lake-Tahoe-filling-up-snow-melt-run-off-Sierra-11242256.php DIESEL ACTIVITIES Rare electric school buses slowly gain traction. Manufacturers are gearing up this year to provide school districts with hundreds of electric student buses as they replace aging diesel rigs. Electric school buses are rare right now. They number in the dozens nationwide, but that stands to change as they move beyond the demonstration and pilot phase with improved technology. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/26/stories/1060056560 GREEN ENERGY The Latest: US Mayors OK Plan to Use Only Renewable Energy. The Latest on the U.S. Conference of Mayors' resolutions to fight climate change (all times local): 12:50 p.m. A bipartisan group of mayors from across the country has unanimously backed an ambitious commitment for U.S. cities to run entirely on renewable sources such as wind and solar in two decades. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2017-06-26/the-latest-us-mayors-ok-plan-to-use-only-renewable-energy Rooftop Solar Sales Plummet in California. California saw installation of rooftop solar panels plummet during the first three months of this year, according to new data from a clean-energy analyst. The numbers from Greentech Media (GTM) show residential solar installations in California fell more than 30 percent in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/06/26/rooftop-solar-sales-plummet-in-california/ Scientists search a gorge for the secrets of wind. A team of researchers looking for ways to expand the use of wind power just finished measuring wind strengths in one of the toughest areas in the world to study it, the gusty, meandering Columbia River Gorge. The 80-mile gorge between Washington and Oregon amounts to a freeway for winds entering from the Pacific Ocean. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/26/stories/1060056538 MISCELLANEOUS Los Angeles Metro approves $1.4B Gold Line funding extension. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors last week agreed to pay for an 11.5-mile, $1.4 billion extension to the Gold Line light-rail route despite not having all the necessary funding in place, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. A voter-approved, half-cent sales tax hike, Measure M, will pay for all but $249 million of the San Gabriel Valley project. http://www.constructiondive.com/news/los-angeles-metro-approves-14b-gold-line-funding-extension/445763/ OPINIONS Here's the real problem with trying to tax our way out of the climate crisis. Fool's gold glitters as brightly as the real thing, but a lot of valuable time and money can be wasted figuring out the difference. The proposal to price carbon pollution in America put forward recently by noted conservatives and fossil fuel companies may be a fresh, constructive way to tackle climate change, but make no mistake… http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/26/heres-the-real-problem-with-trying-to-tax-our-way-out-of-the-climate-crisis-commentary.html BLOGS Climate Change Could Threaten Up To 2 Billion Refugees By 2100. “It’s coming at us faster than we thought.” Charles Geisler, a sociologist at Cornell University, spent much of his career researching where poor people go when rich corporations swoop in and buy the land out from under their feet. But his focus began to shift in 2005, after observing how storm surges tainted farmland in Bangladesh with salt water. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-refugees_us_59506463e4b0da2c731c5e73 How to Tell If Your Reps Are Serious About Climate Change. In the wake of Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, how serious are your elected leaders about fighting back? Perhaps no president in recent times has unified the country, and the globe, as effectively as Donald Trump. In the hours following his rejection of the Paris climate accord, pretty much everyone who didn't actually work… http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/how-politicians-must-fight-climate-change-in-the-trump-era-w489549 California is generating so much solar energy, it's paying other states to take it Massive investment coupled with falling prices has created a perfect renewable storm in the Golden State. The Golden State may want to consider changing its nickname to the Solar State. According to a recent expose in the Los Angeles Times, California's solar boom is growing so fast and… https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/energy/blogs/california-generating-so-much-solar-energy-its-paying-other-states-take-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: Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:07:29 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 27, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 27, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm -------------------------------------------------- The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/ls i The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Deadline looms for major cap-and-trade vote. Negotiations over the future of California's cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases are coming down to the wire, with Gov. Jerry Brown (D) seeking consensus among industry, business and all stripes of environmentalists. Bill language currently taking shape in Sacramento would extend the system through 2030, but it would significantly adjust the program with a firm price ceiling and limits on carbon offsets. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/27/stories/1060056630 AIR POLLUTION U.S., Colorado sue PDC Energy, claiming Clean Air Act violations. The Trump administration and the state of Colorado sued PDC Energy Inc. on Monday, claiming the company violated the federal Clean Air Act by allowing unlawful emissions from storage tanks. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado by the Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency and the state, seeks civil penalties… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pdc-energy-cleanair-idUSKBN19H26A China aims to reduce pollution with new 'Forest City' It’s a drop in the bucket, but at least a move in the right direction. China has broken ground on a new “forest city,” meant to curb the effects of air pollution in the region. The city’s buildings and structures will all be covered in nearly 1 million plants and 40,000 trees. The project aims to use the greenery to absorb almost 10,000 tons of CO2… http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/china-aims-reduce-pollution-new-forest-city-article-1.3279561 China to build straddling buses on highways to avoid t Court deals a blow to Kern County oil train terminal. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District violated the California Environmental Quality Act when it approved permits for the Bakersfield Crude Terminal in Taft, the California 5th District Court of Appeals says in a unpublished ruling. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32852 http://www.4-traders.com/news/Earthjustice-California-Court-Overturns-Permit-Approval-For-Bakersfield-Oil-Train-Terminal--24661479/ Superfund demolition brings more questions than answers. Residents living in the U.S.S. Lead Superfund Site in East Chicago left a Monday public hearing by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development about the demolition of the West Calumet Housing Complex confounded by a lack of answers. Residents peppered officials with questions about the plan… http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-east-chicago-lead-raze-st-0628-20170627-story.html Justices decline mine spill, air pollution cases. The Supreme Court today declined to add two environmental cases to its docket for the fall term. Justices denied New Mexico's attempt to bring a lawsuit against Colorado over U.S. EPA's 2015 Gold King abandoned mine spill. The court also declined to review a case over EPA authority to apply emissions standards during industrial equipment malfunctions. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060056592 European cities ban diesels to curb emissions cheating. Large cities across Europe — including Munich, London, Paris, Oslo and Madrid — are banning or limiting diesel vehicles over emissions concerns. While national governments have been slow to respond to emissions scandals from BMW AG and others, cities are cracking down. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/27/stories/1060056633 CLIMATE CHANGE Carbon in Atmosphere Is Rising, Even as Emissions Stabilize. On the best days, the wind howling across this rugged promontory has not touched land for thousands of miles, and the arriving air seems as if it should be the cleanest in the world. But on a cliff above the sea, inside a low-slung government building, a bank of sophisticated machines sniffs that air day and night… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/26/climate/carbon-in-atmosphere-is-rising-even-as-emissions-stabilize.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0 The race to save Florida’s devastated coral reef from global warming. Twenty feet under water, Nature Conservancy biologist Jennifer Stein swims over to several large corals and pulls several laminated cards from her dive belt. “Disease,” reads one, as she gestures to a coral that exhibits white splotches. “Recent mortality,” reads another card. Along the miles of coral reef off the Florida Keys… https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/business/environment/florida-reef/?utm_term=.0e209c37f794 Fires rise in Arctic as 'lightning follows the warming' Climate change is driving up the number of forest fires ignited by lightning, and it's pushing them farther north, to the edges of the Arctic tundra, researchers say. Lightning-caused fires have risen 2 to 5 percent a year for the last four decades, according to a paper published yesterday in the… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/27/stories/1060056631 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Germany moves to crack down on vehicle emissions. Germany will discuss a national plan to cut pollution from diesel engines and set up a new organization to test vehicles to try to restore consumer confidence after Volkswagen's emissions scandal, ministers said on Tuesday. The moves - almost two years after the Volkswagen scandal broke - come as the German government faces growing pressure… http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/germany-moves-crack-vehicle-emissions-article-1.3280834 FUELS Mexico approves increasing ethanol content in gasoline to 10 percent. Mexico's energy regulator, CRE, gave the go-ahead on Monday to an increase in the ethanol content in gasoline for domestic consumption to as much as 10 percent, from 5.8 percent currently, even as environmental groups warned the action would worsen pollution. With the change, gasoline imported and sold in Mexico will be more similar to that sold in the United States. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-oil-ethanol-idUSKBN19H2HF VEHICLES UPS Updates Sustainability Goals for More Alt-Fuel Vehicles by 2025. In its latest release, UPS has announced new sustainability goals to add more alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles to its fleet while increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources. The goals, available in the company’s 2016 Corporate Sustainability Report… https://ngtnews.com/ups-commits-alt-fuel-vehicles-emissions-reduction Transport Sector Primed for the Growth of Electric Vehicles. When it comes to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, the electricity sector gets much of the attention, considering that it is responsible for 29% of those releases. But the transportation sector makes up 26% of them. If that is going to change, the electric car will have to make significant inroads. Is that possible? https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/06/transport-sector-primed-growth-electric-vehicles/ GREEN ENERGY PermaCity Completes World’s Largest Solar Rooftop Project. L.A. solar developer PermaCity Inc. has completed the world’s most powerful solar rooftop generating project in San Pedro, company and L.A. city officials announced Monday while touring the facility. The Westmont Solar Energy Project, near the end of the 110 Freeway, includes more than 50,000 solar panels covering 50 acres of roof space… homeshttp://labusinessjournal.com/news/2017/jun/27/permacity-completes-worlds-largest-solar-rooftop-p/ N.Y. gets a new lead on renewable energy. New York has selected a new administrator for its far-reaching nuclear and renewable energy programs. Alicia Barton was announced yesterday as the new president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA. Barton replaces John Rhodes, who had headed NYSERDA since 2013 but moved to become chairman of the state's… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/27/stories/1060056626 OPINIONS Dr. Arambula should lead way to healthy Valley air. This month, California missed a vital opportunity to significantly improve the quality of life for residents in some of our state’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. By not passing Assembly Bill 378, which would have required new emissions standards for criteria and toxic-air pollutants at facilities covered under cap and trade… http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article158274089.html#storylink=cpy It’s pollution as usual unless vulnerable communities’ leaders act: Guest commentary. California is a recognized leader on climate issues. But right now this reputation is on the line. The next phase of our climate innovation must be clearly linked to addressing environmental-justice concerns in communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and on the front lines of climate change. http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20170627/its-pollution-as-usual-unless-vulnerable-communities-leaders-act-guest-commentary Letter: Scorching temperatures show need for alternative energy. The main section of The Tribune on June 21 contained the article, "First day of summer scorches Southwest." The article correctly ties the heat wave to climate change and warns of the dangers of severe injuries and even death to people and pets. The article speaks of "straining the power grid," and the operator of California's power grid… http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/5429117-155/letter-scorching-temperatures-show-need-for BLOGS Good and bad options for changing California’s cap-and-trade program. California has been an environmental leader for decades, but still numerous cities in the state struggle with air quality. As state lawmakers debate the future of the cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, can they also find ways to reduce other air pollutants… https://www.c2es.org/blog/lawsona/good-bad-options-changing-california%E2%80%99s-cap-trade-program California is Reaping Economic Benefits from Climate Action. California's efforts to combat climate change serve both human and planetary health but such action also pays lucrative economic dividends. California is a working example of a climate focused economy that crushes Trump's assertion that the Paris Agreement is bad for the economy. http://www.thegreenmarketoracle.com/2017/06/california-is-reaping-economic-benefits.html Texas should listen to its own scientific task force about methane. A new report from the Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) Shale Task Force underscores the problem of methane emissions from Texas’ oil and gas industry. When burned, natural gas has about half the CO2 emissions of coal (that’s good!), but the release of methane into the atmosphere can greatly erode that benefit. http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/06/27/texas-should-listen-to-its-own-scientific-task-force-about-methane/ A Vast Chinese Province Just Went a Week Without Fossil Fuels. Six million people got all their electricity from solar, wind, and hydro. A vast Chinese province of nearly 6 million people has generated all the power it needed for an entire week without using any fossil fuels, according to state-run Chinese media. Qinghai, a Tibetan plateau province in the country’s northwest, derived all of its power from… http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/06/a-vast-chinese-province-just-went-a-week-without-fossil-fuels/ Reducing Fossil Fuel Emissions Isn't Stopping CO2 Rise. Scientists worry that we may have saturated the Earth's natural carbon sinks. Over the past few years, many nations have made a strong effort to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere. By replacing fossil fuel plants with renewable energy sources… http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/news/a27096/reducing-fossil-fuel-emissions-isnt-stopping-co2-rise/ Global Warming: The Imminent Crisis That Never Arrives. The grand storyteller. It’s summer 2017 and the Arctic was supposed to be ice-free, hurricanes were going to be more frequent and more deadly, and sea levels should be rising alarmingly. Al Gore swore in his 2006 science fiction movie, “An Inconvenient Truth,” that within a decade there would be a “true planetary emergency.” http://climatechangedispatch.com/global-warming-the-imminent-crisis-that-never-arrives/ $4.4 Million Is Being Spent to Protect the Global Seed Vault From Global Warming In Brief. A melting permafrost caused by global warming has raised concerns over the security of the global seed vault. To ensure its integrity, the Norwegian government has pledge to spend $4.4 million on improvements to the structure. https://futurism.com/4-4-million-is-being-spent-to-protect-the-global-seed-vault-from-global-warming/ Dust, particulate matter in air reducing solar energy output by 25 per cent: study. Global solar energy production is taking a major hit due to dust and atmospheric particulate matter, according to a new study. The airborne particles and their accumulation on solar cells are cutting energy output by more than 25 per cent in certain parts of the world. http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/dust-particulate-matter-reducing-solar-energy-output-by-25-per-cent-study-58159 http://www.greencarcongress.com/2017/06/20170627-duke.html High-tech CityTree cleans as much pollution as 275 trees (Video). Urban pollution is an enormous problem in many cities around the world, and poor air quality can mean an increase in chronic conditions like asthma, while also making it difficult for people to walk, bike or enjoy the outdoors. One obvious solution is to plant more green spaces, as plants can help to significantly improve air quality and reduce particulate matter… https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/citytree-purifies-polluted-air-green-city-solutions.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 Jun 2017 16:18:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 28, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 28, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm -------------------------------------------------- The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/ls The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION High levels of hexavalent chromium force Anaplex in Paramount to suspend operations. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has ordered a metal-finishing company in Paramount to temporarily shut down all operations emitting the toxic compound hexavalent chromium. Anaplex Corp., located at 15547 Garfield Ave., must shut down all equipment with the potential to emit hexavalent chromium… http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170627/high-levels-of-hexavalent-chromium-force-anaplex-in-paramount-to-suspend-operations CLIMATE CHANGE A Sense of Duty to Teach Climate Change. Since my story about the clash between teenage climate skeptics and their high school science teacher ran earlier this month, several hundred teachers across the country have responded with their own stories of teaching on climate. After the initial flurry of replies, I wanted to get a handle on a broader range of teacher experiences, so I requested more stories. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/28/us/teaching-students-about-climate-change.html Climate change, our biggest threat, can't be stopped at the border. At Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe last weekend, skiers were half naked. Guys were going shirtless. Girls were in bikini tops. Everybody was in shorts. Ski season in California has not ended and may not completely stop before the snow starts falling again in late autumn. Skiing with skin bared is not unprecedented. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-bikini-ski-20170628-story.html Connelly: Gore trains activists as Trump blocks climate action. Al Gore can trip over the words "Chelan" and "Wenatchee," but the former vice president on Tuesday delivered a sure-footed, compelling description of growing global catastrophe resulting from extreme conditions accelerated by climate change. http://www.sfgate.com/local/politics/article/Connelly-Trump-is-blocking-at-top-so-Gore-urges-11251448.php Sunnyvale community group to focus on climate change. The Sunnyvale City Council doubled down on fighting climate change with a special order from Mayor Glenn Hendricks reaffirming the city’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement as well as approving the formation of a community group tasked with shaping a new “climate action plan.” http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/27/sunnyvale-to-form-community-group-to-tackle-climate-change/ Climate Change Is Not The Only Cause of Greenland Ice Melt. Blame Sunnier Days. Greenland’s ice sheet is melting faster than expected, and this has been accelerating over the past two decades. It is now the biggest single contributor to global sea level rise, accounting for 25 percent of the total. But besides warming climes, there is another culprit for the melt: sunnier days in fair Greenland. http://www.newsweek.com/climate-change-not-lead-cause-greenland-ice-sheet-melt-blame-sunnier-days-629816 As Trump ditches Paris, California leads on environment. Meeting Xi Jinping in China, Governor Jerry Brown steps up as the global face of progressive climate policy in the US. On June 6, Governor Jerry Brown of California sat down in an elegantly decorated room in the Great Hall of the People to meet with President Xi Jinping of China. The imposing building on the western edge of Tiananmen Square, Beijing… http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/06/trump-ditches-paris-california-leads-environment-170625141250430.html Officials question climate change while praising carbon cuts. Energy Secretary Rick Perry was emblematic yesterday of an administration that questions the science behind climate change while at the same time it praises America's ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Perry has talked about the importance of advancing technologies to capture coal plant carbon emissions… https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060056713 FUELS Judge postpones briefs in legal fight over BLM rule. Citing uncertainty around the fate of a slowly disappearing regulation governing methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public land, a federal judge yesterday extended briefing deadlines in litigation launched last year to kill the rule. The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming granted a request by the states of Wyoming and Montana to delay briefing dates until the fall… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/06/28/stories/1060056706 VEHICLES New, bigger incentives for electric cars could be ahead in California. California could be poised to set up more generous rebates and incentives for electric vehicle buyers — and not just affluent drivers cruising in Teslas. Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, is pushing a proposal to establish a $3 billion fund to support the spread of electric vehicles with bigger rebates, more programs for low-income buyers… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/28/new-bigger-incentives-for-electric-cars-could-be-ahead-in-california/ GREEN ENERGY Wind power's big bet: turbines taller than skyscrapers. Wind farm operators are betting on a new generation of colossal turbines, which will dwarf many skyscrapers, as they seek to remain profitable after European countries phase out subsidies that have defined the green industry since the 1990s. The world's three leading offshore wind operators - DONG Energy… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-windpower-megaturbines-insight-idUSKBN19I118 Trump calls for ‘golden age of American energy dominance’. President Trump continued his drive to promote an “energy dominance” policy Wednesday by meeting with state and tribal leaders and energy industry association heads on the subject. “I’m confident that, working together, we can usher in a golden age of American energy dominance and the extraordinary financial and… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/339850-trump-seeks-golden-age-of-american-energy-dominance BLOGS Climate change impacts Antarctic biodiversity habitat. Ice-free areas of Antarctica - home to more than 99 per cent of the continent's terrestrial plants and animals - could expand by more than 17,000km2 by the end of this century, a study published today in Nature reveals. Led by University of Queensland School of Biological Sciences PhD student Jasmine Lee, the study is the first to investigate how ice-free areas in Antarctica may be affected by climate change. https://phys.org/news/2017-06-climate-impacts-antarctic-biodiversity-habitat.html#jCp Rick Perry urges more conversation about the unsettled science of climate change. During a media briefing on energy and climate change on Wednesday that one reporter dubbed “high energy,” former Texas governor and current Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry got into a conversation with reporters about the current state of our dialogue on climate change. http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/06/28/rick-perry-urges-more-conversation-about-the-unsettled-science-of-climate-change/ ====================================================================== 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 Jun 2017 14:28:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 29, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 29, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm -------------------------------------------------- The Large Spark-Ignition Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation (LSI Regulation) requires specific equipment be initially reported to the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) by June 30, 2017 and labeled by July 30, 2017. The LSI Regulation reporting user guides, importing equipment guides, the amended regulation language, and other useful LSI regulation information are available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/lsi The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE California Supreme Court upholds cap-and-trade law. The California Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to consider a challenge by business groups of the state's cap-and-trade law, a ruling that environmentalists hailed as ending a legal fight that had cast a cloud over the program. The state Supreme Court did not issue a written opinion on the program itself but declined take up the case on appeal from a lower court. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-capandtrade-idUSKBN19K05D http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cap-and-trade-supreme-1498684764-htmlstory.html http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/California-Supreme-Court-upholds-cap-and-trade-11254221.php http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article158711909.html https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/29/stories/1060056789 AIR POLLUTION Air pollution limits in U.S. inadequate to prevent deaths. With the Trump Administration threatening to loosen air pollution controls, a new study is showing that even existing rules are causing tens of thousands of extra deaths in the United States each year. Researchers used 12 years of data - health records from nearly 61 million Medicare beneficiaries, combined with a massive databank of pollution readings… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-airpollution-usa-mortality-idUSKBN19J2V5 http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-air-pollution-death-20170628-story.html http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/06/28/534594373/u-s-air-pollution-still-kills-thousands-every-year-study-concludes Solar energy revolution hits barrier: Air pollution. Solar energy is running into a pesky problem: air pollution worldwide. Researchers from Duke University found that air pollution — specifically airborne particles, which accumulate on solar cells — is cutting solar energy output by more than 25 percent in certain areas of the world, causing billions of dollars of losses. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/solar-energy-revolution-hits-barrier-air-pollution/ https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/28/air-pollution-dust-cuts-solar-cell-energy-output-25-parts-world-study-finds/ CLIMATE CHANGE Europeans line up behind Paris accord, free trade before G20. European leaders said Thursday they are ready to defend the Paris climate accord and free trade when they face President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was "more determined than ever" to see the climate deal succeed. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GERMANY_G20?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Investors slowly start to push climate change up their agenda. Investors are slowly starting to push companies to reduce their carbon footprint and help the world meet targets on limiting global warming that were agreed in the 2015 Paris climate talks. Energy firms have faced shareholder demands to do more to curb carbon emissions, while some pension funds are demanding more commitment to climate goals from firms they invest in. http://www.reuters.com/article/climatechange-funds-idUSL8N1JQ31V Merkel issues warning to Trump ahead of G20 summit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to fight for free trade and press on with multilateral efforts to combat climate change at the G20 summit next week, challenging the "America First" policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. In a defiant speech to parliament a week before she will host a summit of the world's top economic powers in Hamburg… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g20-germany-merkel-idUSKBN19K2B2 New coal power plants may block Japan's carbon emissions goal: minister. Japan may not achieve its carbon emissions target if an ambitious plan to build more coal-fired power plants pushes ahead, its environment minister said, underlining Tokyo's struggle to meet globally agreed goals to halt climate change. Even as it champions the Paris climate agreement… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-environment-analysis-idUSKBN19K15Z Gabon pledges to protect forests in regional drive to save Congo Basin. Gabon has signed an $18 million deal with donors to tackle deforestation and cut its carbon emissions by half as part of a wider plan to protect the tropical forests of the Congo Basin. One of the world's most forested countries, Gabon is the second African nation, after the Democratic Republic of Congo, to sign an agreement… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-gabon-climatechange-idUSKBN19J1JL Indigenous knowledge crucial to tackling climate change, experts say. In the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, indigenous farmers gather at the top of mountains the night after the winter solstice – not to enjoy the view, but to forecast the timing and quantity of rains. If the Pleiades star cluster appears large and bright, then rains will be abundant. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-science-environment-idUSKBN19J27V Climate change in the U.S. could help the rich and hurt the poor. Researchers have long warned that unmitigated climate change could cause severe financial hardship to the United States in coming decades. But a new study published Thursday in the journal Science details how global warming could disproportionately affect poor areas of the country… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/29/climate-change-in-the-u-s-could-help-the-rich-and-hurt-the-poor/?utm_term=.1681583d1e39 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/29/climate-change-income-inequality-environment Garcetti and Schwarzenegger urge cities and states to lead fight against climate change in Trump era. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday called on cities and states to lead the nation's fight against global warming as the federal government begins to reverse its climate change policies. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-garcetti-and-schwarzenegger-urge-cities-1498676572-htmlstory.html House lawmakers back amendment requiring Pentagon climate change report. The House Armed Services Committee’s annual defense policy bill will include a provision requiring a Defense Department report on the effects of climate change on military installations. The amendment — brought up by Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) in the readiness portion of Wednesday’s markup… http://thehill.com/policy/defense/339924-house-lawmakers-back-amendment-requiring-pentagon-climate-change-report FUELS Oil prices edge up to two-week high on dip in U.S. output. A gas pump is seen hanging from the ceiling at a petrol station in Seoul June 27, 2011. Oil futures edged up less than 1 percent after hitting a two-week high on Thursday, extending a rally into a sixth straight session after a decline in weekly U.S. crude production temporarily alleviated concerns about deepening oversupply. Crude prices slipped to the lowest… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKBN19K01P U.S. thirst for European gasoline stalls, casting shadow on demand. Europe's steady exports of gasoline to the United States have slowed substantially this year as tanks filled in the world's largest consumer nation and once-meteoric demand growth slowed. The drop in gasoline shipments to the densely populated U.S. East Coast is forcing European exporters to turn to less steady buyers in West Africa. http://www.reuters.com/article/europe-gasoline-exports-idUSL8N1JQ29L Pemex declares force majeure on Maya crude from Pacific coast. Mexico's state oil company Pemex on Wednesday said it had declared force majeure on five cargoes of Maya crude slated to load at its Salina Cruz terminal on the Pacific Coast after flooding and a fire hit the refinery there earlier this month. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-pemex-forcemajeure-idUSKBN19J2JV VEHICLES California Weighs Making EVs Cheaper Right Off the Lot. The federal tax credit for electric car purchases has an end in sight, but California doesn’t want demand for the zero-emissions vehicles to meet the same fate. The state, long a champion of electric cars, is considering a bill to provide rebates to EV buyers at the time of purchase, reducing the sale price right as customers drive off the lot by as much as $10,000. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-28/california-weighs-making-electric-cars-cheaper-right-off-the-lot Merkel avoids backing diesel as hits out at emissions cheats. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a fierce defender of the country's powerful auto industry, appeared to accept the days of the combustion engine may be numbered, as she hit out at carmakers accused of cheating diesel emissions tests. http://www.reuters.com/article/germany-emissions-merkel-idUSL8N1JQ4JW Nornickel bets on battery materials as electric car sales rise. Russian miner Norilsk Nickel wants to expand in the market for materials used to make batteries for the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) sector, its head of marketing and sales told Reuters. Nornickel, the world's second-largest nickel producer and a major cobalt producer, and German chemicals company BASF… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-nornickel-cobalt-idUSKBN19K1FW Bavaria agrees anti-pollution steps with BMW, Audi, MAN. German carmakers BMW, Audi and truck manufacturer MAN (VOWG_p.DE) have agreed with Bavaria to cut pollution from diesel engines, with manufacturers promising to reduce emissions from older models and the state government planning incentives to spur sales of newer, more efficient cars. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions-bavaria-idUSKBN19J1QO Stuttgart prosecutors probe Porsche, Bosch about diesel emissions. Prosecutors in Stuttgart have launched a preliminary probe against employees at German sportscar maker Porsche AG to see whether they were involved in designing engine management software to cheat emissions tests. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-porsche-idUSKBN19K1H1 Audi to use Valeo's stop-start technology in sports coupe: sources. Luxury carmaker Audi will introduce Valeo's (VLOF.PA) micro-hybrid "stop-and-start" systems in its RS5 sports coupe, sources told Reuters, in a sign that the Paris-based supplier may be tapping new premium demand for the fuel-saving technology. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-valeo-volkswagen-idUSKBN19K1ZH Used VW cars retain values despite emissions crisis -Moody's. Used Volkswagen cars have maintained their value in Europe and continue to command a premium over the competition despite an emissions crisis that has damaged the brand and the image of diesel, credit-rating agency Moody's said. This will continue to support the performance of VW asset-backed security deals… http://www.reuters.com/article/volkswagen-emissions-used-idUSL8N1JP3Z6 GREEN ENERGY Kenya says major wind power line to be ready in three months. A power line linking a 310 megawatt (MW) wind power plant to Kenya's national grid, delayed by landowners' compensation demands among other issues, is expected to be ready in the next three months, the energy minister said on Thursday. Kenya relies heavily on geothermal and hydro power for its electricity… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-electricity-idUSKBN19K297 Coal India betting big on renewables, says minister. Coal India Ltd, the world's largest miner of the dirty fuel, will generate 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable electricity this year as part of its plan to produce as much as 10 GW clean power in total, a federal minister said on Thursday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-coal-india-solar-idUSKBN19K0WT What makes people dislike wind? It's not NIMBY. The "not in my backyard" barrier to wind development has been overstated, and other factors play much more of a role in whether communities support the resource, according to a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The report surveys three decades of research on the factors driving pockets of opposition to wind farms and influencing community "acceptance." https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/06/29/stories/1060056815 OPINIONS RPT-COLUMN-Europe set to be natural gas kingmaker as LNG booms: Russell. It's probably not quite here yet, but the trend is unmistakeable; the world is moving to a globally-linked natural gas market and the rise of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the key driver. Much of the increase in LNG capacity is because of the rapid boost to plants in Australia and the United States, as both countries… http://www.reuters.com/article/column-russell-lng-idUSL3N1JQ1Z4 These experts say we have three years to get climate change under control. And they’re the optimists. A group of prominent scientists, policymakers, and corporate leaders released a statement Wednesday warning that if the world doesn’t set greenhouse gas emissions on a downward path by 2020, it could become impossible to contain climate change within safe limits. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/29/these-experts-say-we-have-until-2020-to-get-climate-change-under-control-and-theyre-the-optimists/?utm_term=.c0d8e4218e01&wpisrc=nl_most-draw7&wpmm=1 Save the California coast from Trump team. Weakening environmental protections is a full-time job for the Trump administration. Its emissaries are going after pollution controls, wildlife areas and water quality rules. Now the White House is setting up marine sanctuaries off the California coast and elsewhere in U.S. waters for oil drilling. The idea is a slap at past Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who put millions of acres of coastal waters… http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Save-the-California-coast-from-Trump-team-11253929.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, 30 Jun 2017 15:20:35 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for June 30, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for June 30, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Greens see oil industry fingerprints on climate legislation. California environmentalists are outraged over speculation that the state's governor is pushing the oil industry's wish list in negotiations to extend the state's cap-and-trade climate program. Language being circulated by Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) office would extend the current program through 2030, including a glut of existing unsold allowances… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/30/stories/1060056859 AIR POLLUTION NY Polluters pay too little to cover cost of state air pollution permit program. Costs for the state's air pollution control system, which under federal law must be paid for by polluting industries, keep sinking under a rising tide of red ink that taxpayers keep bailing out. As of March, taxpayers have had to come up with nearly $21 million to cover chronic deficits at the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which issues air pollution permits… http://www.timesunion.com/allnews/article/Polluters-not-paying-enough-to-cover-state-11256924.php New Bill Would Allow for More Air Pollution Inspectors. The city of St. Louis would have more money to hire air pollution inspectors, under a bill before the board of aldermen. Alderwoman Cara Spencer says there aren’t enough state inspectors here to make sure buildings are knocked down properly without sending asbestos into the air. “The state has one inspector for the entire region who spot-checks demolitions in the city. http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2017/06/30/new-bill-would-allow-for-more-air-pollution-inspectors/ CLIMATE CHANGE An extensive first-of-its-kind study says global warming is likely to hit southern and poorer US counties harder. Poor and southern U.S. counties will get hit hardest by global warming, according to a first-of-its-kind detailed projection of potential climate change effects at the local level. The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, calculates probable economic harms and benefits for the more than 3,100 counties in the United States… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_WARMING_COUNTIES_TXOL-?SITE=CAFRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/29/climate/southern-states-worse-climate-effects.html?_r=0 A warming Antarctica will create new animal habitats. That could lead to some epic competition. As climate change continues to cause massive melting and ice loss in Antarctica, new habitats may begin to open up for wildlife across the thawing continent, scientists reported Wednesday. But while that may sound like a boon for plants, microbes, birds and other organisms… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/06/28/a-warming-antarctica-is-becoming-more-hospitable-to-animals-that-could-lead-to-some-epic-battles/?utm_term=.71b0d5d568a3 Europe's extreme June heat clearly linked to climate change, research shows. Heatwaves that saw deadly forest fires in Portugal and soaring temperatures in England were made up to 10 times more likely by global warming, say scientists. Human-caused climate change dramatically increased the likelihood of the extreme heatwave that saw deadly forest fires blazing in Portugal and Spain, new research has shown. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/30/europes-extreme-june-heat-clearly-linked-to-climate-change-research-shows Heat Deaths in U.S. Cities Could Jump 10-fold If Climate Change Isn't Slowed. America's exit from the Paris climate change agreement will lead to more punishing summer heat waves and thousands of additional heat-related deaths each year in major U.S. cities, a new report claims. Conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the report projected that all 51 of the country's urban areas… http://qctimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/heat-deaths-in-u-s-cities-could-jump--fold/article_9a1b2c0e-af80-5156-8d11-5859c8b36a60.html Here's where climate change will hit the U.S. the hardest. Communities across the U.S. should brace themselves for severe economic losses if climate change continues undeterred, according to a new analysis. Every jump of 1 degree Celsius in temperature will cost the U.S. about 1.2 percent in gross domestic product, researchers said in a study that appears Friday in the journal Science. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-changes-economic-impact-income-inequality/ Climate Change Could Spark Another Great Recession. This Time, It May Be. Climate change will wreak havoc on the U.S. economy, leading to as much as a 3% decline in national GDP by the end of the 21st century if left unaddressed — and losses will be far higher in some of the country's poorest areas, according to a new study. Researchers behind the study, published in the journal Science, evaluated a number of factors… http://time.com/4837020/climate-change-economy-recession/ Cracking ice shelf affected by humans, but maybe not CO2. The world is about to meet its biggest iceberg. When a huge segment of the Larsen C Ice Shelf breaks off Antarctica, the floating chunk will be the size of Delaware and could expand our understanding of a region that holds 60 percent of Earth's fresh water, locked in ice. In recent days, the growth of the miles-long crack across the ice… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/30/stories/1060056856 HEATWAVE California Today: Heat Wave’s Triple Threat. The winter’s abundant snowfall in the Sierra Nevada was a godsend for California’s water needs. The snowpack operates like a water tap for the state. In a perfect world, melted snow flows at an even pace into a network of waterways that help quench the needs of farmers and city dwellers through the dry months of summer. That’s not exactly what’s happened this year. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/us/california-today-heat-wave-snowpack.html?em_pos=large&ref=headline&te=1&nl=california-today&emc=edit_ca_20170630&_r=0 VEHICLES Electric Cars Are Coming Faster Than You Think, Enel Chief Says. The pace of adoption for electric cars over the next few years "could be surprising" and changing the global energy and auto industries faster than people expect, the boss of Europe’s largest utility said. Enel SpA is set to invest nearly 300 million euros ($341 million) to install about 12,000 recharging columns for electric cars across Italy… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-30/electric-cars-are-coming-faster-thank-you-think-enel-chief-says Volkswagen submits revised plan for installing charging stations as part of emission-cheating settlement. Volkswagen would build more electric vehicle charging stations in disadvantaged communities under an updated plan being submitted to state regulators on Thursday. The company’s subsidiary, Electrify America, revised its proposal after an earlier version was rejected as inadequate by the California Air Resources Board. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-volkswagen-electric-1498759445-htmlstory.html Where to plug in? Lack of charging options is a big barrier to electric car adoption in California. California has just 300,000 electric vehicles – far short of Gov. Jerry Brown’s goal of 1.5 million by 2025. A new report says one of the biggest barriers to getting more electric cars on the road is a lack of places to plug in. In the past, the price of electric cars was an impediment to their adoption. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/06/29/73379/where-to-plug-in-lack-of-charging-options-is-a-big/ UPS’s new vehicles are tiny — and Teamsters say they’re putting them in peril. United Parcel Service Inc. is planning to use golf carts to make package deliveries in suburban and residential areas when needed. The new delivery option comes as Kentucky law was recently loosened up on these vehicles. But Teamsters Local 89, which represents many UPS employees in Louisville, is speaking out against it. http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2017/06/30/ups-s-new-vehicles-are-tiny-and-teamsters-say-they.html More charging stations for electric cars pop up across South Florida. The charging station for the electric car, once a thing of the future, is starting to proliferate across South Florida. They’re showing up at places like your local library or mall as electric cars surge in popularity, officials say. Search electric charging stations near you… http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-pn-boca-electric-car-charging-stations-20170627-story.html Electric-car lessons, better hybrids, Tesla crash data, rigging renewable energy: Todays Car News. Today, we've got a video on some sleazy politics, information on Tesla insurance claims, an opinion on which kinds of hybrids are best, and some lessons learned on electric cars. All this and more on Green Car Reports. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111294_electric-car-lessons-better-hybrids-tesla-crash-data-rigging-renewable-energy-todays-car-news China's SAIC Motor can start testing autonomous vehicles in California. China's state-owned automaker SAIC Motor now has clearance to start testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in California. The SAIC Innovation Center in Silicon Valley, established in 2015 as a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, received the permit this week, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/29/chinas-saic-gets-california-autonomous-vehicle-testing-permit.html GREEN ENERGY Trump's energy promises? Some already exist. President Trump announced a slate of initiatives yesterday to ramp up U.S. energy development and exports as part of a mission to make America "energy dominant." Trump told a room full of industry executives at the Energy Department headquarters that he wants to boost nuclear power, export more gas and coal, and expand oil and gas drilling offshore and on public lands. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/06/30/stories/1060056863 BLOGS Waste as an Energy Source: the Path to a Low-Carbon Economy. The goals agreed at the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in 2015 are an ambitious call for action: The aim is to keep global warming below 2 degrees C. For this to happen, the emission of greenhouse gases will have to be completely halted between 2045 and 2060, and the production of CO2… https://eponline.com/articles/2017/06/30/waste-as-an-energy-source.aspx?admgarea=ht.globalwarming Climate change sceptics suffer blow as satellite data correction shows 140% faster global warming. New research 'substantially undermines' claims that satellite data proved the Earth was not warming as quickly as thought, Dr. Zeke Hausfather says. Climate change deniers and sceptics have long pointed to satellite data showing lower temperatures than those recorded on the ground. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/climate-change-sceptics-satellite-data-correction-global-warming-140-per-cent-zeke-hausfather-a7816676.html Air Pollution Cuts Solar Power Generation By 25% in India, China. Air pollutant particulate matter (PM), which accounts for three million deaths a year, has significantly affected solar power generation capacity in India and China, with a study saying it could be as high as 25% in the land mass comprising the two countries and the Arabian Peninsula. https://sputniknews.com/asia/201706301055108764-air-pollution-india-china/ Cap HPI research reveals the cheapest diesel and petrol vehicles to run. Research from Cap HPI has revealed the cheapest diesel and petrol vehicles to run based on the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the first three years. Cap HPI’s consumer and retail editor Philip Nothard (pictured) said: “When it comes to the pinpointing the leading cars with the lowest total cost of ownership… http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/car-industry-news/2017/06/29/results-reveal-the-cheapest-diesel-and-petrol-vehicles-to-run ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 14:05:04 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 3, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm ________________________________ Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm ________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION Air quality officials urge people to avoid fireworks to limit air pollution. Officials with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are asking San Francisco Bay Area residents to avoid setting off their own fireworks this Fourth of July to limit air pollution. The smoke, dust and soot from fireworks can trigger asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing and eye irritation. People who are sensitive to air pollution such as those with respiratory conditions… http://www.ktvu.com/news/265346981-story CLIMATE CHANGE Rising temperatures could bump you from your flight. Thanks climate change. Over three days in late June, American Airlines canceled 57 regional flights out of Phoenix due to extreme heat of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. More heat waves in the future could mean flights get canceled, delayed or have to lose some weight. That weight could be you. In the aviation business, really hot days are called “weight restriction days,” because when it’s hot… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/03/rising-temperatures-could-bump-you-from-your-flight-thanks-climate-change/?utm_term=.cd4966587616 E.P.A. to Give Dissenters a Voice on Climate, No Matter the Consensus. Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, plans to convene a team of researchers to test the scientific premise of human-caused climate change, he told coal industry executives on Thursday. Speaking at a board meeting of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/climate/scott-pruitt-climate-change-red-team.html EPA chief pushing governmentwide effort to question climate change science. The Trump administration is debating whether to launch a governmentwide effort to question the science of climate change, an effort that critics say is an attempt to undermine the long-established consensus human activity is fueling the Earth’s rising temperatures. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/01/epa-chief-pushing-governmentwide-effort-to-question-climate-change-science/?utm_term=.cf677868edd6&wpisrc=nl_most-draw7&wpmm=1 Obama Rues Loss of ‘American Leadership’ on Climate Change. Former President Barack Obama on Saturday indirectly criticized President Trump in a speech delivered in Indonesia for withdrawing “American leadership” on climate change by abandoning the Paris accord. “In Paris, we came together around the most ambitious agreement in history about climate change… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/01/world/asia/obama-indonesia-climate-change.html G20 Summit: What To Expect From Talks On Climate Change After US’ Exit From Paris Agreement. All eyes will be on Hamburg where President Donald Trump is set to attend the G20 summit on 7-8 July. The summit has gained significance since German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to make the Paris Agreement on climate change a part of the key agenda. http://www.ibtimes.com/g20-summit-what-expect-talks-climate-change-after-us-exit-paris-agreement-2560705 The Navy showed Arnold Schwarzenegger how bad climate change will be for its bases. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the US military have at least one thing in common: they're both worried about climate change. The actor and former Republican governor of California recently visited Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, to see how it's under threat from climate change. http://www.businessinsider.com/arnold-visits-naval-station-norfolk-which-climate-change-threatening-2017-6 UN chief: US may meet Paris climate goals despite exit. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the United States may meet the Paris climate agreement's targets despite pulling out of the deal. Guterres says Michael Bloomberg, a U.N. special envoy on climate change, is "convinced" the U.S. will reach the Paris goals. Guterres says that is because some U.S. states, cities and businesses are committed to green energy. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chief-us-meet-paris-climate-goals-exit-48413383 FUELS Canada Report Touts Nat-Gas as Marine Fuel for Cost, Emissions Reductions. A new report released by the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) says major economic benefits and emissions reductions can occur by expanding the use of natural gas as a marine fuel on Canada’s Great Lakes and East Coast. https://ngtnews.com/report-natural-gas-provides-cost-emissions-reductions-marine-fuel Court rejects Trump's delay of EPA drilling pollution rule. The Trump administration cannot delay an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule limiting methane pollution from oil and natural gas drilling, a federal court ruled Monday. In an early court loss for President Trump’s aggressive agenda of environmental deregulation… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/340536-court-rejections-trumps-delay-of-epa-drilling-pollution-rule https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/03/stories/1060056926 VW RECALL Volkswagen To Launch Electric Car-Sharing Program In Sacramento. Volkswagen wants to launch an electric car-sharing program, and has chosen Sacramento as the first host city. The company says its $44 million Green City Initiative just needs approval from the California Air Resources Board. It's part of the company's settlement for its emissions cheating scandal. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/01/volkswagen-to-launch-electric-car-sharing-program-in-sacramento/ GREEN ENERGY Latin America is going through an energy transformation, and it could be a huge benefit to the U.S. From the northernmost point in Mexico to the tip of Tierra del Fuego in Chile, Latin American countries are experiencing an energy transformation. Some countries are moving faster than others. Some are struggling with long-running political battles that threaten development. The issues may seem remote to energy consumers in the United States, a country that, in the space of less than a decade, has experienced what’s been called an “energy renaissance” in oil and natural gas production… http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-latin-american-energy-20170703-story.html MISCELLANEOUS Counseled by Industry, Not Staff, E.P.A. Chief Is Off to a Blazing Start. In the four months since he took office as the Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator, Scott Pruitt has moved to undo, delay or otherwise block more than 30 environmental rules, a regulatory rollback larger in scope than any other over so short a time in the agency’s 47-year history, according to experts in environmental law. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/01/us/politics/trump-epa-chief-pruitt-regulations-climate-change.html OPINIONS Nuclear Power and Climate Change. To the Editor: Re “Glut of Natural Gas Pressures Nuclear Power, and Climate Goals, Too” (news article, June 14): Your article’s contention that premature nuclear plant shutdowns will have “adverse consequences for climate change” is exactly right. That’s because existing nuclear plants provide a fifth of our energy in this country, and more than 60 percent of our carbon-free electricity. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/opinion/nuclear-power-and-climate-change.html?ref=opinion California may be leading on climate change, but that doesn’t mean it can ignore local pollution. Last year California lawmakers doubled down on the state’s landmark law to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The passage of Senate Bill 32 obligated the state to reduce emissions 40% below the 1990 level by 2030. It is an ambitious target that has, again, made California one of the world leaders in fighting climate change. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-cap-and-trade-20170701-story.html Opinion: Speak up to stop Trump plan to drill off California’s coast. Breaching humpbacks, perky kingfishers, iridescent dolphinfish and perpetually cute sea otters are just a few of the 34 species of marine mammals, 180 types of birds and over 500 fish species that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary home. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/03/opinion-speak-up-to-stop-trump-plan-to-drill-off-californias-coast/ Is it enough? In a June 22 Register article, the impact of climate change on the wine industry is briefly addressed. During a panel presented by the Wine Spectator, Harvard professor John Holdren notes, “200 years of climate-change science leaves no room for doubt that climate changes are due to emission of heat-trapping gases from fossil-fuel burning and land-use change.” (Note: heat–trapping gases aka greenhouse gases). http://napavalleyregister.com/opinion/letters/is-it-enough/article_2d2f077d-8b43-5ad3-b21c-8a1c7af2f7d3.html BLOGS Four Green Technologies Growing Fast Enough To Achieve Zero-Emissions World, IEA Says. Four green technologies are growing fast enough to do their part in a zero-carbon-emissions world by mid-century, an International Energy Agency official said this week in Chicago. But they need a little help from other technologies, said Eric Masenet, the head of IEA's Energy Demand Technology Unit… https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2017/07/02/solar-and-wind-growth-on-track-for-a-zero-emissions-world-international-energy-agency-says/#1976bffd7779 In The U.S., The South Will Pay The Most For Climate Change, Study Finds. “If we continue on the current path, our analysis indicates it may result in the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in the country’s history.” As temperatures rise in the coming decades, no part of the United States will pay a bigger price than the South. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/climate-change-costs-south_us_5956644de4b05c37bb7de26a Germany breaks green energy record by generating 35% of power from renewables in first half of 2017. Country aiming to phase out nuclear plants by 2022. Germany raised the proportion of its power produced by renewable energy to 35 percent in the first half of 2017 from 33 percent the previous year, according to the BEE renewable energy association. Germany is aiming to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-green-technology-record-power-generation-35-per-cent-renewables-solar-wind-turbines-a7820156.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 Jul 2017 16:40:47 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 5, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 5, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm ________________________________ Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm ________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Governor pushes for cap-and-trade deal as deadline looms. Gov. Jerry Brown is working with lawmakers, business groups and environmentalists to reach a deal on extending cap and trade, California's landmark program aimed at slowing global warming. Brown wants a consensus before lawmakers start summer recess on July 21. Reaching a deal this week means the Legislature can vote by Monday… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_CA_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE_CAOL-?SITE=CAANR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT AIR POLLUTION Federal court blocks Trump EPA on air pollution. An appeals court Monday struck down the Environmental Protection Agency’s 90-day suspension of new emission standards on oil and gas wells, a decision that could set back the Trump administration’s broad legal strategy for rolling back Obama-era rules. In a 2-to-1 ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit concluded that the EPA had the right to reconsider a 2016 rule limiting methane… https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-court-blocks-trump-epa-on-air-pollution/2017/07/03/464a7344-601e-11e7-84a1-a26b75ad39fe_story.html?utm_term=.8955b52c74f9 Oh, say can you see…air pollution on the Fourth of July? The Fourth of July produces more than bursts of red, white and blue in the sky. It creates plumes of rancid smoke that can cause breathing problems. Officials at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District say the central San Joaquin Valley summer air already is laden with ozone pollution, and fireworks only add to the toxic mix. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article159446964.html#storylink=cpy Valero refinery sues PG&E over outage that idled gas making, spewed pollution. The Valero oil refinery is seeking $75 million from PG&E in a federal lawsuit that blames the utility for a May 5 power outage that disrupted gasoline production for a month, damaged equipment, and showered tons of air pollution on downwind areas. Some Benicia residents have criticized the oil refinery over pollution from hours of flaring that led to an industrial park being evacuated and an air quality agency issuing at least four... http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/07/03/valero-refinery-sues-pge-over-outage-that-idled-gas-making-spewed-pollution/ CLIMATE CHANGE Trump May Find Some Allies on Climate Change at G-20 Meeting. Western European efforts to isolate President Trump for rejecting the Paris climate change agreement appear to be faltering as leaders gather for a summit meeting in Hamburg, Germany, at the end of the week. The gulf between Mr. Trump’s worldview and that of most European leaders on topics from trade to immigration will be on display in the coming days. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/05/climate/g20-climate-change-paris-accord-trump-merkel-germany.html . A landmark climate lawsuit against Trump is scheduled for trial next year. Here’s what to expect. A trial date has finally been set for a groundbreaking, climate-change lawsuit being brought against the federal government after multiple hurdles in the past year threatened to prevent it from moving forward. Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin ordered that the trial begin Feb. 5, 2018.The order also permitted three fossil fuel industry trade associations… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/05/__trashed/?utm_term=.b17dc72032e0 Trump administration cuts could stymie climate change research at UC Irvine. Researchers working on climate-oriented science at UC Irvine are cutting or scaling back their programs in anticipation of budget cuts that reflect the Trump administration’s skeptical views about global warming. The changes are coming as the school, as well as researchers at other institutions in Southern California, prepares to receive fewer… http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/03/trump-administration-cuts-could-stymie-climate-change-research/ Information is investment power in climate change era. Here's one way to deal with climate risk: "The fact that anyone is actually quantifying something like two degrees is laughable in the extreme." That was Nicholas Limb, chairman of Petroleum Company FAR, responding to a question at this year's AGM about climate change and his company's continued exploration in the face of action to combat climate change. http://www.smh.com.au/business/information-is-power-in-climate-change-era-20170705-gx55s1.html Dems who killed a carbon bill took $1.2M from industry. A group of California Democrats who helped kill a key climate proposal received $1.2 million in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry and other opponents of the measure. Those 17 Democrats are viewed as an important swing bloc as Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and lawmakers craft another bill that aims to add 10 years to the state's cap-and-trade program for carbon pollution. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056933 58% believe humans cause warming — poll. Most Americans believe climate change is caused by human activities, according to a survey conducted by Yale University's Program on Climate Change Communication. Seventy percent of Americans believe climate change is happening, and 58 percent believe it is caused by human emissions, the highest number since researchers began the biannual survey in 2008. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056959 FUELS Climate, poverty woes fuel BLM rule debate in N.M. gas patch. Desert sand crunches beneath Don Schreiber's boots as he approaches a gas well on his sprawling ranch in the heart of the San Juan Basin. The equipment is painted yellow and green to blend in with the scrub. But there's no hiding the odor of rotting eggs that wafts across the arid terrain. "Smell that?" Schreiber asks. Methane itself has no scent… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056895 Methane ruling doesn't signal future court losses for Pruitt. Environmental groups welcomed a ruling from a federal appeals court this week overturning part of U.S. EPA's attempts to halt federal controls on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. The decision, they said, shows that the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit is being "vigilant" about the agency following the law. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056942 VEHICLES Why Sacramento leaders believe curbside vehicle chargers will be a game-changer. No garage? No problem. That’s what city officials want Sacramento residents thinking as they consider buying an electric car without regard for their overnight parking situation. The city’s first curbside electric vehicle chargers are set to go up at Southside Park next summer, allowing anyone to pull into a parking space and plug in. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article159509784.html#storylink=cpy Volvo: Gas-only cars are history after 2019. The future of cars: Self-driving and electric Volvo is going all in on the electric car. The Swedish automaker is slamming on the brakes on vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines, announcing that every car it makes from 2019 onward will have an electric motor. The move makes Chinese-owned Volvo the first traditional carmaker to fully embrace electric and hybrid production. http://money.cnn.com/2017/07/05/autos/volvo-electric-cars-internal-combustion-engine/index.html?iid=surge-story-summary https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056955 GREEN ENERGY Utility proceeds with big wind investment in top coal state. President Donald Trump's efforts to roll back coal and climate-change regulations aren't discouraging a utility from making a $3.5 billion investment in wind energy, the bulk of which will build dozens of new wind turbines in the top coal-producing state. Rocky Mountain Power is ready to present its detailed wind plan to regulators in Wyoming… http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utility-proceeds-big-wind-investment-top-coal-state-48360450 MISCELLANEOUS Port of Hueneme receives environmental certification. The Port of Hueneme recently became the first California port to receive the Green Marine Certification, which designates it as a national leader in environmental conservation. The Green Marine Certification is given to marine transportation industry companies throughout the nation that actively work to decrease their environmental footprints and continually improve their conservation efforts. http://www.vcstar.com/story/money/business/2017/07/04/port-hueneme-receives-environmental-certification/441260001/ Trump's alarming environmental rollback: what's been scrapped so far. Since January, the White House, Congress and EPA have engineered a dizzying reversal of regulations designed to protect the environment and public health. Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate deal may have followed months of anguished division amongst his closest advisers… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/04/trump-emvironmental-rollback-epa-scrap-regulations CO2 defender 'presumptive nominee' for CEQ boss. A fossil fuel champion is the presumptive nominee to lead the White House environmental shop, according to sources familiar with the hiring decision. Kathleen Hartnett White — a former Texas regulator who thinks carbon dioxide has been unfairly vilified — is expected to be President Trump's choice to lead the Council on Environmental Quality… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/05/stories/1060056936 OPINIONS EPA’s Scott Pruitt is Trump’s most adept and dangerous hatchet man. Donald Trump is a crude buffoon who spends his days picking Twitter fights with people he sees on TV. He displays no skill, sophistication or capacity for subtle nuance in foreign or domestic policy. But Trump’s personal ineffectualness has not kept his administration from rapidly reversing the direction of the federal government in key areas… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-hatchet-pruitt-20170702-story.html Nature a Powerful Force to Fight Climate Change. One month in, it is still hard to process President Donald Trump's decision to pull America out of the 2015 Paris climate agreement. And yet as the Group of 20 leading economies meets in Hamburg, Germany, this week, the other 19 countries in attendance remain committed to the agreement. Not one country, rich or poor, has dropped out. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-07-05/at-g-20-countries-should-discuss-natures-power-to-fight-climate-change BLOGS Democrat Tackles Climate Change Issues, Defying GOP Leadership. Congressperson Eddie Bernice Johnson plans to hold a series of round tables on critical science issues, including ocean acidification and environmental justice. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson recently held an alternative hearing on climate change for members of Congress and the public, defying the leadership of the House Committee on Science… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/democrat-tackles-climate-change-issues-defying-gop-leadership/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ScientificAmerican-News+%28Content%3A+News%29 Air Pollution Solutions via Innovative CleanTech. The fight against air pollution is a costly battle being waged on a global scale. Famously catastrophic, the overwhelming air pollution in China has only worsened since receiving the media spotlight in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. China represents an extreme example of what our world could become. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/07/04/air-pollution-solutions-via-innovative-cleantech / Indigenous knowledge Helps Scientists To Assess Climate Change. Climate change is already well visible in the Alps. Over the last century, many glaciers have retreated back farther than humans have ever witnessed in historic times. The risk for rock-falls and landslides has significantly increased over time, impacting infrastructure and forcing to close traditional routes for tourists. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2017/07/05/indigenous-knowledge-helps-scientists-to-assess-climate-change/#657aa7215527 Scientists Grapple With the Mysteries of Greenland’s Melting Ice Sheet. The ice sheet’s thaw has sped up in recent years – a change that could have a significant impact on global sea levels. Scientific research underway may help explain why. Every year, Greenland sheds more than 250 gigatons of ice – enough to fill the entire state of Texas with over a foot of water. Despite being one-tenth the size of Antarctica, Greenland’s ice sheet is now the single largest contributor to sea-level rise. https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/07/05/scientists-grapple-with-the-mysteries-of-greenlands-melting-ice-sheet ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 15:20:39 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 6, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 6, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm ________________________________ Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm ________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION On Your Bike, Watch Out for the Air. On weekdays, Darby Jack bicycles the 15 miles from his home in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, to his office at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in Washington Heights. Unlike most people who bike to work, the 42-year-old assistant professor of environmental health wears sensors that monitor how much air… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/well/move/on-your-bike-watch-out-for-the-air.html?_r=1 No compromise on air pollution. The Supreme Court yesterday released the full text of its order in a Hazaribagh tannery related case, observing that the court cannot compromise on the air pollution because Dhaka city's air is one of the most polluted in the world. A four-member bench of the Appellate Division of the SC headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha passed the order on April 9… http://www.thedailystar.net/city/no-compromise-air-pollution-1428883 A better way to tackle smog? Chinese startup unveils bizarre bikes that absorb pollution and release clean air. It is one of the most polluted countries on the planet, but a new project hopes to use pedal power to help free China of its smog-filled air. The Smog Free Bicycle will absorb carbon and other particles from the atmosphere in major cities like Beijing. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4671598/Smog-eating-bicycle-help-purify-major-cities.html#ixzz4m5ChhAn9 CLIMATE CHANGE Jerry Brown to Announce a Climate Summit Meeting in California. Even before President Trump took office, Gov. Jerry Brown of California let it be known he was ready to do battle over climate change, vowing in December that California would launch its own satellite if Mr. Trump cut funding for federal space missions. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/climate/jerry-brown-california-climate-summit.html?rref=collection/sectioncollection/climate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-gov-jerry-brown-to-call-for-a-2018-1499320118-htmlstory.html http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/340838-california-governor-to-host-climate-summit-amid-clash-with-trump http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/06/jerry-brown-one-ups-trump-on-climate-change-with-g20-announcement/ Here’s why a UC Riverside climate researcher says to expect more rain in California. UC Riverside climate researcher Robert Allen says California should get ready for more rain. Unlike other recent work in the field, Allen has just published a study that says rainfall in the state will increase in the coming years if the planet continues to warm at its current pace. Allen, 42, is a professor of earth sciences and has been studying climate issues for two decades. http://www.pe.com/2017/07/06/heres-why-a-uc-riverside-climate-researcher-says-to-expect-more-rain-in-california/ Mayors promise to act on climate. How much can they do? America's mayors see themselves as the United States' climate saviors. But they have a lot of work to do if they're going to ride to the rescue. President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord has injected urgency into city halls already buzzing with carbon-cutting initiatives. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/06/stories/1060056980 Wind-driven waters drove glacial melting — study. Shifting winds have helped drive West Antarctica's ice sheet melting for millennia, according to a new analysis that could help scientists better anticipate sea-level rise. The findings, published yesterday in the journal Nature, show that during the past 11,000 years, wind patterns have driven relatively warm waters from the deep ocean onto Antarctica's continental shelf… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/06/stories/1060056986 HEATWAVE Southern California's heat wave expected to break records Friday. A heat wave settling over Southern California this week could break records from the coast to the mountains while the potential for thunderstorms may increase the risk of dry lightning sparking a fast-growing wildfire, the National Weather Service said Wednesday. The heat wave is expected to peak between Friday and Saturday… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-heat-wave-southland-20170705-story.html FUELS California, New Mexico File Environmental Lawsuit. The attorneys general of California and New Mexico are suing the Trump administration for delaying new rules to reduce methane leaks on federal lands. The attorneys general of California and New Mexico sued the Trump administration Wednesday for delaying new rules to reduce methane leaks on federal lands. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2017-07-05/california-new-mexico-ags-file-new-environmental-lawsuit Zinke orders 30-day oil and gas permit approvals. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced today that he will sign an order directing his agency to follow its mandate of holding quarterly lease sales, in an effort to boost fossil fuel extraction on federal lands. The decision is the latest in a series of orders aimed at increasing oil and gas production on federal lands… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/06/stories/1060057013 VEHICLES What would get you to buy an electric car? California is working on it. Amid the cows and corn dogs, visitors to the California State Fair this month will also have the chance to try out an electric car. For three days, the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative plans to bring a test course and as many as a dozen models to the fairground, including the new Chrysler Pacifica, the first plug-in minivan. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article159821544.html#storylink=cpy GREEN ENERGY Solar and wind pitted against each other in key energy bill. A fragile truce aimed at overhauling North Carolina's solar market, America's second-largest, is now in jeopardy thanks to a dispute over wind. Lawmakers in Raleigh inserted an 18-month moratorium on new wind development into an energy bill passed before the close of the legislative session last week. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/06/stories/1060056987 LNG a test case for Trump's energy 'dominance' In his visit to the Energy Department last week, President Trump reveled in the "America First" image of the United States as the new global energy superpower, with rising cargoes of U.S. oil, coal, natural gas and petroleum products criss-crossing the seas. "We are now on the cusp of a true energy revolution,"… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/06/stories/1060056968 Trump's export push has surprising climate angle. President Trump doubled down on his sales pitch today for European leaders to embrace the United States' massive shale supplies — a message that inadvertently dovetails with some former Obama administration officials who are seeking climate action. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/06/stories/1060057015 OPINIONS Greenhouse-gas emissions reduction: Inaction not an option. The California Supreme Court’s decision to not hear business groups’ challenge to the state’s cap-and-trade program as an improperly approved tax removes a major cloud over the program, which seeks to use market forces to limit greenhouse-gas emissions linked to global warming by having polluters buy and sell emission permits. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/editorials/sd-california-cap-trade-carbon-20170630-story.html BLOGS Making a deal on California’s cap and trade: It’s all about the cap California politicians are deep into negotiations over how to extend the backbone of the state’s climate policies, the cap-and-trade program. The Governor’s office and legislative leadership are nearing a compromise that can lock in the 2/3 vote that would provide the strongest legal foundation for a future cap-and-trade program and accelerate the state’s progress to cleaning up the air. http://blogs.edf.org/climatetalks/2017/07/05/making-a-deal-on-californias-cap-and-trade-its-all-about-the-cap/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 09:05:40 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 10, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 10, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm ________________________________ Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm ________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Jerry Brown, a global climate leader, fights to reach deal at home. As Gov. Jerry Brown pushes an international climate-change agenda, he faces a crucial test at home: ensuring that California’s signature program to tackle global warming survives into the next decade. Brown is fighting for a deal this month to extend the state’s cap-and trade program, which forces power plants… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/09/jerry-brown-a-global-climate-leader-struggles-to-reach-deal-at-home/ https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/07/06/cap-and-trade-deal-could-woo-gop-support-anger-environmentalists/ Cap and trade is alive, and it might grow under Trump. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative once labored in the shadows of President Obama's Clean Power Plan. No longer. President Trump's dismantling of climate initiatives has pushed America's only multistate cap-and-trade program to the fore of U.S. carbon-cutting efforts. RGGI, as the compact of nine Northeastern states is known, can already claim several impressive achievements. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/10/stories/1060057096 AIR POLLUTION L.A. requires air filters to protect residents near freeways. Are they doing the job? Despite growing warnings about the health problems tied to traffic pollution, Los Angeles officials continue to approve a surge in residential development along freeways. And the crux of their effort to protect people’s lungs is a requirement that developers install air filters. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-freeway-pollution-filters-20170709-story.html EPA asks court to let it delay Obama air pollution rule. The Trump administration asked a federal appeals court Friday to allow it to delay enforcement of an Obama administration rule to limit methane pollution from oil and natural gas drilling. Justice Department lawyers representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) objected to the Monday ruling from the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341071-epa-asks-court-to-let-it-delay-obama-air-pollution-rule CLIMATE CHANGE World Leaders Move Forward on Climate Change, Without U.S. World leaders struck a compromise on Saturday to move forward collectively on climate change without the United States, declaring the Paris accord “irreversible” while acknowledging President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agreement. In a final communiqué at the conclusion of the Group of 20 summit meeting in Hamburg, Germany… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/08/world/europe/group-of-20-climate-change-agreement.html?_r=0 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/at-g-20-eu-warns-of-trade-war-if-trump-imposes-restrictions-on-steel/2017/07/07/0ffae390-62f4-11e7-a6c7-f769fa1d5691_story.html?utm_term=.2d99d951d5c8&wpisrc=nl_most-draw7&wpmm=1 http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341087-g20-world-leaders-statement-hinges-on-us-climate-change-issue Jerry Brown Announces a Climate Summit Meeting in California. Gov. Jerry Brown of California on Thursday reinforced his reputation as America’s de facto leader on climate change, announcing to cheering crowds in Hamburg, Germany that his state would gather leaders from around the world for a global warming summit next year. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/climate/jerry-brown-california-climate-summit.html?te=1&nl=california-today&emc=edit_ca_20170710 http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article159905494.html http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Challenging-Trump-Gov-Brown-plans-world-11271047.php http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/340838-california-governor-to-host-climate-summit-amid-clash-with-trump http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world-0/us-politics/california-climate-change-conference-paris-agreement-deal-targets-a7828076.html https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/07/stories/1060057075 Trump administration may let California keep emissions standards. The Trump administration may be quietly conceding defeat to California on car tailpipe emissions, the biggest battleground in the state’s showdown with President Trump over climate change. Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt backed away last month from his threats to challenge California’s unique legal authority… http://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Trump-administration-may-let-California-keep-11276368.php Climate change could make California wetter, study finds. California could get wetter — not drier — in coming decades, according to a UC Riverside study that upends some conventions about climate change. The study, by climatology professor Robert Allen and graduate student Rainer Luptowitz, was published Thursday in the scientific journal Nature Communications. It ran climate forecasts through. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-california-wet-20170707-story.html Al Franken and David Letterman take on climate change in new series of shorts. David Letterman and Sen. Al Franken were both feeling frustrated about pessimism around the topic of climate change — so they got together to talk about it. Thankfully they invited some cameras along, too, with the help of Funny or Die and the Primetime Emmy Award-winning "Years of Living Dangerously." http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/tv/ct-al-franken-david-letterman-climate-change-20170710-story.html 25 Fossil Fuel Producers Responsible for Half Global Emissions in Past 3 Decades. CDP traced the greenhouse gas emissions of 100 oil, coal and gas companies, together linked to 71% of emissions since 1988. A handful of big fossil fuel producers have been responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions in the years since climate change seized the world's attention as a looming crisis… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10072017/fossil-fuel-companies-responsible-global-emissions-cdp-report. An increase in carbon-intensive fuels like tar sands oil has accelerated greenhouse gas emissions. A handful of big fossil fuel producers have been responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions in the years since climate change seized the world's attention as a looming crisis, according to a new report issued today. When emissions from agriculture and land-use changes are taken out of the equation… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10072017/fossil-fuel-companies-responsible-global-emissions-cdp-report FUELS Trump moves to open more public land to drilling in California. The Trump administration forged ahead with its commitment to boosting domestic fossil fuel production Thursday, directing more public lands to be opened for oil and gas extraction — a move that could bring new drill rigs to California. The state hasn’t seen new onshore oil and gas leases offered up on federal land in four years… http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Trump-moves-to-open-more-public-land-to-drilling-11271227.php VEHICLES Ports Go Electric in Drive to Decarbonize and Cut Pollution. Led by the Port of San Diego, California’s dockyards are moving away from diesel machinery and plugging in. Jesse Nelson, operations manager for Terminalift, a cargo loading company, is taking his new toy for a spin. The electric semi-truck is about 22,000 pounds unloaded, but it slides silently between the towering loading cranes… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07072017/california-ports-electric-vehicles-air-quality-reduce-emissions FIAT/CHRYSLER (FCA) U.S. judge to name Feinberg as Fiat Chrysler diesel settlement master. A U.S. judge overseeing lawsuits against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCHA.MI) over its alleged excess diesel emissions said he intends to name well-known compensation expert Ken Feinberg to try to reach a settlement. Feinberg has overseen compensation funds for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, General Motors (GM.N) ignition… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-idUSKBN19V28X?il=0 VW RECALL VW bosses told costs of emissions saga a month before disclosure –report. A Volkswagen manager told the then chief executive and other managers that the carmaker's diesel emissions cheating could cost up to $18.5 billion, almost a month before investors were informed, German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported. http://www.reuters.com/article/volkswagen-emissions-penalty-idUSL1N1K10BM?DCMP=NWL-pro_top GREEN ENERGY California's new-home energy goal by 2020 is within reach. As green building practices expand, new homes are becoming more energy-efficient and healthier for their occupants. In fact, California lawmakers have set a goal that all new construction will be zero net energy (ZNE) by 2020. That means that three years from now, all new homes coming on line should produce as much energy as they consume. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/real-estate/home-pride/sd-ad-nh-homepride-20170705-story.html OPINIONS California can fight climate change and reduce local pollution at the same time. To the editor: This editorial concludes with the right message: So far our state’s climate change program has worked well and should be extended. (“California may be leading on climate change, but that doesn’t mean it can ignore local pollution,” editorial, July 1) The role of offsets in California’s cap-and-trade program is small but often misunderstood. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-climate-change-local-pollution-20170710-story.html Here’s how Jerry Brown can truly build a lasting environmental legacy. Gov. Jerry Brown’s announcement that he will host the world’s climate leaders in San Francisco was well-timed. Ensuring he will remain relevant as his days in office come to an end, the event will take place in September 2018, at the height of the campaign to replace him. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article160144879.html#storylink=cpy Nipomo Mesa has some of the dirtiest air in the nation. So where’s the outrage? For years, residents of the Nipomo Mesa have been breathing air polluted with dangerously high levels of tiny dust particles linked to respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, even lung cancer. There have been days when the Mesa’s level of PM (particulate matter) pollution has been the worst in the nation, according to federal Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/editorials/article160439814.html#storylink=cpy Burning carpet at Crows Landing poisons the air; it needs to stop. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report says four of the most polluted metropolitan regions in the U.S. are in the San Joaquin Valley. Of those, Modesto-Merced ranked No.4 for short-term particle pollution and No.6 for annual-particle pollution… http://www.modbee.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article159928099.html#storylink=cpy BLOGS Environmental justice for all How California’s greenhouse gas laws can better serve disadvantaged communities. It was a time of year that should have been perfect. Warming temperatures marked Southern California’s gentle return to spring. The grass had shifted from drab to glowing green. The sky, which can be pale and hard in winter, had softened to a gentler blue. http://www.corporateknights.com/channels/leadership/environmental-justice-for-all-14993172/ Probing the Power of Pacific Supertyphoons. Despite higher than normal surface temperatures and heat contents of ocean waters where the storms developed, evidence is lacking that global warming is revving them up. Typhoon Meranti blasted the western Pacific in 2016, wreaking havoc in the Philippines, Taiwan, and mainland China, leaving dozens dead or missing and doing billions of dollars’ worth of damage. https://eos.org/articles/probing-the-power-of-pacific-supertyphoons In Wake of Trump's Paris Announcement, Investors and Companies Show Remarkable Climate Leadership. As world leaders gather in Hamburg this week for the G20 Summit, there has been understandable focus on President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. This move is intended to disengage the U.S. government from global consensus and cooperation when it comes to climate change, and it stands in stark contrast… https://www.forbes.com/sites/mindylubber/2017/07/07/in-wake-of-trumps-paris-announcement-investors-and-companies-show-remarkable-climate-leadership/#336d6a5c6ea5 Particulate matter air pollution kills many elderly people in the U.S., even at levels the EPA considers ‘safe’ A study of over 60 million American seniors recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution raises the risk of premature death of people over 65 years of age… http://www.movingforwardnetwork.com/2017/07/particulate-matter-air-pollution-kills-many-elderly-people-in-the-u-s-even-at-levels-the-epa-considers-safe/?utm_content=buffer06e4f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer Environmental & Tribal Citizen Groups Defend BLM’s Waste Prevention Rule. Trump administration undermines rules to cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Today, a coalition of environmental and tribal citizen groups filed a lawsuit over the Trump Administration’s decision to indefinitely delay common-sense standards that reduce the waste of publicly owned natural gas resources… http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2017/environmental-tribal-citizen-groups-defend-blm-s-waste-prevention-rule ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 16:14:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 11, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 11, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm ________________________________ Do you own or operate forklifts, sweeps/scrubbers, industrial tow tractors, or airport ground support equipment? If so, this regulation may apply to your business. For more information please go to the ARB Rulemaking webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2016/sparkignition2016/sparkignition2016.htm ________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Lawmakers announce plan to extend California cap and trade. Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders released a plan Monday to extend through 2030 California’s cap-and-trade program, a key piece of the state’s quest to fight climate change by drastically reducing emissions from greenhouse gases. The deal updates how refineries, utilities and other carbon emitters can use pollution allowances and offsets… https://www.apnews.com/18323f7c053845ddb01e578151ec787a/Lawmakers-announce-plan-to-extend-California-cap-and-trade OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/lawmakers-announce-plan-to-extend-california-cap-and-trade/2017/07/11/f281eff8-65ef-11e7-94ab-5b1f0ff459df_story.html?utm_term=.297989644d36 http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-jerry-brown-cap-trade-details-20170710-story.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/article160646789.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article160646819.html#storylink=cpy http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bill-seeks-to-extend-California-s-cap-and-trade-11279225.php https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/07/10/heres-whats-in-the-deal-to-extend-californias-cap-and-trade-system/ http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/341484-california-dems-reach-deal-on-cap-and-trade http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/07/11/jerry-brown-california-legislature-reach-cap-trade-extension-deal/ http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/consensus-cap-trade-extension-requires-two-thirds-legislative-vote/ https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057203 https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/10/stories/1060057122 AIR POLLUTION Swath of U.S. hit by 'double whammy' of ozone, pollen. About 40 percent of the United States' population lives in areas plagued by a "double whammy" of unhealthy ozone levels and ragweed pollen, according to data released this afternoon by the Natural Resources Defense Council with a renewed warning that rising temperatures will make things worse on both fronts. "Climate change is going to make it more difficult… https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/07/11/stories/1060057218 CLIMATE CHANGE Banks Heed Carney's Call to Tackle Risks of Climate Change. Eleven major banks including Barclays Plc, Citigroup Inc. and UBS AG said they’ll seek ways to address the financial risks of global warming, after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney urged investors to act on the threat. The group, representing more than $7 trillion, started a pilot project to implement the recommendations… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-11/carney-draws-bank-support-for-climate-risk-reporting-campaign The stubborn worry about climate change that just won’t go away. As if melting glaciers, thawing permafrost and starving polar bears weren’t enough, scientists are finding that the effects of climate change in the Arctic are even more complex — and far-reaching — than we thought. New research suggests that warm spells at the top of the world can, surprisingly… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/10/the-stubbornly-persistent-idea-about-climate-change-that-just-wont-go-away/?utm_term=.23643861830a&wpisrc=nl_most-draw7&wpmm=1 Trump's environmental rollbacks are hitting major roadblocks. As President Trump flouts international calls to act on climate change, his administration is finding the pressure at home tougher to ignore. The limitations of Trump’s power to reset U.S. climate policy has been on full display over the last few days in Washington. White House plans to scrap restrictions on the release of a potent greenhouse gas… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-environment-20170711-story.html United States going it alone on climate change: What it means. President Trump’s decision not to sign a Group of 20 declaration on climate change this weekend further isolated the United States on the issue. Trump’s action — making the U.S. the only G-20 country not to support the Paris climate agreement or its underlying goals — further solidifies the White House’s embrace of the president’s “America First” campaign pledge. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341365-united-states-going-it-alone-on-climate-change-what-it-means Spokane City Council to consider climate change law following departure from Paris accords. The Spokane City Council is expected to once again tackle a national issue next Monday, affirming the city’s commitment to limit greenhouse gas emissions to combat global climate change. City Council President Ben Stuckart said President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate accords… https://phys.org/news/2017-07-european-impacts-climate-ocean.html Why a Warming Arctic May Be Causing Colder U.S. Winters. A new study shows how a warming Arctic could negatively impact regions thousands of miles away. When a U.S. Republican senator threw a snowball onto the Senate floor in late February of 2015, he used it to underscore his belief that humanmade climate change was an alarmist conclusion. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/global-warming-arctic-colder-winters-climate-change-spd/ Should we change Earth to halt warming? Scientists say maybe. On most days here, a small team of scientists uses a global climate model to explore a scenario that begins 23 years from now. It starts in 2040 after a series of shocks have finally roused the world to take immediate action against the escalating effects of climate change. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057162 Extreme sea levels could hit West Coast — study. Researchers are getting better at modeling some of the most damaging effects of sea-level rise. As the climate changes, less-intense storms like a Category I hurricane gain the potential to do the same amount of damage as a Category II or III storm did when sea levels were lower. By 2050, those "extreme sea-level events" could go from happening once a century to every year in some places… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057183 Which global companies are the biggest emitters? More than half the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 trace back to the same 25 companies, according to a new report from the environmental nonprofit CDP aimed at galvanizing climate policy through corporate and investor action. Zoom out a little further, and 100 companies are responsible for 70 percent of the world's emissions. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057159 Canada's new climate boss talks Trump's Paris withdrawal. Jennifer MacIntyre was a novice in climate and energy policy when she was tapped by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to become Canada's climate ambassador. But the 15-year veteran of Canada's Foreign Service says she's no stranger to the issue. "Climate change is real for all of us," she said. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057163 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Ditching Diesel: Sacramento Schools Test Drive Electric Buses. Nancy Jensen is a driving instructor with the Twin Rivers school district. She has been driving school buses for 20 years. About 10 years ago, she developed a long-term case of bronchitis. When she went to the doctor to get a chest X-ray, he told her that her lungs looked like she was a smoker. But she’s never smoked. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/11/ditching-diesel-sacramento-schools-test-drive-electric-buses/ Utilities among advocates for electric school buses under Volkswagen settlement. It’s a childhood memory for many Americans: the yellow school bus with uncomfortable vinyl seats, a cantankerous driver and the ever-present smell of diesel. But at least the olfactory part of that equation could change if electric vehicle proponents get their way. They envision electric school buses that eliminate diesel emissions… https://midwestenergynews.com/2017/07/11/utilities-among-advocates-for-electric-school-buses-under-volkswagen-settlement/ FUELS Shell Plans to Spend $1 Billion a Year on Clean Energy by 2020. Royal Dutch Shell Plc plans to spend as much as $1 billion a year on its New Energies division as the transition toward renewable power and electric cars accelerates. “In some parts of the world we are beginning to see battery electric cars starting… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-10/shell-plans-to-spend-1-billion-a-year-on-clean-energy-by-2020 Trump admin to reconsider penalties for car efficiency violations. The Trump administration is reconsidering higher penalties put in place last year for automakers that violate vehicle fuel efficiency standards. In a pair of notices released Tuesday and due to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341456-trump-administration-to-reconsider-penalties-for-car-efficiency After court loss, EPA moves ahead in pulling down methane rule. A week after a federal appellate court blocked the Trump administration from delaying a methane regulation opposed by the oil and gas industry, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving ahead on rewriting the rule. Officials from the agency took testimony from the public Monday during a hearing in EPA's Washington headquarters… http://www.sfgate.com/business/energy/article/After-court-loss-EPA-moves-ahead-in-pulling-down-11278128.php Greens, tribes sue to stop BLM stay. Environmental and tribal citizen groups yesterday challenged the Interior Department's postponement of an Obama administration rule to curb methane emissions from energy operations on public lands. Represented by Earthjustice attorneys, the groups called on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to require industry compliance… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057168 VEHICLES Experts: Scrapped electric-car plant may mean industry woes. An electric car maker deserted its plan to construct a $1 billion manufacturing plant in southern Nevada in a move experts say could spell trouble for the company and the broader niche electric automobile industry. The decision to scrap the plant was due to a shift in business strategy… https://www.apnews.com/d6792adf0a2342cd81d25dac685cdf7d/Experts:-Scrapped-electric-car-plant-may-mean-industry-woes California electric-car rebates out of cash again; legislature neglected to fund them. Incentives for the purchase of a plug-in battery-powered vehicle continue to be a powerful motivation to get new buyers to consider electric cars. The federal income-tax credit of $2,500 to $7,500 has long been supplemented by various state programs, including a purchase rebate in the crucial California market. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111465_california-electric-car-rebates-out-of-cash-again-legislature-neglected-to-fund-them With more electric cars, state considers charging network. Thousands of electric cars could soon be rolling on Minnesota's roads, spurring discussions about how to keep them all juiced for long hauls from Austin to Alexandria or Blue Earth to Bemidji. Still a novelty in the state, electric vehicles are poised at the edge of the mainstream with the coming release of several more affordable models boasting lengthy ranges. http://www.postbulletin.com/news/state/with-more-electric-cars-state-considers-charging-network/article_00c1bbf2-f532-5cab-a9b9-114aa534dd15.html The technology-packed A8 is Audi's attempt to turn a new leaf after its emissions scandal. Battered by its emissions scandal, Audi launched its latest technology-packed A8 luxury saloon on Tuesday, aimed at overtaking rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW as it struggles to overcome its biggest-ever corporate crisis. Last week Munich prosecutors arrested an Audi employee in connection with "dieselgate", the latest setback… http://www.businessinsider.com/audi-a8-car-turn-a-new-leaf-emissions-scandal-2017-7 A $100,000 electric car trying to take on Tesla hit a top speed of 235 mph — here's what you need to know. Lucid Motors, a startup going after Tesla's grip on the luxury electric car market, said Monday that a prototype of its Lucid Air sedan hit a top speed of 235 mph, crushing the top speed of a Model S (155 mph). That's not exactly a fair comparison considering the Lucid prototype was adjusted to go as fast as possible. http://www.businessinsider.com/lucid-air-electric-car-top-speed-record-2017-7 Tesla To Get Serious Competition From Volvo And Porsche In Electric Battle. Tesla’s boss Elon Musk just tweeted a photo of the first Model 3 to roll off the production line. In the world of electric cars, this model is a true watershed moment as it will bring good-looking, range anxiety-free, state-of-the-art pure electric motoring to the masses for around $35,000. https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2017/07/11/the-inevitable-happens-as-carmakers-opt-for-electric-car-future/#546f370c5a2e VW RECALL U.S. EPA Chief Says to Treat Diesel Emissions Cheating 'Very Aggressively'. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chief Scott Pruitt said the agency must ensure Volkswagen AG's excess diesel emissions is not repeated, and will treat improper behavior by automakers "very aggressively." Since Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 to illegally using software to evade emissions regulations… https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/07/11/business/11reuters-usa-epa-pruitt-autos.html GREEN ENERGY Siemens and AES team up on industrial-size batteries. Transnational engineering giant Siemens is taking aggressive steps to expand into the ­alternative energy market through a new partnership with AES, an Arlington-based power company that operates in 17 countries. The two firms said in a Tuesday regulatory filing that they are forming a new D.C.-based joint venture called Fluence, which will sell industrial-scale batteries to large businesses. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/siemens-and-aes-team-up-to-make-industrial-size-batteries/2017/07/10/41a6677e-659d-11e7-9928-22d00a47778f_story.html?utm_term=.c1565c7f989a Solar funding down as uncertainty grows over trade. The solar finance sector cooled over the last three months as concerns about trade disputes, softening U.S. markets and other uncertainties cast a shadow over the world's fastest-growing energy field. Corporate funding of solar fell steeply during the second quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, with venture capital, public market… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057164 Suniva trade case ruffles feathers in Korea. A major Korean supplier of solar modules is threatening to stop shipments to the U.S. if President Trump starts a trade war. The move shows that the mere prospect of solar trade barriers is starting to strain the American solar industry, even though any action on tariffs is still months away. Hanwha Corp., one of the world's largest makers of photovoltaic solar modules… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057180 Energy investments dropped again globally in 2016 — IEA. Investment in energy globally declined by 12 percent last year, while electric vehicles grabbed an ever larger share of the money directed at transportation. Those are some of the findings from the International Energy Agency, outlined in a new report out this morning, "World Energy Investment 2017." https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/11/stories/1060057169 OPINIONS Cap and Trade – Corporate Shell Games and Environmentalist Chest-Beating. In 2006 on virtually a party line vote, the Democrat controlled Legislature passed Assembly Bill 32, the pompous sounding “California Global Warming Solutions Act.” Then-Governor Schwarzenegger, who often commuted daily in a private jet from Los Angeles to Sacramento, signed AB 32… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/cap-trade-corporate-shell-games-environmentalist-chest-beating/ China's Elevated Bus Project Seemed Too Good To Be True — And It Was. In China, a futuristic new kind of urban transport that its promoters claimed would beat traffic jams appears to have gone off the rails. That became clear last week when police arrested the people behind the project on suspicion of fraud. Dubbed the Transit Elevated Bus, the vehicle looks a bit like a catamaran on rails or a bus that straddles two lanes of traffic. http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/07/06/535625957/chinas-elevated-bus-project-seemed-too-good-to-be-true-and-it-was BLOGS No, States And Cities Can't Uphold Paris Agreement, Congressional Research Service Says. Since President Donald Trump’s abandonment of the global agreement to mitigate climate change, at least 12 states and more than 200 cities have stepped up to say they’ll do it without federal leadership. But according to the Congressional Research Service, the Constitution doesn’t allow that. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2017/07/11/no-states-cannot-uphold-paris-agreement-congressional-research-service-says/#59ed322a6db7 Report shows 97 percent of illegal air pollution not penalized in Texas. Throughout the vast Texas terrain lies a stretch of oil refineries and chemical plants that has become the backbone of the Lone Star State's economy. A new analysis by the Environmental Integrity Project and Environment Texas shows the state has imposed penalties on less than 3 percent of illegal air pollution released over the past five years. http://cw39.com/2017/07/11/report-shows-97-percent-of-illegal-air-pollution-not-penalized-in-texas/ Does the European public understand the impacts of climate change on the ocean? The oceans are our lifeline and the lungs of our planet producing 70% of the oxygen we breathe. They regulate our climate and provide us with food, new medicines, and energy. However, the ocean - and therefore the future of humanity - is threatened by climate change. https://phys.org/news/2017-07-european-impacts-climate-ocean.html#jCp Blue Bird Introduces All-New Electric School Bus Solutions. Blue Bird unveiled two new electric-powered school buses at the STN Tradeshow to nearly 1,000 live attendees and hundreds more on their live news feeds. Blue Bird introduced its all-new Type A Micro Bird G5 electric-powered school bus and then revealed its all-new electric powered Type D chassis which will power its Type D All American rear engine (RE) school bus. This announcement comes on the heels of a $4.4M Department of Energy grant awarded to Blue Bird in December of 2016 to develop a Type C Vision electric-powered school bus. http://www.stnonline.com/news/industry-releases/item/8759-blue-bird-introduces-all-new-electric-school-bus-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: Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:04:01 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 12, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 12, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) staff have posted an agenda and the staff presentation for the July 12, 2017, workshop concerning proposed regulatory amendments to Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) emission warranty requirements in Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Section 2036. Agenda: https://arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdlownox/files/workshop071217/warrantyws_agenda.pdf Presentation: https://arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdlownox/files/workshop071217/warrantyws_presentation.pdf ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Calif. Cap-And-Trade Deal Hasn't Wooed The Groups It Intended. California Governor Jerry Brown and Democratic leaders in the Legislature may have struck a deal to the extend the state’s signature climate change-fighting program, cap-and-trade, but they’re still working to secure support from lawmakers. The measure, which two-thirds of both the Assembly and Senate would have to approve… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/12/calif-cap-and-trade-deal-hasnt-wooed-the-groups-it-intended/ California climate deal takes aim at toxic air. A plan to extend California's signature climate initiative for another decade looks beyond cutting greenhouse gas emissions and takes aim at toxic air in the polluted neighborhoods around refineries and factories. The proposal comes as Gov. Jerry Brown moves to bolster California's reputation — and his own — as a global leader in the battle against climate change… http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2017/07/12/california-climate-deal-takes-aim-toxic-air/470642001/ Beyond the triumphant rhetoric, Gov. Brown's cap-and-trade plan is stirring up angst. While rolling out their plan to extend California’s cap-and-trade program, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders have portrayed their proposal as a win on two fronts: reaching the state’s ambitious climate goals and tackling local air pollution. But beyond the triumphant rhetoric, there is ambivalence about the proposal… http://www.climatechange.ie/beyond-the-triumphant-rhetoric-gov-browns-cap-and-trade-plan-is-stirring-up-angst/ Gov. Brown and lawmakers unveil proposal to extend California climate program. After weeks of back-and-forth between environmentalists and business interests, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders introduced a proposal Monday evening to reauthorize California's cap-and-trade program, the centerpiece of the state's efforts to battle climate change. The plan consists of two bills: Assembly Bill 398, which would extend the life of the program until 2030… https://www.carbonpricingleadership.org/news/2017/7/11/gov-brown-and-lawmakers-unveil-proposal-to-extend-california-climate-program How A Small Group Of Fresnans Got The State To Change Course And Send $70 Million Their Way. It’s not usually easy to get the state of California to quickly adjust how it spends money in places like the Central Valley, especially after the Governor Jerry Brown himself comes to town for a major bill signing. But that’s exactly what a group of activists in Southwest Fresno were able to do, convincing the state to make their part of town eligible for $70 million in cap-and-trade funding. http://kvpr.org/post/how-small-group-fresnans-got-state-change-course-and-send-70-million-their-way#stream/0 CLIMATE CHANGE Colorado joins 'climate alliance' of states fighting global warming. Colorado's governor signed an executive order on Tuesday making his state the latest to join a "climate alliance" of U.S. states and governors seeking to meet the goals of the Paris accord after President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the pact. The order calls for Colorado to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26 percent… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-colorado-idUSKBN19W2UH . California Today: Brown and Bloomberg, an Unlikely Team. In some ways, they could not be more different. On one coast, there is Jerry Brown, the governor and a California fixture, a leader of the Democratic opposition to the Trump White House. On the other side of the country is Michael Bloomberg, the former Republican New York mayor, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist who has arguably been as active outside of… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/12/us/california-today-jerry-brown-michael-bloomberg.html Governors From US States Gather Amid Multiple Challenges. The nation's governors gather this week amid great uncertainties for their states — on health care, solutions to the opioid overdose epidemic, even how to address the effects of climate change without help from the federal government. Proposed changes to the nation's existing health care law will be front… https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/12/us/ap-us-governors-meeting.html Scientists Say Massive Iceberg Has Broken Off in Antarctica. One of the biggest icebergs ever recorded, a trillion-ton behemoth more than seven times the size of New York City, has broken off of Antarctica, triggering disagreement among scientists over whether global warming is to blame. The event, captured by satellite, happened sometime in the past few days when the giant chunk snapped off an ice shelf. https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/12/world/europe/ap-iceberg.html Some troubling new math on carbon reductions. This week, the Climate Group’s three-year-old RE100 initiative trumpeted a major milestone: 100 large companies officially have committed to powering their operations entirely with renewable energy. That’s three years earlier than anticipated when this effort launched. What’s more, at least half of those businesses are promising to do this within three years, by 2020… https://www.greenbiz.com/article/some-troubling-new-math-carbon-reductions Iconic coast threatened as rising seas 'drown' beaches. Unstoppable sea-level rise is coming to California's iconic coastline, threatening to transform beaches, boardwalks and oceanfront cities known worldwide. It's a slow but steady peril, one state and local officials are just starting to address. Effects of higher oceans already are visible in the Golden State: Low-lying areas are experiencing more frequent flooding; chunks of. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/12/stories/1060057232 Agency warns against summer heat, gets trolled. Slather on sunscreen, douse yourself with bug spray. Watch out for ticks! U.S. EPA's official account has been tweeting about ways to protect against heat exhaustion, insect bites and asthma attacks from wood smoke — and the internet isn't having any of it. "It's summertime! That means the days can get hot. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/12/stories/1060057234 Growing number of storms makes the North warmer. North Pole winters are experiencing more bursts of relatively warm weather, potentially hobbling sea ice's recovery from summer melting. With a threshold of minus 10 degrees Celsius, warming periods are a normal part of the Arctic climate that have been observed for more than a century. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/12/stories/1060057235 Hundreds of communities face frequent flooding in 18 years — study. More and more visitors are traveling to Miami Beach to see how the poster child for sunny-day flooding is grappling with climate change adaptation. Visiting elected officials ask about funding for projects related to saltwater intrusion and rising seas. They tour the central sewer treatment plant on a barrier island that's undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/12/stories/1060057255 VW RECALL U.S. EPA chief says to treat diesel emissions cheating 'very aggressively'. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt said the agency must ensure Volkswagen AG's (VOWG_p.DE) excess diesel emissions is not repeated, and will treat improper behavior by automakers "very aggressively." Since Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 to illegally using software to evade emissions regulations… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-epa-pruitt-autos-idUSKBN19W2CM GREEN ENERGY Coal got knocked out in Calif. Now, gas is on the ropes. A wave of regulatory reconsiderations of natural gas-fired power plants in California has renewables advocates cheering. The state's grid operator is expected to release a study next month on whether the Puente Power Project, a gas-fired plant planned for the Southern California coast 60 miles west of Los Angeles, might be supplanted by solar panels… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/12/stories/1060057252 OPINIONS Here’s why to support Jerry Brown’s cap and trade deal. Gov. Jerry Brown unveiled a re-envisioned cap-and-trade proposal, one aimed at winning support from Republicans, Democrats, industry and environmentalists. As in any compromise, no one gets everything they covet. Although California’s cap-and-trade program won’t expire until 2020, the governor wants to extend it now, before the next auction… http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article160849844.html#storylink=cpy Essential California: Some environmentalists aren't fans of Gov. Brown's key climate-change program. How big a win is California’s cap-and-trade deal? While rolling out their plan to extend California’s cap-and-trade program, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders have portrayed their proposal an unconditional win on two fronts: reaching the state’s ambitious climate goals and tackling local air pollution. http://www.latimes.com/newsletters/la-me-ln-essential-california-20170712-story.html BLOGS Huge Antarctic iceberg breaks off. Here's why it worries scientists. Scientists had been observing the anomalous rift widening across a section of the so-called Larsen C ice shelf for the past several years. Now they’re left with some critical questions: What are this event’s broader consequences for the Antarctic ice sheet, what happens next, and – importantly – what role did climate change play here? https://www.edf.org/blog/2017/07/12/huge-antarctic-iceberg-breaks-heres-why-it-worries-scientists The Larsen C Crack-Up in Antarctica: Why It Matters. Ice shelf breaking free is a big deal, but not in the way you might think. So the moment is here. After months of teasing scientists who have been watching a widening crack in the ice of Antarctica via satellite cameras and surveillance aircraft, a 2,200-square-mile ice shelf known as the Larsen C has finally broken free… http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/the-larsen-c-crack-up-in-antarctica-why-it-matters-w491929 http://mashable.com/2017/07/12/massive-iceberg-breaks-off-antarctica-larsen-c-ice-shelf/#z0tX0u5eTOqu EPA Chief Wants Scientists To Debate Climate On TV. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in the early stages of launching a debate about climate change that could air on television – challenging scientists to prove the widespread view that global warming is a serious threat, the head of the agency said. https://www.thegwpf.com/epa-chief-wants-scientists-to-debate-climate-on-tv/ California Models Climate and Air Pollution Action with Balanced Approach. California is once again demonstrating its bold climate leadership. As Washington, D.C. continues to abdicate its role as a climate champion, California is stepping up to extend its landmark cap-and-trade program, address local air pollution… http://blogs.edf.org/climatetalks/2017/07/12/california-models-climate-and-air-pollution-action-with-balanced-approach/ ====================================================================== 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, 14 Jul 2017 13:58:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 14, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 14, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) staff have posted an agenda and the staff presentation for the July 12, 2017, workshop concerning proposed regulatory amendments to Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) emission warranty requirements in Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Section 2036. Agenda: https://arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdlownox/files/workshop071217/warrantyws_agenda.pdf Presentation: https://arb.ca.gov/msprog/hdlownox/files/workshop071217/warrantyws_presentation.pdf ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE CA affordable housing bills benefiting in political dealing over cap and trade. California's proponents of affordable housing say they've never been so bullish about making a dent in the housing crisis as in the current legislative session. Votes are planned Monday in Sacramento on a large package of housing bills expected to include millions of dollars in subsidies for low-income housing… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/07/13/73761/ca-affordable-housing-bills-benefiting-in-politica/ Brown on climate bill: 'I'm going to be dead; it's for you'. A bill to extend California's cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases emerged from its first committee vote yesterday, but battles likely lie ahead as Gov. Jerry Brown (D) seeks a supermajority consensus over the weekend. Brown and state legislative leaders are seeking a floor vote as soon as next Monday to extend the state's landmark… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057382 AIR POLLUTION Court orders France to clean up air pollution. France’s highest legal authority has ordered the government to clean up the nation’s air pollution. The Conseil d’État has given the French Government nearly nine months to produce a plan, detailing how it intends to bring air quality within legal limits by 31st March 2018. The news follows legal action launched… http://www.energylivenews.com/2017/07/14/court-orders-france-to-clean-up-air-pollution/ CLIMATE CHANGE Gov. Brown makes dire plea to save California climate law. Gov. Jerry Brown warned Thursday of a California ravaged by forest fires, disease and mass migration if lawmakers fail to renew the state’s signature program to fight climate change, which he called “a threat to organized human existence.” California’s longest-serving governor, who has spent most of his life in and around public service… https://apnews.com/fb94b2fdad3047a0a7e457a0f4ca6433/California-governor-scrambles-for-support-on-climate-deal OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.sacbee.com/article161330148.html#storylink=cpy Climate-Altering Gases Spiked in 2016, Federal Scientists Report. Annual greenhouse gas emissions rose more quickly last year than they have in nearly three decades, an increase scientists attributed in part to a strong El Niño weather pattern, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported this week. The Annual Greenhouse Gas Index also shows that global emissions… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/13/climate/greenhouse-gases-spike-noaa-global-warming.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20170713&_r=0 Climate change may make it too hot to fly, study says. A spike in summer temperatures in Phoenix last month forced American Airlines to cancel dozens of flights because some planes used by the carrier’s regional airline could not operate in such extreme heat. Airlines can expect to face such problems more often because of extreme temperatures… http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase-climate-change-20170714-story.html Warming could lead to costlier tickets. Rising temperatures could make it harder for planes to take off, and may require them to offload fuel, cargo or passengers at the hottest points in the day, according to new research. That means climate change could spur higher airline ticket prices by midcentury. Airports with short runways, at high elevations or with hotter climates… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057384 Defense bill calls climate change a national security threat. The Republican-led House decisively approved a defense policy bill on Friday that declares climate change a national security threat, demands rigorous oversight of the Pentagon's cyber operations and rejects the Trump administration's bid to close military bases. Lawmakers voted 344-81 on Friday to pass the sweeping legislation. http://www.sacbee.com/news/article161329513.html#storylink=cpy Gov. Brown’s Cap-and-Trade Pitch: ‘This isn’t for me. I’m going to be dead. It’s for you and it’s damn real.’ Gov. Jerry Brown made a fiery pitch for his proposal to extend the state’s cap-and-trade system on Thursday, batting back concerns about the bill from both sides of the aisle. “I’m not here about some cockamamie legacy that people talk about,”… https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/07/14/governor-brown-on-cap-and-trade-its-for-you-and-its-damn-real/ Brown Lobbies For Cap-And-Trade, Loses Republicans. Calling California’s cap-and-trade program the most efficient way to fight climate change, Governor Jerry Brown told lawmakers extending the program is “the most important vote of your life.” In a highly unusual show of support, Brown sat through the entire four-hour Senate committee hearing on the bill… http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/13/brown-lobbies-for-cap-and-trade,-loses-republicans/ House defeats amendment to strip climate study from Defense bill. The House defeated an amendment to a defense policy bill Thursday that would have blocked a Department of Defense study into the impacts of climate change on national security. The amendment, from Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), would have stripped a National Defense Authorization Act provision that would have required a study… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341961-house-defeats-amendment-to-strip-climate-study-from-defense-bill Greenhouse Gases Are Rapidly Changing the Atmosphere. Humanity’s grand experiment in the atmosphere continues, and a new report documents just how far it’s gone. On Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its annual index of 20 key greenhouse gases. It shows that their direct influence on the climate has risen 140 percent since 1750… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/greenhouse-gases-atmosphere-21618 Scientists see proposed climate debates as a trap. Climate scientists are perplexed by U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's plans to challenge their work. They see it as a trap with no escape: Participating in the critique would lend the minority of researchers who question mainstream climate science an oversized microphone. But refusing the invitation to debate their findings could… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/13/stories/1060057297 White House official: U.S. is 'constructive' on climate. Divisions over climate and energy weren't as deep as they seemed at last week's Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, a White House official said yesterday. While the summit produced a text that isolated the United States in its opposition to the Paris Agreement and saw all 19 other members of the major economies club endorse… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057385 Can mayors fix rising temps? Bloomberg wants to find out. If Donald Trump is not interested in climate change, a growing number of American governors, mayors and CEOs are. But their pinpoint efforts on global warming raise a nagging question: How much carbon can they really cut? The quality of city greenhouse gas accounting and climate action varies widely… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/13/stories/1060057313 Banking regulators increasingly bothered by climate change costs. The intersection of climate change and finance can be a wilderness. It lacks a formal international framework, has no official accounting standards to quantify climate risk and runs on voluntary corporate disclosure rules. But companies and governments are increasingly viewing climate change as an economic red flag… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057368 DROUGHT Without water lifeline, tiny town on Santa Cruz coast is running dry. All across California, one storm after another dumped drought-busting rains last winter that put an end to water-saving emergency measures and the doomsday scenario of taps running dry. Except here. On the coastal bluffs just north of Santa Cruz, this hamlet is in danger of drying up because those storms were more than a 100-year-old water pipe could handle. http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Without-water-lifeline-tiny-town-on-Santa-Cruz-11284458.php 'Rain or Shine' exhibit at State Fair guides Californian's to conserve water. The California Department of Water Resources is stressing that water conservation is still important through a new exhibit at the state fair. "Water Conservation: Rain or Shine" features step-by-step instructions on how to remove a home lawn and replace it with low-water using landscape. http://www.abc10.com/news/local/rain-or-shine-exhibit-at-state-fair-guides-californians-to-conserve-water/456428921 FUELS Court lets EPA put drilling pollution rule on hold. A federal appeals court is letting the Trump administration put on hold an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methane pollution rule for oil and natural gas drilling. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered Thursday that its decision last week rejecting the EPA’s delay of the regulation could itself be delayed for 14 days… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/341911-court-lets-epa-put-drilling-pollution-rule-on-hold Gas Company Sues to End County Oversight After Massive Natural Gas Disaster. After a massive methane gas leak at SoCalGas’s Aliso Canyon underground gas storage facility displaced thousands of families and took more than 100 days to plug, many residents in surrounding neighborhoods felt the energy company had gotten off lightly with a $4 million fine and tightened outside oversight. https://www.courthousenews.com/gas-company-sues-end-county-oversight-massive-natural-gas-disaster/ VEHICLES Mercedes cars to face more emissions tests in Germany. Germany has found no signs so far that Mercedes-Benz used illegal software to manipulate diesel emissions but a new round of tests is being conducted, the transport ministry said on Friday. The Transport Ministry summoned officials from Daimler, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand… http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/mercedes-cars-face-emissions-tests-germany-article-1.3326767 Germany Checking Daimler Cars Amid Diesel Emissions Probe. The German Transport Ministry says the country's motor transport authority will examine cars made by Daimler amid an investigation into suspected manipulation of diesel emissions controls. Daimler said in May that prosecutors would search several offices in Germany and it was cooperating with the probe. https://www.voanews.com/a/germany-checking-daimler-cars-amid-diesel-emissions-probe/3944025.html Battery-powered cars will soon dominate in Europe — study. By 2035, electric vehicles will account for every new car purchase in Europe, but the continent's carmakers are poised to lose out to their American and Asian competitors, according to a prediction by the Dutch bank ING. Government support, along with falling battery prices and the economies of scale, is expected to drive the trend. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057364 GREEN ENERGY Jerry Brown likely to face decision on 100 percent clean electricity. A key vote this week in Sacramento has moved California closer than most people could imagine to a future in which all electricity — 100 percent of it — is produced without releasing more carbon into the air. When Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De León proposed the bill, many viewed it as aspirational. http://inewsource.org/2017/07/14/california-100-percent-clean-electricity/ Trump will fund solar energy research, for now. Will President Trump keep up the effort to make solar energy cheaper? That question has swirled around the SunShot Initiative, a program with a doubtful future under a new president who thinks the government has unfairly tipped the scales away from coal. The answer is yes, though perhaps not for long. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/14/stories/1060057381 Renewable energy set to expand in bellwether Midwest market. Illinois' sweeping energy bill took effect last month, setting the stage for a significant expansion of solar and wind energy in the state. Now comes the hard part — putting legislative language into action. The Future Energy Jobs Act is perhaps best known for a controversial provision that will provide up to $235 million a year in subsidies for Exelon Corp. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/13/stories/1060057301 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental defenders being killed in record numbers globally, new research reveals. Exclusive Activists, wildlife rangers and indigenous leaders are dying violently at the rate of about four a week, with a growing sense around the world that ‘anyone can kill environmental defenders without repercussions’. Last year was the most perilous ever for people defending their community’s land, natural resources or wildlife, with new research… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/13/environmental-defenders-being-killed-in-record-numbers-globally-new-research-reveals OPINIONS Editorial: Unite behind Brown’s greenhouse gas plan. Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by extending California’s cap-and-trade program has attracted complaints from all sides. It’s imperfect. There’s something for each faction in this complex debate to oppose. No one will come away completely happy. But this is what is politically possible. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/14/editorial-unite-behind-gov-browns-cap-and-trade-plan/ Hickenlooper’s goal to reduce carbon emissions is a good one. Gov. John Hickenlooper set a good goal for Colorado Tuesday: reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels, and also cut power plant carbon emissions by 35 percent by 2030, compared to emissions levels in 2012. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/07/12/hickenloopers-goal-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-is-a-good-one/ BLOGS A diesel emissions test you can’t game? We try it out. From September, Euro 6 rules mean diesels have to prove they’re clean in the real world. Diesel is a dirty word in the auto industry these days. The fuel was once viewed—particularly in Europe—as a potential savior, since diesel engines offer much better fuel economy and emit much less CO2 per mile than engines that run on gasoline. https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/07/a-diesel-emissions-test-you-cant-game-we-try-it-out/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 14:52:39 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 17, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE California climate law touted as global model faces key test. California lawmakers are nearing a high-stakes decision that will decide the fate of a climate initiative that Gov. Jerry Brown holds up as a model to be replicated around the world to confront rising global temperatures. The vote Monday on whether to give another decade of life to California’s cap-and-trade program has global implications… https://www.apnews.com/cfcab234561842fcba738707802319c9/California-climate-law-touted-as-global-model-faces-key-test California lawmakers to decide fate of landmark climate law. California lawmakers are nearing a high-stakes decision that will decide the fate of a climate initiative that Gov. Jerry Brown holds up as a model to be replicated around the world to confront rising global temperatures. The vote Monday on whether to give another decade of life to California's cap-and-trade program has global implications as the largest U.S. state moves to be a leader in reducing carbon emissions at a time… http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE_CAOL-?SITE=CASON&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-07-17-03-41-51 California climate law backers look for support. California lawmakers leading an effort to extend the state’s signature climate change initiative made a last-minute appeal Saturday to critics on the left who say their plan doesn’t do enough to reign in polluters. The unusual weekend conference call with reporters underscores the trouble facing Gov. Jerry Brown and his legislative allies as they try… https://www.apnews.com/3daa8022443e4fb8874a26ed5f49b8c6/California-climate-law-backers-look-for-support The Latest: Absence, vacancy complicate cap and trade path. The Latest on California’s efforts to extend its cap and trade climate change-fighting program (all times local): 9:30 a.m. An absence and a vacancy among California Assembly Democrats are complicating the math for renewing the state’s cap-and-trade program. The Assembly needs 54 votes to pass legislation reauthorizing the climate change-fighting initiative through 2030. https://www.apnews.com/f43240f3bd8e40eca9f59f8d2b3a44ca/The-Latest:-Absence,-vacancy-complicate-cap-and-trade-path Will cap and trade survive Capitol politics? After months of speculation, and weeks of intense negotiations to secure a compromise package, lawmakers are scheduled to take up an extension of the state’s signature climate change program today. The complex system, known as cap and trade, is a market-based approach that began as a Republican idea. In California, which views itself as an environmental laboratory for the world… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article161659743.html#storylink=cpy As cap-and-trade evangelist, Gov. Brown shows he's the most effective politician Sacramento has seen in a long time. He’s single-minded like a bull,” said a close friend of Gov. Jerry Brown. That was more than 42 years ago. Another Times reporter and I had tracked down friends and relatives of Brown, looking for some insight into the young man about to be inaugurated California governor for the first time. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-cap-trade-jerry-brown-20170717-story.html Judgment day for California climate-change program. After weeks of closed-door talks and days of intense debate, a proposal to extend California’s signature program for regulating global-warming greenhouse gases through the end of 2030 finally faces a showdown today in both the Senate and the Assembly. Gov. Jerry Brown, who has been making a name for himself as an international climate leader… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/17/judgment-day-for-california-climate-change-program/ Cap-and-trade will cost less than current regulatory regime. California has the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal in this or any other country. By 2030, Californians must reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent below our already-constrained 2020 levels. California produces only one percent of GHG emissions, but we outpunch our weight in global influence on climate policy. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/cap-trade-will-cost-less-current-regulatory-regime/ 'Most important vote' set today for cap and trade. California lawmakers are expected to vote today on a successor program to the state's cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases that would extend the carbon market through 2030. The vote on A.B. 398 is being imbued with global significance by supporters and opponents, with Gov. Jerry Brown (D) calling it the "most important vote" lawmakers will ever face as federal climate policy stalls and other jurisdictions look to California for leadership. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/17/stories/1060057456 CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change and less federal money may hit states hard. The tornado hit the suburbs east of New Orleans at lunchtime on a mild Tuesday in February. The twister spun across midcentury ranch houses still bearing spray-painted symbols that search-and-rescue squads left after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. At its calmest, the tornado tugged at asphalt shingles. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/climate-change-and-less-federal-money-may-hit-states-hard/2017/07/14/f74f03f0-61d4-11e7-a4f7-af34fc1d9d39_story.html?utm_term=.25e2655ee77b Why Macron might be best bet to bring U.S. back to Paris climate deal. President Trump’s suggestion during his visit with French President Emmanuel Macron that “something could happen with respect to the Paris agreement” awakened hopes that he just might be willing to reverse the decision to pull the United States out of the landmark climate agreement. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/15/why-macron-might-be-best-bet-to-bring-u-s-back-to-paris-climate-deal/?utm_term=.67facd0c7764 In Chile, Many Regard Climate Change As The Greatest External Threat. Fernando Rojas is holding up a photograph of a pocket of countryside, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains, that has been his home, his livelihood, and his passion for all of his 74 years. His picture shows a lake, brimming with water, in front of a range of hills that are silhouetted by the sun. http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/07/16/536896748/in-chile-many-regard-climate-change-as-the-greatest-external-threat Unabated climate change would reverse the development gains in Asia: Report. Unabated climate change would bring devastating consequences to countries in Asia and the Pacific, which could severely affect their future growth, reverse current development gains, and degrade quality of life, according to a report produced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). https://yubanet.com/world/unabated-climate-change-would-reverse-the-development-gains-in-asia-report/ Jeopardy for the Bullet Train with Cap-n-Trade Amendment? Late Friday, Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes threw into the cap-and-trade negotiation mix a plan to require a one-time two-thirds vote requirement on how cap-and-trade revenues are spent. The vote would come no sooner than 2024. That proposed vote is a long way off but it could play a role in the funding of the controversial high-speed-rail project. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/jeopardy-bullet-train-cap-n-trade-amendment/ After discussion, Macron says Trump 'understood' importance of Paris climate deal. French President Emmanuel Macron said he pressed President Trump on the possibility of returning the U.S. to the Paris climate agreement during the two leaders' Paris meeting last week. During an interview Sunday in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, Macron said Trump "listened" to him, according to the Associated Press. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/342255-macron-on-trump-meeting-we-spoke-in-detail-about-what-could-allow Calif. AG hints at investigation of oil giant. The attorney general of California said state officials could prosecute oil companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp., which is under investigation by authorities in New York and Massachusetts, for deceiving the public about climate change. At a town hall in Pasadena, Calif., Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) said Thursday he was aware of accusations… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/17/stories/1060057457 DIESEL ACTIVITIES NGT notice to Centre on air pollution caused by ships. A plea alleging rising air pollution by diesel-run ships in the Indian territorial waters on Monday prompted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to seek replies from the Centre and others. A plea alleging rising air pollution by diesel-run ships in the Indian territorial waters on Monday prompted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to seek replies from the Centre and others. http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/ngt-notice-to-centre-on-air-pollution-caused-by-ships-2327843.html FUELS Neighboring states a world apart on methane regulations. Little more than a change in title separates the border between New Mexico and Colorado north of Farmington. The landscape remains an expanse of low, brown hills spotted with stout juniper trees. Untamed Siberian elms burgeon along La Plata River, which runs between the two states. http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/neighboring-states-a-world-apart-on-methane-regulations/article_7ed78010-26f2-5d65-a80b-45112785bbbc.html VEHICLES Big Oil Just Woke Up to Threat of Rising Electric Car Demand. The world’s biggest oil producers are starting to take electric vehicles seriously as a long-term threat. OPEC quintupled its forecast for sales of plug-in EVs, and oil producers from Exxon Mobil Corp. to BP Plc also revised up their outlooks in the past year, according to a study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance released on Friday. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-14/big-oil-just-woke-up-to-the-threat-of-rising-electric-car-demand California Pushes New Incentives for Zero-Emissions Vehicles. California lawmakers are considering $3 billion worth of rebates for buyers of electric cars in an effort to power an industry that relies heavily on public subsidies. The bill has passed the state Assembly, and is advancing in the state Senate, which is expected to take up the bill once it clears a final committee next month. http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/07/15/california-pushes-new-incentives-for-zero-emissions-vehicles.html Utilities are giving people cash for clean cars. Utilities have begun offering direct rebates for electric vehicles in an effort to jump-start sluggish sales in an emerging car market that stands to benefit them financially. Electric companies in Vermont and California have offered customers $450 to $1,200 off their electric bill if they buy a plug-in car. Others have partnered with Nissan to offer $10,000 in rebates. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/17/stories/1060057459 MISCELLANEOUS Greens launch ad campaign to defend EPA budget. An environmental group has launched a $1 million ad buy to pressure vulnerable Republicans on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget. The ad campaign highlights local public health work undertaken by the EPA and contends the agency's efforts would be curtailed if the Trump administration’s proposed 31 percent funding cut… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/342323-greens-launch-ad-campaign-to-defend-epa-budget OPINIONS As cap-and-trade evangelist, Gov. Brown shows he's the most effective politician Sacramento has seen in a long time. He’s single-minded like a bull,” said a close friend of Gov. Jerry Brown. That was more than 42 years ago. Another Times reporter and I had tracked down friends and relatives of Brown, looking for some insight into the young man about to be inaugurated California governor for the first time. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-cap-trade-jerry-brown-20170717-story.html Gov. Brown's cap-and-trade compromise is a giveaway to the very polluters causing climate change. To the editor: I disagree that AB 398, which would extend California’s cap-and-trade program “for the sake of the planet,” is the “balanced approach” that Gov. Jerry Brown touts. The bill was written in consultation with the oil and gas lobby and is opposed by more than 50 of California’s leading environmental organizations. (“For the sake of the planet and our state, extend California's cap-and-trade program,” editorial, July 13) http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-ol-le-brown-cap-and-trade-20170717-story.html Cap and Trade opponent: Climate change gives California Democrats an excuse to raise taxes. If you want to understand Assembly Bill 398, the “cap and trade” bill, just follow the money. As with most “juice” bills in the California Legislature, the negotiations go on behind closed doors where special interests decide who will pocket what piece of the new revenue stream. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/16/cap-and-trade-opponent-climate-change-gives-democrats-an-excuse-to-raise-taxes/ Cap and trade is about the money, not the climate. There is one thing that is not up for discussion as Gov. Jerry Brown battles to win support for the extension of California’s cap-and-trade program: the flow of cap-and-trade funds to the bullet train. “If that’s a killer for you, then you have a dead body,” Brown told this newspaper’s editorial board. http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/16/cap-and-trade-is-about-the-money-not-the-climate/ Southern California too important to be a cap-and-trade afterthought. Southern California represents nearly one-half of the state’s population, is the nation’s largest manufacturing job center and faces some of the most daunting air quality challenges in the United States. Despite all that, our region has received only 29.6 percent of state funds targeted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the state’s cap-and-trade program. http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/16/southern-california-too-important-to-be-a-cap-and-trade-afterthought-2/ Leaf blowers: Outright ban in Palm Springs the wrong way to clear the air. After much community discussion, Palm Springs might be ready to implement an outright ban on the use of leaf blowers within city boundaries. While these noisy devices do have serious effects on quality of life and health that deserve addressing, such a Draconian move is uncalled for and likely would have unintended negative consequences. http://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/editorials/2017/07/15/our-voice-leaf-blowers-outright-ban-palm-springs-wrong-way-clear-air/480187001/ Column: Fighting air pollution. Imagine a child living near a factory. The child is breathing the bad air all the time. This child will get sick. Factories are polluting the environment and making people sick. In my opinion, air pollution is bad for the environment. My first reason is people get sick from air pollution. In the article ‘‘What are the effects of air pollution?’’… http://www.salemnews.com/opinion/columns/column-fighting-air-pollution/article_29d95e7c-bc1b-57cc-bdeb-271ca3de62a1.html Don’t put the truck stop there. The upcoming meeting Tuesday on sign variance requests (“Rancho Viejo residents heckle, walk out of meeting for the proposed Pilot Flying J truck stop,” June 21) at the Santa Fe gateway — the intersection of N.M. 14 and Rancho Viejo Boulevard, just off Interstate 25 — is a formality in a long process that should result in no permits for this project because: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/don-t-put-the-truck-stop-there/article_7b65ac94-3a90-502b-bd86-5f67e19b9e29.html BLOGS The Future Of Cap-And-Trade In California Hangs In The Balance. “This isn’t for me. I’m going to be dead. It’s for you,” California Gov. Jerry Brown urged. California’s milestone climate legislation is at a critical crossroads, and reluctance toward the program from both liberals and conservatives could stand in the way of extending it. The California Senate will vote Monday on AB 398, a bill drafted to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/california-cap-and-trade-law_us_596b86fce4b0174186282ebd California’s leadership on climate change. Later today, California’s Senate will vote on new laws to tackle climate change, including an extension to its successful cap-and-trade programme until 2030. It is expected to be a close call with the new Bills needing some support from Republican lawmakers. Bill AB 398 was first introduced in February by Democrat Assembly Member Eduardo GarciA… http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/californias-leadership-on-climate-change/ “This is the most important vote of your life”: Key California climate policy comes down to wire. Gov. Jerry Brown is pleading with lawmakers to extend the state’s cap and trade program to stop catastrophic climate change. On Monday, the California Senate will vote on AB 398, a bill to extend the state’s centerpiece cap-and-trade program, currently set to expire in 2020. https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/7/15/15955756/california-climate-brown-ab398-cap-and-trade PurpleAir's $250 Air Pollution Monitor Gives Government Equipment Run for Money. Thinking about a personal air pollution sensor? Based on cost and on laboratory and field evaluations by air pollution experts, we recommend the PA-II by PurpleAir (purpleair.com) as the best outdoor air pollution monitor for personal use. Advances in technology have led to the development of relatively cheap air pollution… https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/purple-airs-250-air-pollution-monitor-gives-government-equipment-run-money Bacteria Capable Of Reversing Climate Change By Eating Pollution. Genetically modified bacteria might hold the key to reversing climate change by reversing environmental contamination by pollutants. Such bacteria might not only be able to take care of the 300 million tons of plastic produced around the world but even heavy metals such as Cadmium, which is used in nuclear reactors. http://www.ibtimes.com/4-bacteria-capable-reversing-climate-change-eating-pollution-2566624 ‘Because... Climate Change’ When our group of pipeline opponents goes to Washington this week to call on senators to reject Donald Trump’s nominees to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and to investigate the Commission instead, we’ll have no shortage of compelling reasons to provide. Communities in the path of natural gas pipeline projects have been on the receiving end of FERC’s abuses of power for decades. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/because-climate-change_us_596aa869e4b09e26b6d76888 ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 14:46:57 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 18, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 18, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) is pleased to announce that the Dairy and Livestock Working Group Subgroup #1 (Fostering Markets for Non-Digester Projects) will hold its kickoff meeting on July 17, 2017. Date: July 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: CA Department of Food and Agriculture Building, Main Auditorium 1220 N Street, Sacramento More information on Subgroup #1 can be found at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/dairy/dsg1/dsg1.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE California Extends Climate Bill, Handing Gov. Jerry Brown a Victory. California lawmakers voted Monday to extend a cap-and-trade program until 2030, ending a legislative standoff that had threatened a critical component of the state’s pioneering efforts to reduce climate-altering emissions. The measure was approved by a two-thirds majority in both the Assembly and the Senate, a margin that Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/climate/california-cap-and-trade-approved-jerry-brown.html?emc=edit_ca_20170718&nl=california-today&nlid=79449713&te=1&_r=1 http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE_CAOL-?SITE=CASON&SECTION=STATE&TEM http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-brown-lawmakers-celebrate-bipartisan-cap-and-trade-victory-2017-7 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40640445 http://wuwf.org/post/california-legislature-renews-signature-cap-and-trade-program http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-la-s-newest-congressman-gets-committee-1500394130-htmlstory.html http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/california-playbook/2017/07/18/brown-scores-cap-and-trade-victory-housing-deal-in-the-works-jenner-didnt-vote-last-year-221372 http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/342476-california-votes-to-extend-cap-and-trade http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-lawmakers-extend-landmark-climate-change-law-ten-years-cap-and-trade/ How did your lawmaker vote on California's climate change program? California legislators approved an extension of the state's signature climate change program known as cap and trade. The measure passed 55 to 21 in the Assembly and 28 to 12 in the Senate. It was a rare bipartisan vote, with seven Republicans joining all but three Democrats in the Assembly. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-minority-leader-nancy-pelosi-democrats-1500406486-htmlstory.html Will you end up paying more for gas under California’s cap-and-trade extension? An effort to extend California’s signature program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change cleared the California Legislature Monday, sending the deal to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk. How will it affect consumers? Q: Will extending the cap-and-trade program raise my gas prices? http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article161904813.html#storylink=cpy California's Cap-and-Trade Program is Alive and Well. This is the eighth installment in a series of posts on California's climate leadership. These posts address a wide range of related topics including economic benefits and renewable energy. California's carbon pricing program is key to meeting the state's ambitious carbon reduction targets. http://www.thegreenmarketoracle.com/2017/07/californias-cap-and-trade-program-is.html Aguiar-Curry supports cap-and-trade extension. Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, voted in favor of landmark legislation Monday to extend California’s cap-and-trade program. The package includes AB 398 by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella; AB 617 by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens; and ACA 1 by Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley. http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/aguiar-curry-supports-cap-and-trade-extension/ Berryhill Lone Republican Senator Supporting Cap-And-Trade: Hails Suspension Of Fire Fee. California lawmakers have extended the cap-and-trade program for another decade. A majority of Democrats in the Senate and Assembly were in favor, while most Republicans were opposed. In the Senate, Mother Lode District 8 Republican Tom Berryhill was the lone vote in favor. https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/313447/berryhill-lone-republican-senator-supporting-cap-and-trade-hails-suspension-of-fire-fee.html AIR POLLUTION Air pollution is the ‘tobacco of the 21st century’, warn experts. Bad air is the source of 'huge illness which is entirely preventable if we take the issue seriously', IPPR researcher says. Air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels is the “tobacco of the 21st century”, an expert has warned after a report found some cities in northern England were breaching legal safety limits by up to 150 per cent. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/air-pollution-tobacco-21-century-quality-breathing-health-problems-lungs-experts-ippr-a7846761.html Parents could face a fine of £130 (€146) for driving their children to school as part of a plan to reduce air pollution. The London borough of Croydon is the latest area to trial the scheme, which will see roads leading up to three primary schools becoming "pedestrian zones" for six months from September. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/parents-hit-130-fine-driving-kids-school-air-pollution-crackdown-1630795 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Has California Hit The Brakes In Regulating Breath-Robbing Big Rigs? James Lockett sits on his bed and opens the drawer of his nightstand, revealing a stash of asthma inhalers: purple disc-shaped ones he uses twice a day to manage his symptoms and others for full-blown attacks. Lockett, 70, says he never leaves home without an emergency inhaler. http://khn.org/news/has-california-hit-the-brakes-in-regulating-breath-robbing-big-rigs/ Air pollution: Diesel is now better than gas, emitting fewer carbonaceous particulates. Modern diesel cars emit less pollution generally than cars that run on gasoline, says a new six-nation study published today in Scientific Reports whose groundwork was laid in part by an American chemist now working at Université de Montréal. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170717110429.htm FUELS Two Bay Area counties sue 37 fossil fuel companies over sea-rise. Two Bay Area counties sued 37 oil, gas and coal companies Monday asserting the companies knew their fossil fuel products would cause sea level rise and coastal flooding but failed to reduce their greenhouse gas pollution. The lawsuit was part of a coordinated litigation attack by Marin, San Mateo County and the city of Imperial Beach. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/17/two-bay-area-counties-file-complaint-against-oil-companies-over-sea-rise/ VEHICLES Daimler to Modify 3 Million Mercedes Cars Over Diesel Concerns. Daimler, the German automaker, said on Tuesday that it would update three million Mercedes cars in Europe to reduce their diesel emissions, an apparent effort to combat a widening inquiry and a public backlash over allegations that it evaded rules controlling vehicle pollutants. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/business/daimler-diesel-emissions.html Would a new carpool lane bring more cars to Highway 50 downtown? New lawsuit says yes. An environmental group has sued Caltrans over the state’s plans to build carpool lanes on Highway 50 in downtown Sacramento, saying the state has failed to analyze the health impacts on local residents from potential increased vehicle emissions. The lawsuit, filed by the Environmental Council of Sacramento… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article161877143.html#storylink=cpy Utilities Are Giving People Cash for Clean Cars. Automakers, regulators, legislators and utilities are increasingly working together to boost sales of electric vehicles. Utilities have begun offering direct rebates for electric vehicles in an effort to jump-start sluggish sales in an emerging car market that stands to benefit them financially. Electric companies in Vermont and California have offered customers $450 to $1,200 off their electric bill if they buy a plug-in car. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/utilities-are-giving-people-cash-for-clean-cars/ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE This army base once drove West Oakland’s economy. Now it drives discrimination. Part of a series on communities overcoming obstacles to become cleaner and greener. A veil of dust covers the windowsills of Ray Kidd’s home. Outside, in his backyard, particles coat a lemon tree, sticking to the fruit’s pimpled, yellow skin. “Diesel pollution,” says the 72-year-old Kidd, who has lived in West Oakland since 1973. “It’s just pervasive.” http://grist.org/justice/an-old-army-base-could-mean-new-pollution-for-beleaguered-residents-of-west-oakland/ BLOGS California Votes to Extend Landmark Cap-and-Trade Program—While Allowing Big Polluters to Get Away with Murder. The new legislation makes huge concessions to the fossil fuel industry. There's no doubt that California has established itself one of the world's climate leaders, setting aggressive goals for clean economy jobs, clean transportation, emissions reductions, renewable energy adoption by utilities, energy efficiency in existing buildings and climate resiliency. http://www.alternet.org/environment/california-votes-extend-landmark-cap-and-trade-program-while-allowing-big-polluters-get Sen. Glazer’s Statement on Climate Change Package. Senator Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, voted for the Legislative package on climate change. Here is his statement: “This legislative package fulfills California’s requirement to reduce carbon pollution with the least amount of impact on our people and economy. That is why environmental and business organizations have joined together to urge its adoption. http://eastcountytoday.net/sen-glazers-statement-on-climate-change-package/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 14:56:56 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 19, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 19, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE A Canadian Province Pushes California on Climate Change. California Governor Jerry Brown just won a big victory in his efforts to fight climate change, but Canada’s Ontario province has been pushing him to go further. As the two sides hammer out details of a long-planned merger of their carbon markets, Ontario minister for environment Glen Murray says there are holes in the Golden State’s system… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-19/a-canadian-province-has-a-surprising-message-for-california Eight Republicans backed Jerry Brown's climate change bill — here's what that means for their political futures. How peculiar are the politics of climate change in California? Just look at this week’s vote on cap and trade, which saw a Republican former grape farmer from Modesto and a Democratic former math teacher… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-cap-trade-climate-change-california-legislature-political-landscape-20170719-htmlstory.html What the approved cap-and-trade package could mean to Central Valley residents. Legislation approved Monday by the state lawmakers will extend the cap-and-trade program to combat global warming, despite concerns it could raise gasoline prices. A companion bill, AB 617, will require more localized monitoring of air pollution and calls for the state Air Resources Board to establish minimum standards… http://www.modbee.com/news/article162288718.html#storylink=cpy Eight California Republicans defy national party line, support climate change regulation. An almost surreal 2017 political scene was on display Monday in Sacramento: Republicans and Democrats, including Gov. Jerry Brown, standing on a stage together at a late-night news conference — celebrating a climate-change policy victory. The glimmer of bipartisanship over a tough vote… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/18/eight-california-republicans-defy-national-party-line-support-climate-regulation/ Latest California innovation: A Republican case for cap and trade. Minutes after a bipartisan coalition of California lawmakers voted to extend the state’s landmark climate change policy for another decade, Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown stood in front of a bank of television cameras and compared the plan to one championed 30 years ago by GOP icon Ronald Reagan. https://calmatters.org/articles/latest-california-innovation-republican-case-cap-trade/ AIR POLLUTION Employers warned to offer commuter benefit to workers in Bay Area. Air pollution regulators are warning thousands of Bay Area employers they could be fined for failing to comply with a rule requiring them to offer a commuter benefit to employees who get to work via van pool, bus, train or bike. Under the 2014 rule made permanent last year, employers with 50 or more full-time workers… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/18/bay-area-employers-warned-to-offer-commuter-benefit-to-workers/ LA, Long Beach ports’ plan to clean up air pollution will cost as much as $14 billion. Declaring it the largest environmental investment ever undertaken by a cargo complex to wean itself off diesel dependency, Los Angeles and Long Beach port officials today unveiled their Clean Air Action Plan update — with a price tag that could reach $14 billion. The latest installment in a decade-long effort to reduce pollution… http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170719/la-long-beach-ports-plan-to-clean-up-air-pollution-will-cost-as-much-as-14-billion House votes to delay Obama-era smog reductions. The House voted Tuesday to pass a Republican-backed bill delaying implementation of Obama-era reductions in smog-causing air pollutants. Congress voted 229 to 199 to approve the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/house-votes-delay-obama-era-smog-reductions/ Heavy Smoke From Wildfires Causing Health Concerns Across Valley. Heavy smoke from several wildfires is drifting across the Central Valley and the foothills. Warnings are out for people to take precautions if they see or smell smoke. A smoky haze runs from southern Tuolumne County down to Tulare as 4 wildfires continue to burn. In some areas such as Merced County, ash is falling from the sky. http://www.capradio.org/99040 EPA administrator Scott Pruitt comes to Utah, says he’ll reconsider new pollution mandates at two coal-fired power plants. The Environmental Protection Agency plans to reconsider a 2016 order mandating new pollution controls at two coal-fired power plans in Utah intended to keep the skies clear around national parks. http://www.sltrib.com/news/5522569-155/top-epa-administrator-to-talk-air EPA, businesses blast states' bid to intervene in ozone case. Too late and out of place. That's the initial response from U.S. EPA and business groups opposed to a recent bid by California and a half-dozen other states to intervene in long-running litigation over the agency's 2015 ground-level ozone standard. "Such a request is due 30 days" after a petition for review is filed, attorneys for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/19/stories/1060057617 CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change will force today’s kids to pay for costly carbon removal technologies, study says. The longer humans continue to pour carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the closer we draw to leaving the next generation with an unmanageable climate problem, scientists say. A new study, just out Tuesday in the journal Earth System Dynamics, suggests that merely reducing greenhouse gas emissions may no longer be enough… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/19/climate-change-will-force-todays-kids-to-pay-for-costly-carbon-removal-technologies-study-says/?utm_term=.a24bdc9b6842 How Y2K Offers a Lesson for Fighting Climate Change. Last week, New York magazine published a riveting and frightening look at the future of the planet we call home. Now that global warming is well underway, we are in for an apocalyptic awakening, and “parts of the Earth will likely become close to uninhabitable, and other parts horrifically inhospitable, as soon as the end of this century,” the writer, David Wallace-Wells, argues. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/technology/y2k-lesson-climate-change.html?_r=0 Talking About Climate Change With Al Gore. In 1997, Al Gore, then the vice president of the United States, helped forge the first climate change treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, promising the rest of the world that the United States would lead the fight against global warming. That promise was broken when President George W. Bush later announced that the United States would abandon the treaty. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/climate/al-gore-climate-change-timestalks.html Here are the political ripple effects from this week's big climate vote in California. How peculiar are the politics of climate change in California? Just look at this week’s vote on cap-and-trade, which saw a Republican former grape farmer from Modesto and a Democratic former math teacher from Bell Gardens aligned against a mild-mannered Santa Cruz liberal and a provocative… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-here-are-the-political-ripple-effects-1500481502-htmlstory.html Climate change could mean a much wetter California. Californians have been bracing themselves for a drier future accompanying a warming climate. But research by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, suggests that the state may actually get wetter in the event of severe climate change. The study, published July 6 in Nature Communications, reports that more years in the state could look like El Niño ones… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article160865574.html#storylink=cpy California’s economy will suffer plenty from climate change. But at least it’s not Florida. Higher crime rates and electric bills. Crops and laborers wilting in the sun. A new study says California’s economy is going to lose billions of dollars a year to climate change. But hey, it will be a picnic compared to states like Florida and Texas. The groundbreaking study, led by two UC Berkeley scientists, says global warming will punish some… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article161851888.html#storylink=cpy So Far, 2017 Is 2nd-Hottest Year on Record. At the halfway point of the year, 2017 remains the second-hottest year to date—a surprise given the demise of the El Niño that helped boost temperatures to record levels last year. The continued near-record warmth is a marker of just how much global temperatures have risen thanks to the greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere from fossil fuel use. https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/07/18/so-far-2017-is-2nd-hottest-year-on-record/ Fixing the planet could cost younger generations $530 trillion if nothing is done about climate change. By continuing to delay significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, we risk handing young people alive today a bill of up to US$535 trillion. This would be the cost of the "negative emissions" technologies required to remove CO₂ from the air in order to avoid dangerous climate change. http://www.businessinsider.com/climate-change-will-cost-future-generations-trillions-2017-7 Global warming melts ice, alters fabled Northwest Passage. More than a century has passed since the first successful transit of the treacherous, icebound Northwest Passage by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen in 1906. Now The Associated Press is sending a text, video and photo team through the passage, where global warming is melting sea ice and glaciers at a historic rate… http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/global-warming-melts-ice-alters-fabled-northwest-passage/ Nitric Oxide: A New Threat to Global Warming. They have found a vital step in the nitrification process, which is partially responsible for agricultural emissions of dangerous nitrous oxide and its chemical cousins into the atmosphere, causing global climate change. Present biochemical models hold the view that inorganic hydroxylamine is the only intermediary produced when bacteria convert ammonia… http://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24194 GREEN ENERGY Clean Energy Is Trouncing Oil, Gas and Coal in Trump Era. President Donald Trump took office vowing to revive the coal industry’s fortunes. So far, the smart money has been on clean energy. An index of 40 publicly-traded solar companies, wind-turbine component makers and others that benefit from reduced fossil fuel consumption is up 20 percent this year. That’s more than double the S&P 500’s 9.8 percent gain. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-18/clean-energy-is-trouncing-oil-gas-and-coal-in-trump-era National lab blueprint would cut CO2 at low cost. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a new blueprint for slashing emissions and energy use without much effort or cost. The recipe focuses on commercial buildings, which consume a significant portion of the nation's energy. Together, commercial and residential buildings spew about 12 percent of the nation's carbon dioxide, according to U.S. EPA. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/19/stories/1060057595 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Newly passed pollution bill is ‘downpayment’ to environmental justice. As the quieter ‘companion bill’ to Monday’s cap-and-trade extension legislation, Assembly Bill 617 sought to placate environmental justice advocates who have increasingly complained that the state’s globally ambitious climate policy overlooks a local problem: poor California communities living in the shadow of polluters. https://calmatters.org/articles/pollution-bill-legislature-just-passed-downpayment-environmental-justice/ OPINIONS Now that cap and trade is approved, here’s what Jerry Brown and legislators must do. Gov. Jerry Brown could rightly take a bow. Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León ought to pat themselves on the back and give high-fives to Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. They all deserve accolades. They had important parts in approving the far reaching cap-and-trade package of bills… http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article162276683.html#storylink=cpy How cap-and-trade bill will help the state while reducing greenhouse gas. The Legislature passed a major environmental protection bill Monday that brings flexibility, clarity and transparency to California’s cap-and-trade program. By bringing a market-driven approach to curbing greenhouse gases, this plan will reduce regulation, lower costs, cut taxes, protect jobs and provide a model for other states. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article162248223.html#storylink=cpy Readers' best comments: Wildfires a harbinger of global warming. Letter to the editor: Many people are concerned about global warming but assume that its predicted damages will come well enough in the future that there will be plenty of time to deal with it later. This mindset is naive and dangerous. Wildfires are a case in point. The startling increase in the frequency and… https://www.usatoday.com/story/your-take/2017/07/19/readers-best-comments-global-warming-contributes-wildfires-your-say/475941001/ Cap-n-Trade—and Costs—Up. A punch from the left, a punch from the right but still standing, battered but victorious, the cap-and-trade extension. It was an odd fight. Republicans citing environmental groups’ positions to oppose the measure; Democrats hauling up the flag of big business in support. Establishment Republicans like former Gov. Pete Wilson … http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/cap-n-trade-costs/ BLOGS Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control and Health Department Publishes Air Quality. Local air quality conditions have been impacted by nearby fires today and are forecast to be similar through mid-week. Air quality will be worse in the morning and improve with winds from the west as the day goes on. It is possible that the air quality may reach levels that are unhealthy. http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/10470-tuolumne-county-air-pollution-control-and-health-department-publishes-air-quality-categories-and-visibility-in-miles No talking climate change to Zuck, White House tells scientist. As part of his “not running for president” cross-country tour, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a trip to Montana’s rapidly melting Glacier National Park last weekend. But a few days before his visit, according to a report in Mic, the Interior Department canceled his plans to chat climate change… http://grist.org/briefly/no-talking-climate-change-to-zuck-white-house-tells-scientist/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 16:46:23 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 20, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 20, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop July 19 & 20, 2017 to discuss concepts for a regulatory revision intended to clarify California’s racing vehicle definition. Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements. Agenda: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/racingvehicles/racingvehicles.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Gov. Brown's climate change deal was a lesson in compromise that should be studied in the White House. One particular message to the agriculture industry was simple: You want Gov. Jerry Brown to be a friend or an enemy the rest of his term? Friends will support his climate change legislation, it was made clear. To business leaders: This legislation provides tax and regulatory breaks that you’ve long sought. Grab them now or forget it. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-skelton-cap-and-trade-climate-change-california-bipartisan-vote-20170720-story.html Statewide fire fee suspended as part of California climate change deal. As part of a climate change deal designed to help reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions, the controversial state fire fee, which charges rural residents $117 a year for fire prevention programs, has been suspended. The Sacramento Bee reported earlier this week that a promise has been made to put the fee on hold as part of an extensive cap-and-trade deal. http://www.sierrastar.com/news/local/article162664698.html AIR POLLUTION California farm region plagued by dirty air looks to Trump. California's vast San Joaquin Valley, the country's most productive farming region, is engulfed by some of the nation's dirtiest skies, forcing the state's largest air district to spend more than $40 billion in the past quarter-century to enforce hundreds of stringent pollution rules. The investment has steadily driven down the number of days with unhealthy air… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_DIRTY_AIR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/California-farm-region-plagued-by-dirty-air-looks-11301609.php UPDATE 1-U.S. Justice Department drops $3 million Harley-Davidson emissions penalty. The Justice Department said on Thursday it had dropped a requirement that Harley-Davidson Inc should spend $3 million to reduce air pollution as part of a settlement that the Obama administration had announced in August. Last year, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker agreed to pay a $12 million… http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-harleydavidson-emissions-idUSL1N1KB153 https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057685 Plan calls for L.A., Long Beach ports to go to zero-emissions technology; cost could hit $14 billion. The nation’s largest port complex will seek to slash air pollution and health risks to Southern Californians by replacing diesel trucks and cargo equipment with zero-emissions technology over the next two decades, according to a plan released Wednesday. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ports-clean-air-20170719-story.html http://www.govtech.com/fs/LA-Long-Beach-Ports-Clean-Air-Action-Plan-Call-for-Deploying-Zero-Emissions-Technology.html Lawsuit aims to force EPA to crack down on air polluters in Texas. Environmental groups accuse agency of turning blind eye as Texas ‘renders useless’ pollution controls by issuing lax permits for oil and gas facilities. Campaign groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency in a bid to force it to clamp down on industrial air pollution in Texas. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/20/epa-lawsuit-texas-industrial-air-pollution CLIMATE CHANGE A Canadian Province Pushes California on Climate Change. California Governor Jerry Brown just won a big victory in his efforts to fight climate change, but Canada’s Ontario province has been pushing him to go further. As the two sides hammer out details of a long-planned merger of their carbon markets, Ontario minister for environment Glen Murray says there are holes in the Golden State’s system… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-19/a-canadian-province-has-a-surprising-message-for-california This Zen priest continued her cross-country trek against climate change even after it resulted in a rare disease. Melissa McCarthy was frustrated. She was disgruntled about the state of the country’s politics and irked by what she saw as people’s disregard for the environment. So she decided to walk it out — across the entirety of the United States over the course of more than two years. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/07/20/this-zen-priest-continued-her-cross-country-trek-against-climate-change-even-after-it-resulted-in-a-rare-disease/?utm_term=.d442d97b6565 This could be the next big strategy for suing over climate change. Two California coastal counties and one beach-side city touched off a possible new legal front in the climate change battle this week, suing dozens of major oil, coal, and other fossil fuel companies for the damages they say they will incur due to rising seas. The three cases, which target firms such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP and Royal Dutch Shell… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/20/this-could-be-the-next-big-strategy-for-suing-over-climate-change/?utm_term=.2e4a01f7019c A Cheap Fix for Climate Change? Pay People Not to Chop Down Trees. The tropical forests in western Uganda, home to a dwindling population of endangered chimpanzees, are disappearing at some of the fastest rates on Earth as local people chop down trees for charcoal and to clear space for subsistence farming. Now, a team of researchers has shown that there is a surprisingly cheap… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/20/climate/a-cheap-fix-for-climate-change-pay-people-not-to-chop-down-trees-uganda.html Climate Scientist Says He Was Demoted For Speaking Out On Climate Change. A former head policy adviser at the Interior Department is accusing the Trump Administration of reassigning him to a lesser position for speaking out about the dangers of climate change. Joel Clement, a scientist who was director of the Interior Department's Office of Policy Analysis… http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/19/538216232/climate-scientist-says-he-was-demoted-for-speaking-out-on-climate-change The little enzyme that could help fight global warming. Scientists at USC and Cal Tech have discovered a a way to greatly speed up the process of transforming carbon dioxide into alkaline water, effectively neutralizing the gas, a development that could be a boon in the fight against excessive greenhouse gas emissions. To understand how the process works, think about soda water. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/07/20/73961/the-little-enzyme-that-could-help-fight-global-war/ Scientists Say Family Planning Is Our Best Bet To Reduce Climate Change. New research suggests the most powerful way to reduce our carbon footprints is by making key choices about food, travel, and family planning. A Swedish study published this month found that having fewer children is the most effective thing we can do to lower our carbon impact and reduce climate change. https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/07/20/scientists-say-family-planning-is-our-best-bet-to-reduce-climate-change/#3574dbf140f5 'Astounding': Shifting storms under climate change to worsen coastal perils. Shifting storm directions under climate change are likely to worsen threats to coastlines already at risk from rising sea levels and more intense tempests, according to researchers at the University of NSW. Scientists took advantage of the predicted huge east coast low in June last year to document the before and after… http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/astounding-shifting-storms-under-climate-change-to-worsen-coastal-perils-20170720-gxf8ic.html Surprising scientists, 2017 could be among warmest ever. This year is on track to be the second-hottest on record, surprising climate scientists who thought natural weather patterns could break a multiyear trend of record-breaking temperature increases. Global temperatures this year have been 1.64 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average of 56.3 F, according to NOAA. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057634 Ex-GOP Cabinet official pushes carbon tax on Capitol Hill. At a private meeting on Capitol Hill last week, former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson pressed members of Congress to swiftly address climate change — potentially through a carbon tax, E&E News has learned. Paulson and Gregory Page, the former CEO of agriculture giant Cargill Inc., made their case for addressing climate change… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057659 France is successfully wooing climate researchers. France's $69 million program to lure climate scientists to its shores is attracting hundreds, including many from the United States. Now Germany wants to establish a similar program. French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the initiative six weeks ago amid the fallout of President Trump's saying the United States would quit the Paris climate agreement. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057630 FUELS Calif. facility where record methane leak occurred to reopen. The California site where a record-setting methane leak occurred last year will reopen to natural gas injections, a decision regulators deemed safe while others called it reckless. The Aliso Canyon facility in north Los Angeles County cleared all inspections and tests, making it safe to allow new storage of natural gas "at a greatly reduced capacity,"… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057658 U.S. gas supplies up 10 percent in 2 years — assessment. A steady clip of shale gas discoveries is behind a new estimate that the country has 3,141 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of future natural gas supplies, 10 percent more than analysts knew of just two years ago. "New exploration, more well drilling and continuous improvements in completion and stimulation technologies lead… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/07/20/stories/1060057628 ALISO CANYON As state clears gas field to reopen, governor calls for it to close. Two state agencies cleared the Aliso Canyon gas storage field to resume operations on Wednesday, while the same afternoon Governor Jerry Brown called for it to eventually close. It's an odd juxtaposition of different state entities acting simultaneously on the controversial gas storage field, where a well ruptured in late 2015 and drove thousands of people from their homes. VEHICLES Porsche ponders diesel exit, pushes electric cars: CEO. Porsche's latest generation of diesel engines could be its last, Chief Executive Oliver Blume told Reuters, as Volkswagen's cheating on diesel emissions tests starts to cast a shadow over its Porsche sports-car division. Porsche is spending a billion euros ($1.16 billion) to overhaul its main Stuttgart plant… http://www.businessinsider.com/r-porsche-ponders-diesel-exit-pushes-electric-cars-ceo-2017-7 VW RECALL VW's settlement in emissions scandal reaches $1.3 billion. California says Volkswagen will pay the state another $154 million in penalties and costs over the automaker's emissions scandal. California's Air Resources Board says the increase in a consent decree filed Thursday brings VW's total settlement in California to $1.3 billion. Volkswagen Group of America acknowledges rigging 11 million of its vehicles with software used to cheat on vehicle emissions tests. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_VOLKSWAGEN_EMISSIONS_SCANDAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT#a41b884d-5982-4273-9316-c1558cefd6b9 OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/vws-settlement-in-emissions-scandal-reaches-13-billion/2017/07/20/6ed910ea-6d7a-11e7-abbc-a53480672286_story.html?utm_term=.79df794d4df8 Volkswagen to pay millions more in California for diesel scandal. Volkswagen agreed Thursday to pay California an additional $153.8 million in the carmaker’s diesel air-pollution scandal. The new payment comes on top of more than $15 billion Volkswagen already has agreed to pay government agencies and consumers after admitting it rigged hundreds of thousands of cars to cheat on air-pollution regulations. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/transportation/article162685248.html#storylink=cpy http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/07/20/73973/volkswagen-s-settlement-in-emissions-scandal-reach/ http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/vw-settlement-emissions-scandal-reaches-1-3-billion-article-1.3342466 http://www.4-traders.com/VOLKSWAGEN-436737/news/Volkswagen-VW-s-settlement-in-emissions-scandal-reaches-1-3-billion-24791523/ http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=32984 https://www.ft.com/content/efee492b-f475-36e1-bfcc-8426f581c9e1 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-4715792/Volkswagen-fined-154-mn-US-dieselgate.html https://www.thestreet.com/story/14237454/1/volkswagen-agrees-to-pay-another-154-million-in-emissions-scandal-settlement.html http://www.breitbart.com/news/volkswagen-fined-154-mn-more-in-us-for-dieselgate/ http://www.canadianbusiness.com/business-news/volkswagen-settlement-in-emissions-scandal-reaches-1-3-billion/ GREEN ENERGY UC system honored for environmental, economic leadership. The University of California has been honored with the 2017 Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Award in recognition of the UC system’s legacy of environmental and economic leadership. The award is presented annually by the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, a nonpartisan coalition of business, labor and public leaders. http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/uc-system-honored-for-environmental-economic-leadership/ MISCELLANEOUS Countries awarded for combating crisis of desertification. Six countries that are tackling the "silent, invisible crisis" of land erosion were chosen by the United Nations on Thursday to compete for an award aimed at combating the world's top threats. Australia was shortlisted for making indigenous people guardians of more than 40 percent of its national reserves and Jordan for backing… http://www.reuters.com/article/environment-food-climatechange-idUSL5N1KB4IY OPINIONS The great global warming hustle. For environment ideologues, The Donald has ensured destruction of the world by removing the U.S. from the 2015 Paris climate accord. The key for global warming proponents is the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) content in air from 200 parts per million during the ice age to 400 parts per million in 2013. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/ California is handling climate change all wrong. Gov. Jerry Brown has won praise for promising that California will live up to the Paris accord despite President Trump’s withdrawal from the treaty. He also signed a climate deal with China last month, and has unveiled plans for a global climate summit in San Francisco next year. Earlier this week, California lawmakers voted to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program for another 10 years. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-lomborg-california-climate-change-paris-accord-cap-and-trade-20170720-story.html Meet Chad Mayes, California’s newest tax-and-spend Republican. If there was ever any question as to who is the most skilled, adept and persuasive politician in the state of California, the legislative debate over the recently passed cap-and-trade tax increase gives us the answer: unequivocally, Gov. Jerry Brown. Legislative Republicans, with their Assembly Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, at the helm… http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/20/meet-chad-mayes-californias-newest-tax-and-spend-republican/ Bill Nye on the terrifying ascendancy of American 'dingbatitude'. >From the Emmy-winning “science guy on” the PBS children’s television program to the lab-coat crusader who “saves the world” on Netflix, Bill Nye is a longtime science-is-entertaining educator, a onetime mechanical engineer and a perpetual science lover. He writes books at the publishing equivalent of the speed of light… http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-ol-patt-morrison-bill-nye-science-20170719-htmlstory.html http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/bill-nye-older-people-need-to-die-out-before-climate-science-can-advance/article/2629163 BLOGS Environmental groups sue EPA over lax Texas air pollution permits. Environmental groups are taking the EPA to court, alleging the federal agency isn't properly policing Texas air pollution permits they argues are too lax and complicated. A Washington, D.C.-based environmental advocacy group sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, arguing the federal government isn't properly policing air pollution permits… https://www.texastribune.org/2017/07/20/environmental-groups-sue-epa-over-lax-texas-air-pollution-permits/ Investors Squeezing Oil & Gas Developers To Cut Methane. Oil and gas developers may soon be feeling the effects of a one-two punch — an adverse court ruling dealing with their methane emissions and now an investor-led initiative pushing them to be more transparent. Natural gas, of course, has become the fuel of choice — a fuel that markets itself as far less pollutive than coal. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/07/20/investors-squeezing-oil-gas-developers-to-cut-methane/#789848b04be1 ====================================================================== 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, 21 Jul 2017 14:14:17 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 21, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION DOJ seeks to waive Harley-Davidson air-pollution punishment. The Trump administration agreed this week to waive part of the penalty Harley-Davidson Inc. agreed to pay last year to settle a case over air pollution involving racing tuners that caused its motorcycles to emit higher-than-allowed pollution levels. The Justice Department filed a new consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Thursday. It eliminated a requirement that the Milwaukee-based company spend $3 million to curb air pollution in local communities by paying to replace conventional woodstoves with cleaner-burning versions. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/doj-seeks-to-waive-harley-davidson-air-pollution-punishment/article_f55dfb76-5a0d-51cf-be4b-d8f1bd38f858.html Related stories: https://thinkprogress.org/doj-lessens-air-pollution-fine-harley-ae67744a9392 Maryland plans lawsuit against EPA under Clean Air Act. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan's administration announced plans Thursday to sue the Environmental Protection Agency, if the agency doesn't respond to Maryland's request to make sure power plants in neighboring states use pollution controls. Ben Grumbles, secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, notified the agency of the state's plans in a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_CLEAN_AIR_MARYLAND_LAWSUIT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Lawsuits claim Texas loopholes allow illegal air emissions. An environmental group is attempting to force the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tighten Texas air pollution control permits that it says have loopholes that allow for illegal emissions, according to five federal lawsuits filed against the agency Thursday. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TEXAS_EMISSIONS_FEDERAL_LAWSUITS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Vermont gov. creates climate commission to reach energy goal. Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott said Thursday he remained committed to meeting the state's long-term goal of getting 90 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2050 and to help accomplish that goal he created a commission to advise him on the best way to do it. He asked the 21-member commission to report back to him with an action plan by July 31, 2018, but he also wants the commission to present him with three top ideas by the end of the year so the Vermont Legislature could act upon them during the 2018 legislative session. http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2017/07/renewable-energy-vermont-gov-creates-climate-commission-to-reach-energy-goal.html California farm region plagued by dirty air looks to Trump. California's vast San Joaquin Valley, the country's most productive farming region, is engulfed by some of the nation's dirtiest skies, forcing the state's largest air district to spend more than $40 billion in the past quarter-century to enforce hundreds of stringent pollution rules. The investment has steadily driven down the number of days with unhealthy air - but on hot, windless days, a brown haze still hangs overhead, sending wheezing people with tight chests to emergency rooms and hundreds each year to an early grave. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_DIRTY_AIR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Solana Beach OKs climate action plan. As expected, council members at the July 12 meeting adopted a climate action plan, a document more than two years in the making that provides the city with a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address the challenges of climate change. “Our city’s always been a leader in this and I don’t see why we wouldn’t continue to embrace that role,” Mayor Mike Nichols said before the 4-1 vote. https://www.thecoastnews.com/2017/07/20/solana-beach-oks-climate-action-plan/ Are ‘smog-sucking’ solutions solving air pollution? With fossil-fuel based power generation, industrial sources, waste disposal and fossil-fuel based transport the main culprits, according to the European Environment Agency, much of our air, particularly in cities, falls short oflevels deemed safe by the World Health Organisation. Indeed, particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10) is the seventh highest mortality risk in Europe. https://dailyplanet.climate-kic.org/smog-sucking-solutions-solving-air-pollution/ CLIMATE CHANGE On climate change, US can't walk out of room when heat is on, says UK environment secretary. The U.K.'s secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs has said he "deeply" regrets President Donald Trump's approach to the landmark Paris Agreement. "It is because environmental degradation is such a threat to future prosperity and security that I deeply regret President Trump's approach towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change," Michael Gove said in a major speech on Friday. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/21/on-climate-change-us-cant-walk-out-of-room-when-heat-is-on.html Related stories: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/michael-gove-donald-trump-climate-change-us-walk-out-heat-on-paris-agreement-fossil-fuels-a7852626.html http://www.newsweek.com/paris-agreement-donald-trump-climate-change-640102 https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/20/us/politics/ap-us-harley-defeat-device.html A Cheap Fix for Climate Change? Pay People Not to Chop Down Trees. The tropical forests in western Uganda, home to a dwindling population of endangered chimpanzees, are disappearing at some of the fastest rates on Earth as local people chop down trees for charcoal and to clear space for subsistence farming. Now, a team of researchers has shown that there is a surprisingly cheap and easy way to slow the pace of deforestation in Uganda: Just pay landowners small sums not to cut down their trees. Their study, published in the journal Science on Thursday, demonstrated this by conducting something all too rare in environmental policy — a controlled experiment. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/20/climate/a-cheap-fix-for-climate-change-pay-people-not-to-chop-down-trees-uganda.html Climate Change and Geoengineering: Artificially Cooling Planet Earth by Thinning Cirrus Clouds. As part of the Paris Agreement in 2015, nearly 200 world leaders agreed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and strive to keep temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order to avoid dangerous and irreversible climate change by the end of the century. At present, climate scientists regard warming of two degrees above pre-industrial levels as the threshold for global warming. After this point, extreme weather will become more likely—increasing the risks of storms, droughts and a rise in sea levels. Consequences include food and water scarcity, and increased migration as parts of the planet become uninhabitable. http://www.newsweek.com/climate-change-geoengineering-artificially-cool-planet-640124 FUELS Regulators release environmental assessment of pipeline. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline intended to carry natural gas across West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina would have some adverse environmental effects, including impacts on water resources, forest and other habitats, an assessment by federal regulators found. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate natural gas pipelines, released its final environmental impact statement Friday for the proposed 600-mile (965-kilometer) pipeline, which has broad support from political and business leaders but is staunchly opposed by environmentalists and many affected landowners. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_ATLANTIC_COAST_PIPELINE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VEHICLES Volvo electric vehicle push reflects China’s leadership ambition. Volvo made headlines earlier this month when it announced that electrification will be “at the core of its future business” and is “paving the way for a new chapter in automotive history”. But while the Chinese-owned company’s commitment to stop producing new vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines by 2019 is bold, it makes a lot of sense given global trends in the automotive sector, and China’s own ambitions to become a world leader in electric vehicles (EVs). http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/07/20/volvo-electric-vehicle-push-reflects-chinas-leadership-ambition/ VW/AUDI RECALL Audi to Modify Up to 850,000 Diesel Vehicles as Carmakers Face Backlash. Facing a worsening public backlash over accusations they evaded rules on diesel emissions, German automakers have rushed headlong to upgrade their vehicles’ emissions systems. On Friday, Audi followed its rivals Daimler and BMW in announcing plans to upgrade software on diesel vehicles across Europe. The three carmakers have said in recent days that they will modify a total of more than four million vehicles in an effort to fend off inquiries into possible emissions cheating. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_EU_GERMANY_AUDI_DIESEL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Volkswagen's CA settlement in emissions scandal reaches $1.3 billion. California says Volkswagen will pay the state another $154 million in penalties and costs over the automaker's emissions scandal. California's Air Resources Board says the increase in a consent decree filed Thursday brings VW's total settlement in California to $1.3 billion. https://www.scpr.org/news/2017/07/20/73973/volkswagen-s-settlement-in-emissions-scandal-reach/ Not Done Yet: Volkswagen Owes California Another $154 Million for Diesel Deception. Over the past couple of years, the state of California has spent a lot of time and money, first unraveling Volkswagen’s deception on diesel emissions and then working to fix the mess. The state even made sure that VW has to pay a little more penance to the Golden State with settlement requirements such as additional mandated sales of electric vehicles. And now a court document has formally attached a dollar amount due to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the cost of it all: $60 million. http://blog.caranddriver.com/not-done-yet-volkswagen-owes-california-another-154-million-for-diesel-deception/ Did Volkswagen Kill the Diesel Market? Or Was It Already Dead? After Volkswagen was caught cheating on diesel emissions, consumers have become more skeptical about diesel vehicles. Now, manufacturers across the globe are forced to rethink their plans for the high-mileage technology. Facing accusations that it also duped emissions tests, Daimler AG this week announced the recall of 3 million diesel vehicles sold in Europe. Industry analysts believe the automaker could follow up with a similar move in the U.S. where it is under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/did-volkswagen-kill-diesel-market-or-was-it-already-dead-n785251 GREEN ENERGY Africa Set To "Leapfrog" Over Coal And Choose Renewable Energy Instead. Despite America’s temporary lack of leadership on the climate crisis, there is a good chance that a prolonged catastrophe can be avoided. Thanks to a combination of market forces, an unprecedented surge in climate activism, and the increasingly concrete global cooperation on the issue, renewable energy is proliferating across the planet like never before. http://www.iflscience.com/environment/africa-leapfrog-coal-choose-renewable-energy-instead/ MISCELLANEOUS Game of Thrones star dedicates birthday to climate action. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has announced that all he wants for his birthday this year is a healthy planet. To celebrate his 47th birthday this month, the Danish actor and star of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones is asking his friends, family and fans to help him raise funds for UNDP, which works to protect the people and planet from the effects of climate change. http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2017/07/20/game-of-thrones-star-dedicates-birthday-to-climate-action-.html OPINIONS California is handling climate change all wrong. Gov. Jerry Brown has won praise for promising that California will live up to the Paris accord despite President Trump’s withdrawal from the treaty. He also signed a climate deal with China last month, and has unveiled plans for a global climate summit in San Francisco next year. Earlier this week, California lawmakers voted to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program for another 10 years. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-lomborg-california-climate-change-paris-accord-cap-and-trade-20170720-story.html Shailene Woodley: US should run on renewable energy by 2050. Every person on this planet has one thing in common: the need for clean air and water. Right now, our nation is at a crossroads. Fossil fuel companies have pressured members of Congress into denying that climate change exists and is caused by human behavior. These corporations think that Americans won’t notice when their water is polluted and their farm lands are covered in oil. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/342920-shailene-woodley-us-should-run-on-renewable-energy-by-2050 BLOGS Here's how cities can go completely renewable. The notion of cities switching completely to solar, wind, hydro and other renewable energy sources long has seemed fanciful. Indeed, that goal feels even more distant to many U.S. municipal leaders following President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. Enter the Global 100% Renewable Energy campaign, the first international platform advocating for the total reliance on clean alternatives to fossil fuel for cities and regions. Founded in San Francisco in 2013, the campaign is comprised of international organizations dedicated to renewable options. This defiantly optimistic coalition insists that such a transition is very achievable. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/heres-how-cities-can-go-completely-renewable What’s holding back investment and innovation in renewable energy? Renewable-energy technologies are critically important, both in addressing the risks of climate change and achieving Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (SDG7,) relative to affordable and clean energy. They have also become increasingly cost-competitive: the capital cost of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has fallen by more than 60 per cent since 2010, and that of onshore wind energy by 20 per cent. http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/businessreview/2017/07/21/whats-holding-back-investment-and-innovation-in-renewable-energy/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 17:13:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 24 25, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS Board Meeting: On July 27 in Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board will consider the following items: Proposed Amendments to the Market-Based Compliance Mechanism Regulation (Cap-and-Trade Regulation); Proposed Compliance Plan for the Federal Clean Power Plan; and Volkswagen Zero-Emission Vehicles Investment Plan. https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma072717.pdf The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION Maryland threatens to sue EPA over cross-state air pollution rule. For almost a year, Maryland officials have been pressing the federal government to address pollution from neighboring states that it says contributes to the formulation of harmful ground-level ozone. Last year, the Maryland Department of the Environment indicated 70% of the state's ozone pollution was coming from other states. The EPA gave itself a six-month extension to act on the request, but Grumbles said that expired July 15. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/maryland-threatens-to-sue-epa-over-cross-state-air-pollution-rule/447791/ Air pollution could increase risk of premature death. Long-term exposure to air pollutants may be linked to an increased risk of premature death, according to a recent study. The study used data from 60 million Americans aged 65 and or more years, which is 97% of that population. The air pollutants that are associated with premature death, according to the researchers, include airborne fine particulate matter and ozone. These pollutants still cause a risk when the exposure levels are below the national standard. http://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/air-pollution-could-increase-risk-of-premature-death/article/675325/ CAP AND TRADE California governor to extend climate change bill 10 years. When Arnold Schwarzenegger was the governor of California, he backed environmental legislation that's become one of the world's most closely watched initiatives in the fight against global warming. On Tuesday, Schwarzenegger will join his successor, Jerry Brown, as Brown keeps alive a cap and trade program that both men have urged the rest of the world to emulate. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/07/25/gov-jerry-brown-sign-cap-and-trade-extension-global-warming/ https://www.voanews.com/a/california-governor-to-extend-climate-change-bill-10-years/3957912.html Cap-and-Trade Measure Good for Job Creation Says Clean Transportation Tech Industry Organization. An industry group representing more than 175 clean transportation technology companies said the bipartisan vote by the legislature and today's approval by the Governor to extend California's greenhouse gas Cap-and-Trade program will be create jobs and promote sustainable economic development. http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/Cap-and-Trade-Measure-Good-for-Job-Creation-Says-Clean-Transportation-Tech-Industry-Organization-1002203158 CLIMATE CHANGE Despite Climate Change Setbacks, Al Gore 'Comes Down On The Side Of Hope'. Former Vice President Al Gore helped shape the conversation about climate change with An Inconvenient Truth. Now he's back with a sequel — called An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, due out next month — and it follows Gore as he continues the crusade he made famous with that first film. The movie shows Gore standing in Miami floodwater, flying over imploding boulders of ice in Greenland and in Paris — trying to push the climate agreement over the finish line. http://www.npr.org/2017/07/24/538391386/despite-climate-change-setbacks-al-gore-comes-down-on-the-side-of-hope Related articles: http://www.businessinsider.com/al-gore-inconvenient-sequel-interview-trump-2017-7 Trump administration lining up climate change 'red team'. The Trump administration is in the beginning stages of forming an adversarial "red team" to play devil's advocate in a plan to debate the facts behind global warming and take on what skeptics call climate alarmism. The White House and the Environmental Protection Agency are recruiting scientists by enlisting the help of the Heartland Institute, considered to be the lead think tank for challenging the majority of scientists on climate change. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-administration-lining-up-climate-change-red-team/article/2629124 Video: Climate change challenges sinking city of Venice. Venice is a world class wonder. A city built on more than 100 small islands, connected by a maze of bridges and canals. The largest is the Grand Canal with its famous Rialto Bridge. Over the centuries, Venice has stood the test of time, but today this island city is under siege like never before…from “rising” seas and a “flood” of tourists. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/climate-change-challenges-sinking-city-venice/ As The Climate Changes, Kenyan Herders Find Centuries-Old Way Of Life In Danger. Out here, in West Pokot County, Kenya, the landscape looks like Mars — red clay, rocks, and in the distance, a mountain so bare it looks like a giant boulder. Stephen Long'uriareng, 80, has walked two hours to bring her two cows and goats to this watering hole. It's really just a dam carved out the earth, where the rain water mixes with mud and turns into a dark brown color. http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/07/23/538373985/as-the-climate-changes-kenyan-herders-find-centuries-old-way-of-life-in-danger Acting on climate change is Africa’s opportunity. Acting on the climate remains firmly on the global agenda. It remained a top priority for all but one of the G20 leaders who gathered in Germany this month. That is because it is increasingly clear that strong action is in the economic self-interest of countries at all stages of development. https://www.ft.com/content/48e7ca40-712e-11e7-aca6-c6bd07df1a3c Climate change scientists 'very worried' Greenland ice sheet might start to melt 'faster and faster'. Scientists are “very worried” that the Greenland ice sheet might start to melt “faster and faster”, a leading scientist has said. The problem is that the warmer weather is allowing more dark algae to grow on the ice. Because ice is white, it reflects much of the sun’s energy, but dark algae absorb the heat, increasing the rate of melting. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-scientists-greenland-ice-sheet-melt-faster-worried-algae-a7858876.html DIESEL ACTIVITIES Uber’s Going Big Into Trucking Business, and Nowhere Bigger Than Texas. One of the biggest technology disruptors when it comes to shuttling people is now trying to transform the way goods are moved around the country. This spring, Uber launched Uber Freight, an app that matches truck drivers with loads of goods to pick up and deliver. Texas played a key role in the San Francisco-based tech giant’s inroads. Routes between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio served as its test ground before the app’s launch. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/ubers-going-big-trucking-business-and-nowhere-bigger-texas FUELS US fuel ethanol production continues to grow in 2017. US production of bioethanol has continued to grow in 2017, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Through the first six months of 2017, US weekly ethanol production averaged 1.02 million barrels per day (b/d), an increase of 5% over the same period in 2016. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12642/us_fuel_ethanol_production_continues_to_grow_in_2017/ New report calls for cap on biofuels crops grown by farmers. This has happened in other parts of the world where food crops were replaced with biofuels production. Instead, the researchers from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAENG) have said the UK should grow energy crops on marginal land which is unsuitable for food production or housing, or has been degraded through deforestation. https://www.fginsight.com/news/new-report-calls-for-cap-on-biofuels-crops-grown-by-farmers-23149 DOE Announces Up To $8 Million In Funding For Algae Biofuels Projects. On July 11, 2017, DOE announced the selection of three projects focused on reducing the costs of producing algal biofuels and bioproducts that will receive up to $8 million in funding. The projects aim to generate high-impact tools and techniques for increasing the productivity of algae organisms and cultures and biology-focused breakthroughs. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=92a6c2c4-3d75-483b-bbab-9f29b042a84d Queen's University given £8m for renewable energy research. Queen's University in Belfast has been awarded more than £8m in research funding from an EU cross-Irish border scheme. The money will be used for renewable energy projects with a particular focus on wave and tidal power generation. Known as the Bryden Centre for Advanced Marine and Bio-Energy Research, it will recruit 34 PhD students and six post-doctoral research associates. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-40691668 Environmental report on pipeline favorable for developers. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline intended to carry natural gas across West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina would have some adverse environmental effects, including impacts on water resources, forest and other habitats, but most could be reduced to insignificant levels, an assessment by federal regulators found. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate natural gas pipelines, released its final environmental impact statement Friday for the proposed 600-mile (965-kilometer) pipeline, which has broad support from political and business leaders but is staunchly opposed by environmentalists and many affected landowners. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_US_ATLANTIC_COAST_PIPELINE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VEHICLES Toyota set to sell long-range, fast-charging electric cars in 2022: paper. Toyota Motor Corp is working on an electric car powered by a new type of battery that significantly increases driving range and reduces charging time, aiming to begin sales in 2022, the Chunichi Shimbun daily reported on Tuesday. Toyota's new electric car, to be built on an all-new platform, will use all-solid-state batteries, allowing it to be recharged in just a few minutes, the newspaper said, without citing sources. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-toyota-electric-cars-idUSKBN1AA035 Volkswagen's 5 electric cars start in 2019: what we know so far. As Volkswagen works to look toward the future, following its damaging diesel deceit, electric cars and plug-in vehicles will be front and center in its product publicity. The German automaker has already hinted at its future electric cars with a handful of concepts, but its first high-volume electric cars won't arrive until 2019. What do we know about Volkswagen's five upcoming electric cars? We break it down below. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111692_volkswagens-5-electric-cars-start-in-2019-what-we-know-so-far Toyota could finally start mass producing electric cars thanks to China. Toyota has long been one of the most reticent large automakers when it comes to producing all-electric vehicles. It had no problems with hybrids, e.g. the Prius, but the Japanese automaker would only produce the bare minimum when it came to zero-emission mandates, e.g. the Rav4 EV in California, and they quickly lobbied to change those mandates. https://electrek.co/2017/07/24/toyota-mass-producing-electric-cars-china/ VW/AUDI RECALL German automakers' shares fall on diesel emissions concerns. The German auto industry's troubles over excessive diesel emissions are looming larger. Shares in the three biggest German automakers fell Monday after a newsmagazine report claimed they had colluded for years over diesel technology. BMW was off 2.6 percent, Daimler 3.7 percent and Volkswagen 2.6 percent. Shares also fell Friday after Der Spiegel published its findings online. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/APFN_EU_GERMANY_DIESEL_EMISSIONS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT VW exec to plead guilty in diesel emissions cheating scandal. A Volkswagen official at the heart of the German automaker's wide-ranging diesel emissions cheating scandal plans to plead guilty in the case. "Prosecutors and lawyers in the Volkswagen AG criminal case informed U.S. District Judge Sean Cox this morning that defendant Oliver Schmidt has decided to plead guilty," according to a statement from U.S. district court this morning. http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/07/25/volkswagen-executive-pleads-guilty/508367001/ GREEN ENERGY U.S. Mayors Back 100% Renewable Energy, Vow to Fill Climate Leadership Void. As the nation's mayors closed their annual meeting on Monday in Miami Beach, they sent a clear signal that cities are looking for action on climate change and are eager to fill a policy gap created by the Trump administration. The United States Conference of Mayors, which includes both Republican and Democratic mayors from cities across the nation, adopted a series of resolutions that are far more assertive than federal climate policy, including a pledge supporting cities' adoption of 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26062017/mayors-conference-supports-100-percent-renewable-energy-electric-vehicles-climate-change Marathon markup to tackle 21 land, renewable energy bills. The House Natural Resources Committee will begin consideration of 21 bills tomorrow, including bipartisan legislation to promote renewable energy development on public lands and a measure that would develop a central database for federal land properties. Members will gather to give opening statements tomorrow before reconvening to consider amendments and vote on the measures Wednesday. https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/2017/07/24/stories/1060057766 Scotland breaks new record as wind energy provides equivalent 118% of the country’s electricity need. In June, wind turbines produced 1,039,001MWh, which could meet Scotland’s energy needs for 6 consecutive days. Analysis by WWF Scotland of data provided by WeatherEnergy found that during the first six months of 2017, wind turbines produced 6,634,585MWh of electricity, an increase of 24% compared to the respective months in 2015. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/scotland-breaks-new-record-as-wind-energy-provides-equivalent-118-of-the-co Green energy giants on verge of war. War has broken out between two of Britain’s largest green energy suppliers ahead of a boardroom showdown that could clear the way for one of the ¬industry’s biggest names to launch a controversial takeover of its rival. Aim-listed Good Energy will square up to Ecotricity later this week in a bid to crush its competitor’s controversial plan to infiltrate the board months ¬after taking a large stake in the company. Dale Vince, the multi-millionaire founder of Ecotricity, became the biggest shareholder of his long-time rival in October after clinching a 25.3pc stake worth £9m. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/07/22/green-energy-giants-verge-war/ MISCELLANEOUS 360 camera, drones: AP team gears up for a melting Arctic. One of the big benefits of being a text reporter is that I can travel fairly light - a notebook, pencils and sharpeners. The same can't be said for my colleagues, Associated Press photographer David Goldman and video journalist David Keyton. When their assignment is to document climate change's impact on the Arctic Circle's Northwest Passage - and do it from aboard an icebreaker - they don't have the luxury of dropping by a camera shop for a forgotten item or getting it shipped. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NEW_ARCTIC_THE_JOURNEY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OPINIONS California Shows How States Can Lead on Climate Change. California, which has long been a pioneer in fighting climate change, renewed its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions last week by extending, to 2030, its cap-and-trade program, which effectively puts a price on emissions. It’s a bold, bipartisan commitment that invites similarly ambitious policies from other states, and it sends a strong signal to the world that millions of Americans regard with utmost seriousness a threat the Trump administration refuses to acknowledge, let alone reckon with. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/24/opinion/california-climate-change-cap-trade.html To save his climate change program, Jerry Brown sacrificed his bullet train. When he was cajoling lawmakers to extend the centerpiece of California’s ambitious climate change program, Gov. Jerry Brown talked a lot about hard choices and the compromises necessary to get politically controversial legislation passed. Turns out that to get a deal, Brown may have sacrificed one of his own pet projects — California’s bullet train. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-cap-and-trade-bullet-train-20170724-story.html Cap and trade’s cost: California’s fire prevention fee. In order to win votes for AB398, the measure extending California’s cap-and-trade program through 2030, Gov. Jerry Brown offered a sweetener to Republicans representing rural areas: a suspension of the state fire prevention fee. State lawmakers approved the fire fee during the recession in June 2011. It’s a levy that’s intended to support fire prevention in the (overwhelmingly rural) areas where the state shoulders primary firefighting responsibility. Most of the hundreds of thousands of fee payers pay less than $200 a year for each habitable structure. http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Cap-and-trade-s-cost-California-s-fire-11342452.php Representative Babin gets it. God bless Texas. I’m going to admit, I wasn’t fond of Texas when I first started traveling with George. My first real trek all the way across the state was done in July, when Texas officially becomes hotter than Satan’s blowtorch. I may have made a snap judgment on my initial dislike for Texas, because every time we got out of the truck, my skin evaporated immediately. (Y’all remember – I grew up in Georgia. It gets hot there, but it’s a wet heat. You puddle. In Texas, you shrivel and blow away.) http://www.overdriveonline.com/representative-babin-gets-it/ 'Clean cars' will save us from climate change deniers. Donald Trump has, as we all know, withdrawn America from the Paris Climate Change Accords. The biggest, most promising international agreement since the founding of the United Nations. It was to be expected. He said he would. When he took office, the official White House website removed every mention of climate change. Except for the promise to get rid of the Climate Action Plan. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2017/07/cars-save-climate-change-deniers-170720151012940.html BLOGS This framework could help measure climate action in cities. How can cities ensure that new actions being taken to mitigate climate change don’t negatively affect broader issues of equity? Likewise, how does a multinational company prove that a sustainable urban development project it is investing in is having a significant local impact — and global ramifications? https://www.greenbiz.com/article/framework-could-help-measure-climate-action-cities Study: Utilities knew about climate change risks decades ago. American electric utilities knew decades ago about the role fossil fuels play in climate change, according to a study released Tuesday. The Energy and Policy Institute study, citing industry documents, found that utilities and industry groups were aiming to investigate the “effects of carbon dioxide” on the environment — including rising temperatures and sea levels — as early as the 1970s. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/343636-study-utilities-knew-about-climate-change-risks-decades-ago ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 13:54:06 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 26, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS Board Meeting: On July 27 in Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board will consider the following items: Proposed Amendments to the Market-Based Compliance Mechanism Regulation (Cap-and-Trade Regulation); Proposed Compliance Plan for the Federal Clean Power Plan; and Volkswagen Zero-Emission Vehicles Investment Plan. https://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2017/ma072717.pdf The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION Why California’s most polluting vehicles aren’t required to get smog checks. It’s California’s dirty little emissions secret. As Gov. Jerry Brown and the mayors of Los Angeles and Long Beach promise an emissions-free future, some diesel fumes aren’t going anywhere. That’s because, unlike your car, there’s no routine emissions-testing program for big rigs in California. http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20170722/why-californias-most-polluting-vehicles-arent-required-to-get-smog-checks Cement and oil companies to fund air pollution studies. Local cement and aggregate companies and the oil and gas industry will fund efforts by the Alamo Area Council of Governments to study emissions that affect San Antonio’s air quality. Capitol Aggregates, Martin Marietta, CEMEX, Alamo Cement Co., the South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable and the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association will contribute a total of $60,000, AACOG director Diane Rath said at a Wednesday meeting of local officials. http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Cement-and-oil-companies-to-fund-air-pollution-11437353.php CAP AND TRADE California knocks Trump as it extends climate change effort. Gov. Jerry Brown and his predecessor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stood side by side Tuesday to cheer the extension of one of the most ambitious programs in the U.S. to reduce fossil fuel pollution, while condemning President Donald Trump's failure to see climate change as a deadly threat. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, joined Brown, a Democrat, for a sunny outdoor ceremony overlooking San Francisco where the governor signed legislation to extend a program limiting emissions of climate-changing carbons that both have urged the world to emulate. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CALIFORNIA_CLIMATE_CHANGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT CLIMATE CHANGE How California Plans to Go Far Beyond Any Other State on Climate. Over the past decade, California has passed a sweeping set of climate laws to test a contentious theory: that it’s possible to cut greenhouse gas emissions far beyond what any other state has done and still enjoy robust economic growth. Now that theory faces its biggest test yet. Last August, the State Legislature set a goal of slashing emissions more than 40 percent below today’s levels by 2030, a far deeper cut than President Barack Obama proposed for the entire United States and deeper than most other countries have contemplated. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/climate/california-climate-policy-cap-trade.html Corn Could Be Major Victim of Climate Change. The weather has always been an unpredictable element of agriculture, but climate change is expected to make matters significantly worse. Determining how much worse has historically been a challenge. A new study, however, says climate-induced drought could hit several of the world's major corn producing regions all at once. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-26/corn-could-be-major-victim-of-climate-change Ireland's staggering hypocrisy on climate change. On the face of it, Ireland appears to be acting on climate change. Last year it appointed its first ever “climate action minister”, and in June it outlawed onshore fracking. What’s more, the telegenic new taoiseach Leo Varadkar dedicated much of the first day of his Cabinet retreat to discussing climate change. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/26/irelands-staggering-hypocrisy-on-climate-change DIESEL ACTIVITIES California truckers would get fewer breaks under new law. Truckers rolling down California’s highways are entitled to take more breaks than drivers in most of America, but that would change if a congressional attempt to override the state’s work rules succeeds — which union officials and truck drivers say would make the state’s highways more dangerous. http://www.dailynews.com/business/20170722/california-truckers-would-get-fewer-breaks-under-new-law?source=most_viewed VEHICLES Britain to Ban New Diesel and Gas Cars by 2040. Scrambling to combat a growing air pollution crisis, Britainannounced on Wednesday that sales of new diesel and gas cars would reach the end of the road by 2040, the latest step in Europe’s battle against the damaging environmental impact of the internal combustion engine. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/world/europe/uk-diesel-petrol-emissions.html Related articles https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/26/world/europe/ap-eu-britain-diesel.html http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_DIESEL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40726868 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-25/u-k-to-ban-diesel-and-petrol-cars-from-2040-daily-telegraph https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/25/britain-to-ban-sale-of-all-diesel-and-petrol-cars-and-vans-from-2040 https://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/scientists-say-the-governments-air-quality-plan-is-not?utm_term=.rdwOZ9jxr#.xv2QovRBj The challenges and consequences of moving to electric cars. Britain will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040 in an attempt to reduce air pollution that could herald the end of over a century of popular use of the fossil fuel-guzzling internal combustion engine. Following are some of the possible challenges and consequences related to the decision… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-autos-factbox-idUSKBN1AB1RJ GREEN ENERGY Renewable Energy Booming after a Decade of Progress. The sun is rising on a newer, cleaner era of American energy use. The United States generates nearly eight times as much electricity from the sun and the wind than it did in 2007 – enough to power more than 25 million homes – and the average American uses 10 percent less energy than he or she did 10 years ago, according to a new report by Environment America Research and Policy Center. The report, Renewables on the Rise: A Decade of Progress Toward a Clean Energy Future, also cites a 20-fold increase in battery storage of electricity and the meteoric rise in sales of electric cars – from virtually none in 2007 to nearly 160,000 last year – as evidence that despite attempted rollbacks in Washington, a clean energy revolution is under way across the U.S. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news/ame/renewable-energy-booming-after-decade-progress The 5 red states leading America in green energy. With Donald Trump officially putting an end to the so-called war on coal, states whose economies were hampered by clean air and emissions regulations are finally free to return to the days of rugged, fossil fuel–dependent industry. But will they? Certainly, the states that have long relied on coal and mining jobs for economic stability will benefit from the end of Obama-era regulations. But among those states — the overwhelming majority of which swing conservative — a select few have made strides in renewable energy, recognizing that advances in green technology are often accompanied by cost savings. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/26/5-red-states-leading-america-in-going-green-energy.html Renewable Energy Just Hit a Big Milestone. This year, for the first time in the modern nuclear era, renewable energy has surpassed nuclear power as a percentage of U.S. energy generation. Nuclear power generation has been facing hurdles for a while: it's expensive to expand, often politically unsavory, and not as competitive as the cheap natural gas that has flooded the market in recent years. http://fortune.com/2017/07/26/nuclear-energy-milestone-renewable/ CSU Joins Effort to Drive Clean Energy Innovation. The California State University (CSU) has partnered with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) to develop the next generation of clean energy entrepreneurs. The CSU received a $250,000 grant from LACI's new Energize California initiative that will fund innovation workshops and events for students, faculty, staff and community members at five Los Angeles-area CSU campuses over the next five years. http://www.newswise.com/doescience/?article_id=678446&returnurl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3c3dpc2UuY29tL2FydGljbGVzL2xpc3Q= MISCELLANEOUS L.A. County Fights Aliso Canyon Re-Opening. Los Angeles County officials asked a state court to halt the resumption of natural gas withdrawals from the Aliso Canyon storage facility until more risks are analyzed, days after a stage agency said it is safe to restart operations at the site. The Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday will review a request by county officials to issue a stay against the California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources’ (DOGGR) order allowing facility owner Southern California Gas to resume injections into the facility. The county does not object to withdrawals on an emergency basis, which is currently allowed. https://www.rtoinsider.com/socalgas-aliso-canyon-46639/ OPINIONS Valley Voice: Angst in Sacramento over cap and trade. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a California cap and trade bill in 2006. George Schultz, secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan, said that Reagan would be proud to see cap and trade pass with bipartisan support. California Senate Bill 32 passed another Cap and Trade in 2016, which requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases. This is more business friendly than other methods regarding greenhouse gases, which would dictate how companies reduce emissions. http://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/contributors/valley-voice/2017/07/26/valley-voice-casella-angst-sacramento-over-cap-and-trade/512893001/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 16:51:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 27, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy AIR POLLUTION Air pollution exposure in early pregnancy may increase chance of premature birth, finds study. Exposure to air pollution in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy could increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, scientists have warned. Researchers examining the effect on pregnant mice of fine particle air pollution, emitted by car exhausts and coal-fired power plants, said their findings add to growing evidence that breathing polluted air in early pregnancy is “potentially dangerous”. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/air-pollution-early-pregnancy-premature-birth-effects-babies-new-york-university-study-a7863016.html Dems mobilize against bill to weaken Clean Air Act mandates. Key Senate Democrats are voicing reservations or outright opposition to a House-passed bill to loosen the Clean Air Act, underscoring doubts about the measure's chances of becoming law, despite President Trump's eagerness to roll back environmental regulations. H.R. 806 would delay implementation of U.S. EPA's 2015 ozone standard by eight years and permanently stretch the act's timetable for future pollutant reviews. It won House approval last week on a mostly party-line vote. https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/2017/07/27/stories/1060057989 CAP AND TRADE Questions remain as Gov. Brown signs legislation to address neighborhood-level air pollution. Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at improving air quality in disadvantaged communities, a key step in shifting the debate over how the state fights climate change and an issue that has tested the influence of environmental justice advocates. The law imposes new requirements to monitor and reduce pollution in neighborhoods where houses and schools are squeezed between oil refineries, industrial facilities and freight corridors. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-air-pollution-law-20170725-story.html Now California Needs to Cap Costs While it Caps Carbon. Now that California has extended its carbon dioxide trading program through 2030 businesses are waiting to see how state regulators plan to keep compliance costs down. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) claimed victory when he signed an extension of California’s landmark cap-and-trade program into law July 26, but several crucial components of the program still need to be worked out by the California Air Resources Board. Those include setting the annual emissions caps for the largest emitters of greenhouse gases from 2021 through 2030 and enacting new measures to control industry’s expenses while meeting the state’s goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030. https://www.bna.com/california-needs-cap-n73014462306/ For Latino communities living in areas with high air pollution, the cap-and-trade package may not do enough. On Wednesday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the final bill in the cap-and-trade package. This measure would, among other things, empower the California Air Board to identify and monitor areas with high levels of air pollution. Fifteen miles south, just northwest of Long Beach, is the city of Wilmington, a community sandwiched between several oil refineries. As of 2015, the city is majority Latino, and it’s certainly a contender to be one of those critical areas that the assembly bill would monitor. https://www.scpr.org/programs/take-two/2017/07/27/58228/for-latino-communities-living-in-areas-with-high-a/ CLIMATE CHANGE EPA transition official dismisses climate science strategy as 'silliness'. A former transition official at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is dismissing the agency's plan to debate climate change science as "silliness." EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is planning to deploy a “red team, blue team” debate over the scientific consensus around climate change. But David Schnare, a 34-year EPA veteran and former transition official for the Trump administration, dismissed that approach in an op-ed for InsideEPA. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/343976-epa-transition-official-dismisses-pruitt-climate-science-strategy How Climate Change Is Making Wildfire Season Worse. This summer there have been dozens of fires burning in the West, which has been experiencing record-high temperatures. Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson talks with Gary Ferguson (@GaryAFerguson), author of the book "Land on Fire," about why wildfires have been getting hotter and burning longer in recent years. http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2017/07/27/land-on-fire-gary-ferguson Related articles: https://phys.org/news/2017-07-climate-wildfires-experts.html How climate change will affect the quality of our water. Last year, slimy green and foul-smelling algae took over Florida’s beaches, releasing toxins that killed fish and shellfish and sickened people. The algal bloom prompted the Florida governor to declare a state of emergency and likely caused widespread economic damage. If climate change goes unchecked, we could see more of these algal blooms along our coasts and in lakes, according to new research. That means that climate change won’t just affect the quantity of our water supply — causing drought, for instance — but it will also affect its quality. https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/27/16035776/climate-change-rain-nitrogen-algae-blooms-water-quality How Will Climate Change Hurt The American Economy? Depends On Where You Live. A new study estimates that southern areas of the US, many of which are already poor, could face a 20 percent decline in economic activity if carbon emissions continue unabated through the 21st century. The study was issued by economists with the Climate Impact Lab, a consortium of experts from the Universities of California, Chicago and Rutgers and the Rhodium Group. https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/articleshow-will-climate-change-hurt-the-american-economy-depends-on-where-you-live/ Poll: Californians support climate change policies, want state leaders to do more. Most Californians support the state’s policies fighting climate change — and they want state leaders to go further, a poll released Wednesday found. More than half of state residents say they found it very important for California to act as a leader on climate change around the world, and two-thirds supported the state making its own climate change policies beyond those implemented by the federal government, according to a poll from the Public Policy Institute of California. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/26/poll-californians-support-climate-change-policies-want-state-leaders-to-go-further/ Locals tapped for Vermont Climate Action Commission. Middlebury businessman Bill Laberge, of Laberge Insurance, and Bridport farmer Marie Audet, of Blue Spruce Farm, are two Addison County residents named to the newly formed Vermont Climate Action Commission. The commission was formed by an executive order from Gov. Phil Scott this past Thursday, July 20. Among the commission’s responsibilities will be the task of unifying Vermont’s ambitious climate and economic goals. http://www.addisonindependent.com/201707locals-tapped-vermont-climate-action-commission VOLKSWAGEN U.S. Regulators Approve Fix for 326,000 VW Diesels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board on Thursday approved a fix for 326,000 Volkswagen AG diesel cars, the agencies and the automaker said Thursday. The fix will include hardware and software upgrades, including replacing an emissions catalyst but will reduce vehicle fuel economy ratings by as much as 2 miles per gallon. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/07/27/business/27reuters-volkswagen-emissions-regulator.html Related articles: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-regulator-idUSKBN1AC2F3 http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-diesel-20170727-story.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/07/27/epa-volkswagen-diesel-fix/516686001/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/vw-and-regulators-agree-on-fix-for-cars-in-cheating-scandal/2017/07/27/28fedf14-72fc-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html Germans find illegal emissions device in Porsche model. German authorities have found what they consider an illegal "defeat device" in a Porsche diesel model that manipulates emissions levels, leading to the recall of some 22,000 cars. The model affected is a Cayenne 3-liter TDI that is still in production, Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Thursday. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GERMANY_PORSCHE_DIESEL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Smog and mirrors: On world’s climate stage, Sacramento chases electric vehicle market and a new economic identity. An array of touch-screen lights flicker to life. The seat belt clicks and the driver’s seat drifts into place. As the pedal eases down, a wave of invisible electric torque floats the car forward without a sound. After rounding the block, Jerry Kaplan glided his hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai to a stop. Along with a dozen other alternative-fuel cars, the one with a Japanese name meaning “the future” was brought to the Capitol that April 19 to offer test drives and convince the public they were worth buying. https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/smog-mirrors-on-worlds/content?oid=24711789 VEHICLES Tesla’s Model 3 is Making Electric Vehicles Successful Even Before its Launch. THE MODEL 3, Tesla's long-awaited mass-market electric vehicle, launches Friday to what will no doubt be significant fanfare. The unveiling isn't only a coming-of-age party for the nascent car manufacturer; it feels like a significant moment in EV history, too. “It is the car that has been promised to us since the inception of this industry,” says Terry O’Day, who heads up marketing at the electric charging company EVgo. “It’s the moment that we demonstrate a mass-produced vehicle that is affordably priced and has features that don’t require consumers to compromise in any way.” https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-model-3-electric-market/ Electric bus maker Proterra opens California factory. Proterra, the Burlingame builder of electric buses, opened a factory in the Los Angeles area Wednesday, in an effort to move some of its manufacturing closer to its West Coast customers. The company’s new plant, in the City of Industry, will build buses for public transit agencies throughout California and other Western states. Until now, all of its battery-powered buses have been built in South Carolina and shipped to customers — a sometimes expensive proposition. http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Electric-bus-maker-Proterra-opens-California-11438401.php GREEN ENERGY U.S. House Hacks Away at Renewable Energy, Efficiency Programs. The U.S. House brushed aside Democrats' efforts to preserve federal funding for clean energy and energy efficiency on Thursday as it moved toward passage of a large spending bill that would slash those programs by 45 percent while maintaining federal support for fossil energy research and development. The GOP-led House tucked its $9 billion federal energy spending plan into its so-called "minibus" budget bill, a catch-all package to fund one-quarter of the federal government when the new fiscal year begins in October. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27072017/congress-budget-house-vote-renewable-energy-efficiency-programs-fossil-fuel-spending AEP to spend $4.5 billion on biggest single wind farm in U.S. AEP plans to spend $4.5 billion on new power – and in a sign of recent times, it’s in renewable energy, not coal. The electric utility plans to spend the money on what will be the biggest single wind farm in the United States, as the Columbus company continues its fast churn away from coal toward a more diverse mix of power generation. https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/07/26/aep-to-spend-4-5-billion-on-biggest-single-wind.html The future of renewable energy is in Texas. Renewable energy isn't at a crossroads in the U.S. so much as on a two-lane highway: While the federal government hits the gas on fossil fuels, states are speeding ahead to develop renewable energy -- and reaching new milestones. For example, enough solar energy is being collected every year to power all the single-family homes in Florida. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-is-leading-the-way-in-renewable-energy/ South Miami makes solar PV panels mandatory for new houses. A new law requiring all new homes built in the city to have solar panels, making South Miami the first city outside California to support such an initiative. Under the new law passed on 18 July 2017 from South Miami City Commission, new residential construction would require 175 square feet of solar panels to be installed per 1,000 square feet of sunlit roof area, or 2.75 kW per 1,000 square feet of living space, whichever is less. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/south-miami-makes-solar-pv-panels-mandatory-for-new-houses VIDEO: Palo Alto city officials showing commitment to renewable energy. Palo Alto city officials are showing their commitment to renewable energy. They unveiled new solar panels installed at two public garages on Webster and Bryant Streets on Tuesday. The solar panels will power the garages and electric vehicle charging stations. Officials plan to add more charging stations around the city. They say the city wants to make driving electric convenient and economical. http://abc7news.com/news/video-palo-alto-city-officials-showing-commitment-to-renewable-energy/2250070/ MISCELLANEOUS Californians put high priority on environment, poll shows. As California emerges as a force on climate change and a counterweight to President Donald Trump, residents of the green-minded state widely support environmental actions taken by leaders in Sacramento, according to a survey released Wednesday. Fifty-one percent of California adults approve of the way Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature are handling environmental issues, the Public Policy Institute of California survey shows, even as state climate policies threaten to raise gasoline and electricity prices. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Survey-Californians-support-state-s-emergence-11438714.php Has the Moment for Environmental Justice Been Lost? Given how President Donald Trump has taken aim at the Environmental Protection Agency with regulatory rollbacks and deep proposed budget cuts, it may come as no surprise that the Office of Environmental Justice is on the chopping block. This tiny corner of the EPA was established 24 years ago to advocate for minorities and the poor, populations most likely to face the consequences of pollution and least able to advocate for themselves. https://www.propublica.org/article/has-the-moment-for-environmental-justice-been-lost OPINIONS Could complex cap-and-trade deal derail Jerry Brown’s bullet train? The political deal that led to reauthorization of California’s cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions has many pieces, but one of the strangest is Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1. To win support from Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes and presumably several other Republicans, Gov. Jerry Brown and his fellow Democrats agreed to place the measure, authored by Mayes, on next year’s statewide ballot. https://calmatters.org/articles/complex-cap-trade-deal-derail-jerry-browns-bullet-train/ AB 398 is Most Cost Effective Way to Reduce Emissions for Business & the Economy. When SB 32 passed in 2016, California businesses and consumers were confronted with huge costs due to the Air Resources Board command-and-control regulations created to achieve mandated and unprecedented emission reductions, even though California represents only one percent of total global emissions. As a result, we aggressively sought reforms to create a market-based cap-and-trade program that protects the economy and lowers future cost increases for all Californians, which is the only realistic policy approach for success. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/07/ab-398-cost-effective-way-reduce-emissions-business-economy/ ====================================================================== 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 Jul 2017 17:00:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for July 31, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for July 31, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE Will cap-and-trade deal cost Chad Mayes his Assembly Republican leadership? The bipartisan deal to renew cap-and-trade was supposed to be a major accomplishment in Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes’ bid to remake the California Republican Party and its relevance within the state Legislature. But a wave of conservative backlash since the vote two weeks ago… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article164302797.html#storylink=cpy Cap-And-Trade Deal Extinguishes Controversial Fire Protection Fee. Rural California property owners now have one fewer bill to pay—one they’ve scorned for the last six years. The cap-and-trade deal signed last week by Gov. Jerry Brown ends a $150-a-year fire protection fee. Brown and Democratic lawmakers created the fee in 2011, with the state budget mired in red ink. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/31/cap-and-trade-deal-extinguishes-controversial-fire-protection-fee/ AIR POLLUTION German carmakers face political reckoning over diesel. German lawmakers must balance conflicting demands at a national summit to discuss pollution from diesel vehicles this week, wanting to appear tough ahead of federal elections next month while trying to avoid damaging the car industry. Political leaders and car industry executives will meet in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss inner-city pollution… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions-idUSKBN1AG12U?feedType=RSS&virtualBrandChannel=11563 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions-factbox-idUSKBN1AG1KD Are new-tech trucks ready to replace diesel, keep California’s pollution-fighting promise? The race to replace Southern California’s biggest polluter is on. It’s going to take science, time, money — and maybe an assist from Elon Musk. At the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, an ambitious $14 billion clean-air plan calls for the elimination of dirty-burning diesel equipment by 2035 — $9 billion just to purchase and deploy trucks. http://www.dailybulletin.com/article/20170730/NEWS/170739968 German court orders diesel ban in bid tackle air pollution. Judge demands ban placed on most polluting diesels entering German city of Stuttgart from January 2018, ruling previous plans from city government not ambitious enough, A judge in the German city of Stuttgart has ordered the most polluting diesel cars be banned from entering the city from January 2018 in a bid to curb illegal levels of air pollution. https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3014727/german-court-orders-diesel-ban-to-tackle-air-pollution In-Car Exposure To Particulate Air Pollution Twice As High As Previously Thought. The levels of some forms of particulate air pollution (PM2.5 in particular) present inside of car cabins while driving are up to twice as high as previously estimated, according to a new study that was performed as part of the Atlanta Commuter Exposures (ACE) Study. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/07/30/car-exposure-particulate-air-pollution-twice-high-previously-thought/ CLIMATE CHANGE Bison Returned From the Brink Just in Time for Climate Change. The ranchers bringing back the iconic beast have a healthy, trendy, profitable meat—and, some say, an answer for global warming. Ted Turner owns more than 100,000 acres of pristine land in southwest Montana, complete with lush grassland and forested hills rolling with Douglas firs. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-07-31/bison-returned-from-the-brink-just-in-time-for-climate-change We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding ‘dangerous’ global warming, a study finds. In recent years, it has become increasingly common to frame the climate change problem as a kind of countdown — each year we emit more carbon dioxide, narrowing the window for fixing the problem, but not quite closing it yet. After all, something could still change. Emissions could still start to plunge precipitously. Maybe next year. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/31/we-only-have-a-5-percent-chance-of-avoiding-dangerous-global-warming-a-study-finds/?tid=pm_business_pop&utm_term=.4f14a8cff8a1 US coal floods Europe despite continent's fear about climate change. Coal exports to Europe and Asia are surging despite criticism from countries such as France and China over President Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate change agreement, according to new federal data. Coal exports for making steel and generating electricity rose 58 percent in the first three months of the year… http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/us-coal-floods-europe-despite-continents-fear-about-climate-change/article/2630079 As Bay Area heats up, beachgoers warned of sneaker waves. A heat advisory was in effect Monday along the West Coast as forecasters advised they expect the hottest stretch of the year thus far across Northern California. But weather experts said some Bay Area beaches may pose more of a risk than relief from the sweltering temperatures due to tropical storms stirring up sneaker waves and rip currents. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/As-Bay-Area-heats-up-beachgoers-warned-of-11720978.php How Congress Is Cementing Trump's Anti-Climate Orders into Law. These efforts are mostly flying under the radar, but they could short-circuit lawsuits and make it harder to restore environmental protections. President Donald Trump marvels at his own velocity when he boasts about dismantling the Obama climate legacy. "I have been moving at record pace to cancel these regulations and to eliminate the barriers… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/31072017/trump-climate-change-executive-orders-congress-turning-into-law-via-budget Cases Against Oil Giants Over Climate Change 'Credible'. Several coastal communities in California are suing giant oil companies, contending they knowingly concealed the threat of climate change and sea level rise from fossil fuels. Marin and San Mateo counties, along with the city of Imperial Beach, accuse 37 companies—such as Exxon, BP and Chevron—of concealing for decades that fossil fuels affect the climate and sea levels. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/31/cases-against-oil-giants-over-climate-change-credible/ Here’s where climate change could spew toxic air pollution. Climate change could choke parts of the planet. Global shifts in temperature and precipitation can create pockets of two air pollutants — ozone and fine particulate matter — around populated areas, according to a study published Monday in Nature Climate Change. In a business-as-usual scenario, the consequence would be 60,000 extra deaths annually by 2030… http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/heres-climate-change-spew-toxic-air-pollution/ Study promotes link between climate change, intensity of 2013 rains. New research concludes global warming enhanced record rain amounts by 30 percent. The amount of rain delivered by the devastating storms that flooded Boulder County and much of Colorado's Front Range of 2013 was enhanced by about 30 percent through… http://www.broomfieldenterprise.com/news/ci_31182493/study-promotes-link-between-climate-change-intensity-2013 Climate change means more rain, more nitrogen runoff, more problems in U.S. An intensifying water cycle will likely cause dramatic increases – nearing 20% by 2100 – in the amount of nitrogen runoff in the U.S., according to a new study. Excessive nitrogen that mixes with rivers and estuaries can profoundly affect water systems; for example it can spur algal blooms, which have negative impacts on human health… https://yubanet.com/enviro/climate-change-means-more-rain-more-nitrogen-runoff-more-problems-in-u-s/ On the brink: 95 per cent chance of global warming reaching 'tipping point' London: World temperatures are likely to rise by more than two degrees Celsius this century, surpassing a "tipping point" that a global climate deal aims to avert, scientists said on Monday. A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change shows a 90 per cent chance… http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/on-the-brink-95-per-cent-chance-of-global-warming-reaching-tipping-point-20170731-gxmn8o.html 2017 is so far the second-hottest year on record thanks to global warming. With the first six months of 2017 in the books, average global surface temperatures so far this year are 0.94°C above the 1950–1980 average, according to NASA. That makes 2017 the second-hottest first six calendar months on record, behind only 2016. That’s remarkable because 2017 hasn’t had the warming influence of an El Niño event. El Niños bring warm ocean water to the surface… https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/jul/31/2017-is-so-far-the-second-hottest-year-on-record-thanks-to-global-warming Inside the Effort to Fight Climate Change Beyond the Power Sector. The transportation, manufacturing and agriculture industries have received a fraction of the attention of the power sector in the fight against climate change, but together they account for more than twice the harmful pollutants that are emitted during the production of electricity in the United States. And as sources of clean energy such as wind and solar comprise more of the nation's power… http://time.com/4831018/clean-energy-climate-change-renewable-energy/ Beach disappearing in city where sea walls dominate. It was just before sunset as Jim Jaffee walked along the beach beside a row of sea walls. Concrete was bolted against the bluffs to protect multimillion-dollar homes, perched along the top, from falling into the rhythmic tides below. Waves rolled in. Some landed at the walls, leaving no dry sand. High tide was still a few hours away. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/31/stories/1060058130 Forget that big iceberg; a smaller one is more troubling. The world saw headlines about one of the largest icebergs ever calved a few weeks ago. But a smaller one on the other end of the globe might have bigger consequences. The chunk of ice, which broke free in the Arctic last week, is more worrisome to climate scientists who are watching one of Earth's largest glaciers shed pieces in a way that stands to raise sea levels. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/31/stories/1060058106 FUELS Next Climate Change Political Battle: Cleaner Fuels. This week, California’s key climate change program known as cap-and-trade was extended another decade. Now Governor Jerry Brown’s administration is turning its attention to extending another key greenhouse gas reduction program. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard is intended to clean up emissions from cars and trucks. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/07/27/next-climate-change-political-battle-cleaner-fuels/ Greens ask court to reinstate EPA methane pollution rule. Environmentalists are asking a federal appeals court to reinstate immediately the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane pollution rule for oil and natural gas drillers. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled earlier this month that the Trump administration broke the law when it tried to delay the methane rule’s enforcement in June. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/344602-greens-ask-court-to-reinstate-epa-methane-pollution-rule VEHICLES U.S. regulators approve 2017 Fiat Chrysler diesel vehicles for sale. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board on Friday said they approved Fiat Chrysler Automobiles request to sell 2017 diesel vehicles with updated emissions software after months of testing. Reuters reported the planned approvals on Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/article/fiatchrysler-emissions-idUSL1N1KJ0TL Tesla stock falls after delivering Model 3 electric car. Tesla's stock vacillated Monday during the market's first chance to react to the official delivery of the Model 3 electric car, which is critical to the automaker's financial performance. Tesla shares were up 1.8% in early trading before reversing course and falling 2.1% in the late morning, perhaps reflecting continued uncertainty over the Model 3's prospects. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/07/31/tesla-stock-model-3/525355001/ Freudenberg's goal: Slick seals that boost mpg, cut emissions. To support automakers in their new zeal to reduce transmission friction, Freud-enberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has added two innovations to its Low Emission Sealing Solutions portfolio: Levitas and Levitorq. Freudenberg claims the lightweight sealing approaches can reduce transmission friction as much as 70 percent. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170731/OEM10/170809989/freudenbergs-goal:-slick-seals-that-boost-mpg-cut-emissions Audi looking to save $12B to fund electric car development. Audi, like most brands at the Volkswagen Group, is turning toward electrification in an attempt to help clean up its image in the wake of the diesel scandal. One of the major goals is to have electric cars account for almost one out of every four sales by 2025. Reaching such a lofty goal will require a lot of electric cars, and that means a lot of investment dollars… http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1111842_report-audi-looking-to-save-12b-to-fund-electric-car-development HIGH-SPEED RAIL California's bullet train is likely to face more environmental hurdles after a high court ruling. California’s high-speed train project is likely to continue to be buffeted by environmental challenges as a result of a decision by the state’s top court. In a 6-1 ruling last week written by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the California Supreme Court decided that federal rail… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-high-speed-rail-court-20170728-story.html VW RECALL CARB approves $200 million VW zero-emission vehicle investment in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the first of four plans by VW to invest $800 million over 10 years in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, public outreach, and access to these ultra-clean vehicles for residents of disadvantaged communities. The investment is part of a multi-pronged settlement… http://electriccarsreport.com/2017/07/carb-approves-200-million-vw-zero-emission-vehicle-investment-california/ https://eponline.com/articles/2017/07/28/carb-approves-vw-electric-vehicle-plan.aspx?admgarea=ht.industrytrends http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/27/ev-charging-network-gets-800-million-spark-from-vw/ http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170727/NEWS/170729681 GREEN ENERGY Californians urged to save energy during solar eclipse. Californians have been asked to save energy during next month's eagerly-anticipated solar eclipse to help reduce the strain on the state's solar power resources. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has set up the CalEclipse.org website, where Californians are urged to “do your thing for the sun,” by reducing energy usage from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT during the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. http://www.foxnews.com/science/2017/07/31/californians-urged-to-save-energy-during-solar-eclipse.html http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/07/30/california-website-reduce-energy-eclipse/ Multimillion-dollar solar energy park in Annapolis gets green light. It has taken eight years, but a renewable energy park is at last on the way in Annapolis. The 16.8 megawatt solar energy facility, the Annapolis Renewable Energy Park, is set to be built on 80 acres of a closed landfill near Interstate 97, Route 450 and Crownsville Road in Anne Arundel County. When completed, it will be the largest non-federal solar project on a closed landfill the U.S. https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/07/31/multi-million-dollar-solar-energy-park-in.html World Bank tries to make Pacific solar power decisions easier. A do-nothing policy on climate change could cost some of the low-lying Pacific Island nations as much as $52 billion per year. The World Bank said it was rolling out new mapping tools to help countries in the Pacific determine where best to develop solar energy. At a regional energy summit in Samoa, the World Bank said it was detailing the potential for its online solar atlas… https://www.upi.com/World-Bank-tries-to-make-Pacific-solar-power-decisions-easier/7451501505693/ MISCELLANEOUS Obama officials 'puzzled' by science, energy office split. The Trump administration's Energy Department is breaking up its energy and science office, a move that's perplexing some former agency officials. The Obama administration in 2013 merged two offices to create the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Energy. The new shop had a budget of more than $5 billion to bridge basic laboratory research with its applications in the real world. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/07/31/stories/1060058105 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Has the Moment for Environmental Justice Been Lost? Facing Trump’s proposals for cutting programs that help minorities and the poor, Democrats scramble to make up for missed opportunities to protect them. Given how President Donald Trump has taken aim at the Environmental Protection Agency with regulatory rollbacks and deep proposed budget cuts, it may come as no surprise that the Office of Environmental Justice is on the chopping block. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/07/has-the-moment-for-environmental-justice-been-lost/ OPINIONS California’s cap-and-trade program could offer other states guidance. CALIFORNIA’S LEADERS this month expanded the nation’s most significant operating climate policy, the state’s groundbreaking greenhouse-gas cap-and-trade program. The state could have departed from its market-based climate plan in favor of much worse ideas. Instead, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and two-thirds of the legislature, with the support of several Republicans… https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/californias-cap-and-trade-program-could-offer-other-states-guidance/2017/07/28/80aadf4c-6e4c-11e7-96ab-5f38140b38cc_story.html?utm_term=.21c1139a758c Britain Joins the Shift to Electric Cars. The drive to switch to electric cars went a mile further last Wednesday when Britain joined France in pledging to end the sale of new gas and diesel cars by 2040. Norway and India have also said they want to get rid of gas and diesel cars, and at least 10 other countries have set targets for electric cars. All that is good news for the planet and for human health, even if caveats and challenges abound. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/opinion/britain-electric-cars.html Climate change: It’s not Just for liberals anymore. Al Gore’s prominence in the climate change discussion has led some in the media to assume that it’s strictly a liberal and secular issue. They are wrong. On a viciously hot day in Jerusalem this brutally hot summer, three prominent religious figures - a Christian, a Muslim and a Jew - gathered at the Jerusalem Press Club to call for action on climate change, “the ultimate religious imperative of our time!” http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/31/climate-change-religious-imperative/ In the age of global warming, do we really need so many new natural gas pipelines? The threat to the bucolic nature of that trail (even though it already crosses roadways about every four miles) has drawn a national spotlight to the project, one of a half-dozen pending or approved natural gas pipelines running from Appalachian shale fields to outlets along the East Coast and in the Midwest. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-ferc-gas-pipelines-shale-marcellus-20170731-story.html EPA approves fix for 326,000 VW diesels, but will owners take it? If you live in the U.S. and you own one of the 475,000 or so 2.0-liter Audi or VW diesels affected by the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal, we have good news and bad news. Since it's Friday, we'll start with the good news: your car can probably be fixed. The Environmental Protection Agency and the… http://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/epa-approves-fix-for-326000-vw-diesels-but-will-owners-take-it/2017/07/28/0299299a-73c1-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html?utm_term=.76403a5e6dcb As Trump denies science, California needs to step in. Given the Trump administration’s adversity to science, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency director Scott Pruitt’s decision to allow the continued use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos seemed almost preordained. In March, Pruitt concluded that the science addressing the neurodevelopmental effects of chlorpyrifos are unresolved, and put off a decision until 2022. It was a reversal. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article164303497.html#storylink=cpy Cap-and-trade deal will save Valley from harsh economy. I was sent to Sacramento to give rural California a seat at the table and to effectively do the business of the state. I didn’t go there to sit on the sidelines. It was in that spirit I decided to support Assembly Bill 398, which reforms and extends the cap-and-trade program for a decade, while reducing taxes, fees and regulations by more than $16 billion dollars. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article164194017.html#storylink=cpy Bipartisan cap-and-trade support benefits agriculture. California’s legislators often introduce policy without considering its impact on the agriculture industry, failing to recognize the myriad unique regulatory and financial burdens that we face as we feed not only our state and nation, but a significant part of the world. As the makeup of the California Legislature has become more urban… http://www.modbee.com/opinion/article164185742.html#storylink=cpy Dan Walters: Could complex cap-and-trade deal derail Jerry Brown’s bullet train? The political deal that led to reauthorization of California’s cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions has many pieces, but one of the strangest is Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 (ACA1). To win support from Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes and presumably several other Republicans, Gov. Jerry Brown… http://napavalleyregister.com/news/opinion/columnists/dan-walters/could-complex-cap-and-trade-deal-derail-jerry-brown-s/article_9a6de054-1ba2-5f98-b5f9-86f52e66b22f.html 8 Republicans didn’t have to vote for cap and trade. Last week eight Republicans in the California Legislature made the unfortunate decision to vote for an extension of cap and trade that will increase the cost of fuel by as much as 71 cents a gallon by 2031. The primary justification was that the market-based cap-and-trade solution… http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20170731/8-republicans-didnt-have-to-vote-for-cap-and-trade Mayes’ cap-and-trade misstep reverberates in Orange County races. Assembly GOP Leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley is facing renewed pressure from party activists to resign his leadership post after he and six other Republican Assembly members helped Democrats pass a 10-year extension to the state’s cap-and-trade system. I don’t begrudge Mayes for trying to do something about climate change… http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/30/mayes-cap-and-trade-misstep-reverberates-in-orange-county-races/ Use cap-and-trade funds to boost wildfire response. It doesn’t take a climate scientist to know that the climate hasn’t been kind to California these last few years. Whether it’s massive flooding, record-setting drought or massive and destructive wildfires, the planet’s wild climatic mood swings have been a recipe for devastation in our state. Over the last decade, the number and intensity of wildfires have steadily increased. http://www.pe.com/2017/07/29/use-cap-and-trade-funds-to-boost-wildfire-response/ How Biodiesel Can Improve Your Bottom Line. Why is interest in biodiesel growing among convenience store operators? In past blog posts for CSD, I’ve touched on some of the reasons, including its performance benefits, its lower emissions and the increasing number of diesel-powered vehicles. But let’s be honest. If biodiesel didn’t make economic sense, c-store operators would not sell it. The good news is that biodiesel can help the bottom lines of retailers. Let’s examine how. http://www.cstoredecisions.com/2017/07/31/biodiesel-can-improve-bottom-line/ BLOGS Is It Time To Buy an Electric Car? Welcome back to the work week. Aaron in for Adam, who is on vacation. My car is aging. At 11 years old and with its key feature, the convertible roof, now in need of an expensive repair, I'm due–probably overdue–to go car shopping. And since most of my driving consists of short trips, I'm also in the target market for an electric car. http://fortune.com/2017/07/31/tesla-3-buying-advice/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 16:52:44 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 1, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 1, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted a report on ARB's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit transfer activity covering information on recent credit volumes transferred, credit prices and price trends through June 2017. Staff publishes monthly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the second Tuesday of every month. The monthly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtmonthlycreditreports.htm Staff also publishes weekly LCFS credit transfer activity reports on the Tuesday of every week. The weekly credit transfer activity reports can be accessed here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/credit/lrtweeklycreditreports.htm _______________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB) announces the launch of its new California Dairy and Livestock GHG Reduction Working Group (Dairy Working Group) and Subgroup list serves that will provide interested stakeholders with up-to-date information about current activities and processes. Sign-up for the main Dairy Working Group process List Serve: https://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv_ind.php?listname=dairy CAP AND TRADE AIR POLLUTION Judge denies ExxonMobil request to reduce $20 million air pollution fine. A federal judge on Monday declined ExxonMobil's request to reconsider a $20 million fine he ordered the energy giant to pay earlier this year for spewing millions of pounds of unauthorized air pollution from Houston-area industrial facilities. In April, U.S. District Judge David Hittner said the the company should… https://www.texastribune.org/2017/07/31/judge-denies-exxonmobil-request-reduce-20-million-air-pollution-fine/ Judge rebuffs Exxon request for lower fine. A federal judge has denied Exxon Mobil Corp.'s bid to reduce or eliminate the roughly $20 million in fines he imposed in April for repeated air pollution violations at the company's massive Baytown refinery and chemical complex near Houston. In an order yesterday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner of the Southern District of Texas rebuffed Exxon's arguments… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058224 CLIMATE CHANGE Icebreaker sets mark for earliest Northwest Passage transit. After 24 days at sea and a journey spanning more than 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles), the Finnish icebreaker MSV Nordica has set a new record for the earliest transit of the fabled Northwest Passage. The once-forbidding route through the Arctic, linking the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, has been opening up sooner and for a longer period… https://www.apnews.com/caf51d15f87e4542a9cec75ec3159bc0/Icebreaker-sets-mark-for-earliest-Northwest-Passage-transit We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding ‘dangerous’ global warming, a study finds. In recent years, it has become increasingly common to frame the climate change problem as a kind of countdown — each year we emit more carbon dioxide, narrowing the window for fixing the problem, but not quite closing it yet. After all, something could still change. Emissions could still start to plunge precipitously. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/07/31/we-only-have-a-5-percent-chance-of-avoiding-dangerous-global-warming-a-study-finds/?tid=pm_business_pop&utm_term=.477ac4b521f4 59,000 farmer suicides in India over 30 years may be linked to climate change, study says. Every year, thousands of Indian farmers commit suicide. Now one researcher thinks it may have something to do with climate change. Tamma Carleton, a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, compared almost five decades worth of suicide and climate data and concluded that temperature variations… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/08/01/59000-farmer-suicides-in-india-over-three-decades-may-be-linked-to-climate-change-study-says/?utm_term=.4e4058127a90 https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058187 At EPA museum, history might be in for a change. Scott Pruitt has repeated a particular line again and again since becoming the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. “The future ain’t what it used to be at the EPA,” he’s fond of saying. As it turns out, the past may not be what it once was, either. In an obscure corner of the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building… https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/at-epa-museum-history-might-be-in-for-a-change/2017/07/30/9d83692c-6bd1-11e7-96ab-5f38140b38cc_story.html?utm_term=.18b1f51e3a98 Islamic State and Climate Change Seen as World’s Greatest Threats, Poll Says. Climate change is essentially tied with the Islamic State as the most-feared security threat across much of the world — except in the United States, where cyberattacks are considered a greater danger than global warming, according to a Pew Research Center report released on Tuesday. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/climate/islamic-state-climate-change-worlds-greatest-threats-pew-survey.html http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/01/politics/pew-world-threats-survey/index.html https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-08-01/pew-survey-shows-isis-climate-change-viewed-as-leading-security-threats Inevitably hotter world: U.S. and German scientists calculate “committed warming” that cannot be stopped. Colorado-based scientists and German partners found locked-in warming already is approaching targets set in Paris climate agreement. Earth rapidly is approaching the point where the amount of warming locked in by human pollution exceeds the limits nations set last year at the international climate meeting in Paris… http://www.denverpost.com/2017/07/31/committed-warming-nature-climate-change-pollution-global-warming/ Climate change before your eyes: Seas rise and trees die. They're called "ghost forests" — dead trees along vast swaths of coastline invaded by rising seas, something scientists call one of the most visible markers of climate change. The process has happened naturally for thousands of years, but it has accelerated in recent decades as polar ice melts and raises sea levels… http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/seas-rise-trees-die-climate-change-eyes-48961148 Climate Change Has Damaged Historic Seminole Sites, Archaeologists Say. Despite some GOP members’ skepticism about the state of the environment, climate change continues to affect the geographically vulnerable ecology of South Florida. State politicians such as Gov. Rick Scott have circumvented the issue, denied its urgency, and even refused to acknowledge the existence of sea-level rise… http://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/florida-summit-addresses-climate-changes-effects-on-historic-seminole-tribe-sites-9540801 Global Warming By 2 Degrees Unavoidable By 2100, 2 Studies Find. Two separate studies published online Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change found Earth will be warmer by at least 2 degrees by the year 2100. The main difference between the two analyses of climate change was that one used Fahrenheit and the other Celsius to predict the rise in global temperatures. http://www.ibtimes.com/global-warming-2-degrees-unavoidable-2100-2-studies-find-2572839 Climate change expected to increase premature deaths from air pollution. “As climate change affects air pollutant concentrations, it can have a significant impact on health worldwide, adding to the millions of people who die from air pollution each year,” said Jason West, who led the research at UNC-Chapel Hill with former graduate student and first author Raquel Silva. Hotter temperatures speed up the chemical reactions… http://www.enn.com/climate/article/52011 There's a 5% chance of holding temps at 2 C — study. New research suggests that keeping global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius might be out of reach. Pictured here is a map showing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in 2016. NASA. President Trump's decision to yank the United States from the Paris climate agreement spurred… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058201 Report sees 6 states as climate battlegrounds in 2018. Since President Trump announced his intent to leave the Paris Agreement and roll back the Clean Power Plan, more states have stepped up to pledge independent action on curbing global warming. New York, California and Washington state launched the U.S. Climate Alliance, which has since gained support from nine other states and the territory of Puerto Rico. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058233 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Germany to agree plan to cut diesel emissions: sources. The German government will not force the car industry to make costly changes to engines to cut diesel emissions but will settle for software updates for around 2 million vehicles, industry and government sources said on Tuesday. The sources were speaking before a summit of politicians and car executives scheduled for Wednesday to discuss ways to cut inner-city pollution… http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions-diesel-idUKKBN1AH48I Electric Bus Makers Poised for an L.A. Gold Rush. There’s a highly charged competition going on in Los Angeles right now, and it’s between manufacturers of electric buses. Transit agencies around the country are going electric. San Francisco has been buying biodiesel hybrid buses and electric trolleys for years. Los Angeles wants to go electric, too. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/07/31/electric-bus-makers-poised-for-an-l-a-gold-rush/ German automakers offer software update to cut NOx emissions by 25%. German automakers will offer software updates that will reduce diesel emissions from Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel cars by at least 25 percent on average, the VDA industry association said. The offer will be made Wednesday at a summit of politicians and car executives called to discuss ways to reduce inner-city pollution… http://europe.autonews.com/article/20170801/ANE/170809965/german-automakers-offer-software-update-to-cut-nox-emissions-by-25 FUELS The Energy 202: How Pruitt's hustle to deregulate the EPA may bite him. In his aggressive pursuit of rolling back Obama administration regulations, President Trump's top environmental official may be bumping up against his legal limits. Late Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce an Obama administration rule limiting the amount of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/08/01/the-energy-202-how-pruitt-s-hustle-to-deregulate-the-epa-may-bite-him/597f5db230fb045fdaef1019/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories-2_energy202-pruitt-1045am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.c483ef9d7325 Giant Appeals Court Victory For Biofuels. As DuPont’s (DD) Jan Koninckx put it in his understated way, Friday was “a good day for biofuels.” But it was the biggest victory in the courts for biofuels, ever. Specifically, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Americans for Clean Energy and other renewable fuels advocates… http://www.altenergystocks.com/archives/2017/08/giant_appeals_court_victory_for_biofuels.html http://www.csnews.com/industry-news-and-trends/legislative-regulatory-legal/appeals-court-hands-major-victory-alternative-fuels-industry http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Courts-Rule-Against-EPA-Biofuel-Waiver-437830183.html There's more than corn in Indiana – corn uses that is. Indiana Corn Farmers are keeping their products close to home, at least as far as farmer Larry Bucher is concerned. He farms about 1,200 acres of land, most of which is in LaPorte County. He does farm some fields in Porter and Jasper counties. He produces 900 bushels of corn, with 400 bushels going for ethanol production at a plant in Rensselaer. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/crown-point/ct-cps-corn-st-0803-20170731-story.html Refineries go to battle with oil majors over ethanol. Independent refineries are making another stab at getting the Trump administration to change the rules on how ethanol is mixed into the nation's fuel supply. At a hearing before the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington on Tuesday lobbyists from Valero and other merchant refining companies will battle gas station chains… http://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Refineries-press-ethanol-reform-at-EPA-hearing-11723011.php#photo-13241191 Court orders EPA to enforce methane standards. The Trump administration must enforce Obama-era restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry — at least for now. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last night issued a mandate striking down U.S. EPA's attempt to pause methane restrictions for the sector. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058196 ALISO CANYON Gas facility resumes operations 21 months after big blowout. The biggest gas storage facility in the West resumed operations Monday, nearly two years after a blowout led to the nation's largest-known methane release and drove thousands of families from their Los Angeles homes. Southern California Gas. Co. said it began injecting gas in underground wells after it completed final steps required to resume limited operations and shortly after a state appeals courts rejected… http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/us/article/Gas-facility-resumes-operations-21-months-after-11721660.php VEHICLES Albuquerque startup developing material for hydrogen cars. A New Mexico startup is betting on automakers to develop hydrogen cars and wants to provide material for them as nations and companies scramble to bring pollution-free vehicles to drivers. The Albuquerque-based Pajarito Powder is developing material for hydrogen fuel cells that CEO Tom Stephenson hopes will one day aid those concept hydrogen-powered cars… https://www.apnews.com/4d192391441c46b7925b0ec39f3659c3/Albuquerque-startup-developing-material-for-hydrogen-cars GREEN ENERGY Shell invests in Singapore solar firm Sunseap; eyes solar projects. Royal Dutch Shell has invested in Singapore-based solar firm Sunseap Group for an undisclosed sum as part of a planned collaboration on solar projects in the Asia-Pacific region, the companies said on Tuesday. Shell declined to reveal the amount invested by Shell Technology Ventures, the company's corporate venturing arm. http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-shell-idUKKBN1AH2WF MISCELLANEOUS Homeland Security to Bypass Environmental Laws in Border Wall Work. The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday said that it would use its authority to exempt the agency from having to comply with environmental and other laws in its efforts to build border walls and access roads in the San Diego area. The waiver would apply to the construction of several wall prototypes the agency plans to build in the region in response to an… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/us/politics/homeland-security-to-bypass-environmental-laws-in-border-wall-work.html?hpw&rref=politics&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well OPINIONS Skeptical scientists are lukewarm on Trump. Scientists who have been combating the prevailing views about climate change for years might find plenty to be giddy about with the new administration. President Trump hired vocal climate skeptics to help shape his administration; top government officials are publicly questioning the role humans play in global warming and whether regulations are worth the costs… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058185 BLOGS Cap-and-Trade Protest Forces California GOP Chair Underground. A flurry of protests against Republican state legislators in San Bernardino County who voted for Gov. Jerry Brown’s cap-and-trade extension has made an impact. Threats of protests forced the cancellation of a fundraiser last week for Assembly Minority Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley), and drove California GOP Chairman Jim Brulte underground… http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/08/01/pro-trump-protestors-draw-massive-police-response-forcing-california-gop-chair-brulte-underground/ It's Taken Time, But Electric Utilities Are Warming Up To Climate Change. In 1968, bombs were dropping in Vietnam. But a different kind of bomb was about to dropped here at home — one that put the country’s utility industry on notice that the burning of fossil fuels would lead to climate change. Now, though, much of the industry is working to tackle those environmental challenges. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/08/01/its-taken-time-but-electric-utilities-are-warming-up-to-climate-change/#59b3171973eb This Is How Climate Change Will Shift the World’s Cities. Summers around the world are already warmer than they used to be, and they’re going to get dramatically hotter by century’s end if carbon pollution continues to rise. That problem will be felt most acutely. Summers around the world are already warmer than they used to be, and they’re going to get dramatically hotter… https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/how-climate-change-will-shift-world-cities Could Tesla Jump Start Japan’s Solar Industry? Tesla may be the ticket to getting Japan’s solar industry back off the ground. Japan’s current solar energy situation is bleak. This is due in part to the country’s tariff system. Added to this, energy storage units are considerably expensive in Japan. One might assume that Tesla’s Powerwall would price out at least at or even above current competition, but surprisingly, that’s not the case. At the recent PV Japan exhibition in Yokohama (the country’s most… http://insideevs.com/tesla-jump-start-japans-solar-industry/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 16:42:26 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 2, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 2, 2017. 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 BUSINESS Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 _____________________________________ CAP AND TRADE Ont. premier: Glen Murray quitting isn't 'vote of non-confidence'. Ontario’s premier had to shuffle a few members of her cabinet Monday as her environment minister announced his resignation, a move she insisted should not be interpreted as evidence of declining Liberal fortunes. Environment Minister Glen Murray, who implemented Ontario’s ambitious cap-and trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions… http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/Canada/2017/07/31/22741927.html AIR POLLUTION 15 states, including California, appeal EPA delay of stricter air-quality standards. Attorneys general from 15 states, including California, filed a legal challenge on Tuesday over the Trump administration's delay of Obama-era rules reducing emissions of smog-causing air pollutants. The states petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to overturn Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt's extension… http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-epa-lawsuit-20170801-story.html Court lets states intervene in ozone fight in setback for EPA. Dealing a blow to the Trump administration and business groups, a federal appeals court will allow California and a half-dozen other states to intervene in litigation to defend U.S. EPA's 2015 ground-level ozone standard. A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted the states' motion without comment in a one-page order released this morning. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/02/stories/1060058293 CLIMATE CHANGE Chief of staff handled disasters touched by warming. New White House Chief of Staff John Kelly defended funding to confront natural disasters that he believed eroded stability and fueled migration in Latin America and the Caribbean as head of U.S. Southern Command. It's a signal that he may bring a global view about the threats of climate change to the West Wing, according to observers. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/02/stories/1060058250 VEHICLES BP in talks with electric carmakers on service station chargers. BP (BP.L) is in talks with electric vehicle makers on partnering to offer battery re-charging docks at its global network of fuel service stations as it seeks to benefit from the move away from diesel and petrol cars, Chief Executive Bob Dudley told Reuters on Tuesday. The expected rapid growth in the use of electric vehicles in the coming decades… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bp-ceo-idUSKBN1AH4HW GREEN ENERGY New DOE funds target clean energy's hardest problem. For years, entrepreneurs who want to help solve the climate crisis through clean energy have sought funding from two main sources: venture capitalists and the government. But it's as hard as ever to survive. Now, a $7.8 million cash infusion from the Department of Energy is taking a baby step to solve that problem… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/02/stories/1060058267 Industry to EPA: We want rule 'fixed, not just gone'. Industry has delivered a clear message to the Trump administration during a series of recent closed-door meetings: Don't completely gut the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. To be sure, leading industry associations are pushing White House and U.S. EPA officials to drastically roll back the landmark climate change rule. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/01/stories/1060058186 OPINIONS ‘America is fiddling around’: Jerry Brown says Trump is fueling California’s climate push. When President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate agreement, it stunned the world. But it also had a less predictable effect: turning California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) into Trump’s antithesis and furthering his own climate-crusading agenda. Or so Brown claims. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/02/how-trump-is-fueling-jerry-browns-climate-change-push-in-california/?utm_term=.6403bc8adb26 BLOGS It's Taken Time, But Electric Utilities Are Warming Up To Climate Change. In 1968, bombs were dropping in Vietnam. But a different kind of bomb was about to dropped here at home — one that put the country’s utility industry on notice that the burning of fossil fuels would lead to climate change. Now, though, much of the industry is working to tackle those environmental challenges. The Energy and Policy Institute has issued a report pointing out that scientists first warned the electric power… https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/08/01/its-taken-time-but-electric-utilities-are-warming-up-to-climate-change/#7b506fd73eb2 Auto Engineers See Future CAFE Rules Easing. What a difference a year makes. After consistently predicting U.S. emissions and fuel-economy rules likely would be made even tougher than originally anticipated for the ’22 model year and beyond, a large percentage of automotive engineers and designers now believe government rules will be relaxed going forward to 2025. http://wardsauto.com/2017-car-management-briefing-seminars/auto-engineers-see-future-cafe-rules-easing Where we start the clock for climate change makes a big difference. Carbon emissions at the start of the Industrial Revolution are often unaccounted for but may have significant consequences, an analysis published last week in Nature Climate Change finds. According to the study, the small increase in temperature that may have resulted from these early emissions dramatically shrinks the global carbon budget – the amount of greenhouse gases… http://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2017/08/the-global-carbon-budget-may-be-smaller-than-we-think/ US light rail funding: the Tiger loses its stripes. US president Donald Trump’s budget proposal for the 2018 financial year made grim reading for transit advocates, with plans to scrap popular federal funding programmes for public transport projects. If there was any doubt about US President Donald Trump’s intentions to defund federal transit investment programmes, his proposed budget… http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/financial/us-light-rail-funding-the-tiger-loses-its-stripes.html The mining sector’s US$16 billion emissions cost. A new report by CDP shows that the mining sector is contributing more carbon emissions than it initially shows, if one is to account for the deep and carbon-intensive supply chain where raw materials from mining are used. Thanks to its continued dependence on fossil fuels, the mining sector could be exposing its value chain to US$16 billion in emissions costs… http://www.eco-business.com/news/the-mining-sectors-us16-billion-emissions-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, 3 Aug 2017 15:57:11 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 3, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 3, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 _____________________________________ CAP AND TRADE California’s Cap-and-Trade Bill Enhances Existing Tax Incentive. As part of the cap-and-trade deal that was ironed out shortly before the Legislature went on its summer recess, two bills were enacted. AB 617 (Cristina Garcia) dealt with air emissions, while AB 398 (Eduardo Garcia) dealt with the program itself. Contained in AB 398 was an elimination of an existing fee… http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/08/californias-cap-trade-bill-enhances-existing-tax-incentive/ GOP lawmaker defends vote for 'crap sandwich' cap and trade. California Republicans who voted to extend the state's cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases last month are taking heat from constituents. Assemblymember Devon Mathis was one of eight Republicans who broke ranks to support A.B. 398, the bill that Gov. Jerry Brown (D) backed to extend the market-based system through 2030. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/03/stories/1060058334 AIR POLLUTION Congress takes aim at the Clean Air Act, putting the limits of California's power to the test. California is confronting the limits of its power to save federal environmental protections as Congress and the Trump administration take aim at a landmark law the state has relied on for decades to clean the air of noxious smog. http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-smog-republicans-20170803-story.html EPA backs off delay for smog-causing emissions reduction after being sued. Scott Pruitt claims change is testament to responsiveness but makes no mention of legal challenge over Obama-era rules to lessen ground-level ozone. One day after getting sued by 15 states, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief, Scott Pruitt, reversed his decision to delay implementation of Obama-era rules reducing emissions of smog-causing air pollutants. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/03/epa-emissions-ground-level-ozone-smog-air-pollutants http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/345079-epa-walks-back-delay-of-obama-air-pollution-rule http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/08/03/epa-chief-backtracks-on-delaying-rules-reducing-emissions.html http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/epa-unexpectedly-cancels-delay-of-strict-obama-smog-rules/article/2630519 California regulators willing to talk about air quality targets. Trump or no Trump, California regulators remain convinced that their air quality targets are achievable and necessary -- but they’re willing to talk about it. Annette Hebert, chief of emissions compliance for the California Air Resources Board, said she is open to discussing the state’s standards with industry representatives and federal officials. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170802/OEM11/170809899/california-regulators-willing-to-talk-about-air-quality-targets BC wildfire smoke pollution now listed as unhealthy for all in Portland. A thick haze from wildfires in British Columbia continued to blanket Portland Thursday morning, all during a triple-digit heat wave. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has downgraded the air quality rating in and around the Portland metro area to red, or unhealthy for everyone. http://www.kgw.com/weather/bc-wildfire-smoke-impacts-portland-air-quality-driving-haze-into-the-region/461306608 Cheshire East council admits air pollution data was falsified. Council apologizes for serious errors in air quality readings over three years and says it is reviewing planning applications. A local authority has admitted its air pollution data was deliberately manipulated for three years to make it look cleaner. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/02/cheshire-east-council-admits-falsifying-air-pollution-data POLLUTION SOLUTION VW, Mercedes and BMW to update ANOTHER 5.3million diesel cars across Europe to slash toxic emissions. German makers announce another round of updates for EU models to fix emissions. BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen have agreed to issue software fix on ANOTHER 5.3million cars in a bid to cut pollution. The trio of German manufacturers struck a deal with European authorities over an update on diesels fitted with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines. https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/4162334/bmw-mercedes-and-vw-to-update-another-5-3million-diesel-cars-across-europe-to-slash-toxic-emissions/ CLIMATE CHANGE This strange spot in the Atlantic is resisting global warming. Scientists think they know why. A mysterious “warming hole” in the North Atlantic Ocean, an anomalous zone of cooling temperatures which has fascinated and puzzled scientists for the past few years, may be evidence of more troubling processes at work. A new study, just out in the journal Nature Climate Change, has joined a growing body… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/02/this-strange-spot-over-the-atlantic-isnt-getting-warmer-scientists-think-they-may-know-why/?utm_term=.5f5bea108f36 The Energy 202: EPA finds no problems with Pruitt's climate change views. When Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt went on CNBC last March and said that he did not believe carbon dioxide was the "primary contributor" to global warming, he put himself at odds with the scientific stances of many institutions — including, officially, the EPA itself. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/08/03/the-energy-202-epa-finds-no-problems-with-pruitt-s-climate-change-views/59820e6330fb045fdaef10b9/?utm_term=.cd2d4dcf6d3f Activists Aim to Turn Sun Belt. Into Front Line on Climate. In the sweltering Southern states, workers laboring outdoors are wrestling with the personal and political consequences of a worsening environment. Adolfo Guerra, a landscaper in this port city on the Gulf of Mexico, remembers panicking as his co-worker vomited and convulsed after hours of mowing lawns in stifling heat. Other workers rushed to cover him with ice, and the man recovered. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/03/us/politics/climate-change-trump-working-poor-activists.html How your pet is contributing to global warming. Turns out that chow you’re feeding Fido and Felix produces a pretty big carbon pawprint. In a study released Wednesday, a geography professor at UCLA calculated that the meat-based food Americans’ dogs and cats eat – and the waste those pets produce – generate the equivalent of about 64 million tons of carbon dioxide a year. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article164990657.html#storylink=cpy http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/08/03/dog-cat-feces-climate-change/ What’s fighting climate change worth to the Inland Empire? $9.1 billion, a new study finds. More than $9 billion and 41,000 jobs have been added to the Inland economy as a result of California’s climate change initiatives, a new study found. And the indirect effect of that spending supported more than 73,000 jobs and $14.2 billion in economic activity in the Inland Empire from 2010 to 2016… http://www.pe.com/2017/08/03/whats-fighting-climate-change-worth-to-the-inland-empire-9-1-billion-a-new-study-finds/ How hot weather – and climate change – affect airline flights. (THE CONVERSATION) Hot weather has forced dozens of commercial flights to be canceled at airports in the Southwest this summer. This flight-disrupting heat is a warning sign. Climate change is projected to have far-reaching repercussions – including sea level rise inundating cities and shifting weather patterns causing long-term declines in agricultural yields. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-how-hot-weather-and-climate-change-affect-airline-flights-80795-20170803-story.html More Hot Days Are Coming With Climate Change. Our Choices Will Decide How Many. Summer still has a month to go, but extreme heat has been a major storyline through June and July. Sweltering temperatures have grounded planes, sparked wildfires and set records from coast-to-coast. These stories are becoming annual rites of passage as the world warms. And the number of hot days is projected to increase in the coming decades. http://www.climatecentral.org/news/climate-change-hot-days-21667 Climate policies study shows Inland Empire economic boon. According to the first comprehensive study of the economic effects of climate programs in California’s Inland Empire, Riverside and San Bernardino counties experienced a net benefit of $9.1 billion in direct economic activity and 41,000 jobs from 2010 through 2016. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research and Education… http://news.berkeley.edu/2017/08/03/climate-policies-study-shows-inland-empire-economic-boon/ The indigenous fight against climate change. Knowledge of animals, insects, agricultural techniques and weather patterns is honed from interaction with nature passed down through generations. Off Baffin Island in Canada, summer sea ice melts to an unprecedented low and Inuit hunters fear stepping on the ice pack. On Kiribati, an island republic of low-lying coral atolls in the Central Pacific… https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/the-indigenous-fight-against-climate-change-1.3162706 EPA Science Integrity Panel Says Pruitt’s Climate Denial Is Permissible. A complaint was filed after Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency administrator said on CNBC that carbon dioxide isn’t a main cause of global warming. An internal review by the Environmental Protection Agency has found that its administrator did not violate its scientific integrity policy when he contradicted a fundamental tenet of climate science… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02082017/scott-pruitt-climate-denial-epa-scientific-integrity-complaint Heat Waves Creeping Toward a Deadly Heat-Humidity Threshold. As global temperatures rise, river valleys in South Asia will face the highest risk of heat waves that reach the limits of human survivability, a new study shows. Heat waves that are dangerous now will get worse as global temperatures rises. If global warming continues on its current pace, heat waves in South Asia will begin to create conditions so hot and humid that humans cannot… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02082017/heatwaves-deadly-heat-humidity-wet-bulb-human-survivability-threshold http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/south-asia-heat-waves-temperature-rise-global-warming-climate-change/ Methane-Eating Bacteria Discovered Deep Beneath Antarctic Ice Sheet Could be Curbing Global Warming. Bacteria that eat methane, a greenhouse gas, have been discovered in an Antarctic lake that has been isolated from the atmosphere for thousands of years. Their presence could significantly reduce the potential risk of warming posed by reservoirs of gas locked up in the ice, scientists say. http://www.newsweek.com/methane-eating-bacteria-antarctic-ice-645570 A plant dies, and some ask if nuclear can help the climate. Nuclear power plants provide 60 percent of America's carbon-free electricity. But efforts to increase that figure were dealt a serious blow this week when two South Carolina utilities elected to abandon two new reactors at V.C. Summer, an existing nuclear power plant about 20 miles northwest of Columbia. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/03/stories/1060058333 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Venture Capitalists Flock to Truck Technology Start-ups. Forget the stodgy, conservative image that once clung to the trucking industry. Thanks to the digital revolution sweeping across this industry, truck tech is hot. And venture capitalists have taken notice. Growing numbers of venture capital firms are pouring money into start-ups that promise to reinvent some — or all — of the massive global trucking ecosystem… https://www.trucks.com/2017/07/31/venture-capitalists-flock-truck-technology-startups/ Foes of Obama truck rules hope for sympathy from Trump team. Critics of the Obama administration's effort to make all big rigs significantly less polluting are hoping the Trump administration will ease up on those regulations. Seeing an opening in President Trump's rollback of other climate regulations, small groups within the trucking industry are redoubling their pressure on U.S. EPA for exemptions from greenhouse… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/03/stories/1060058314 VEHICLES Electric-Car Revolution Shakes Up the Biggest Metals Markets. The revolution in electric vehicles set to upturn industries from energy to infrastructure is also creating winners and losers within the world’s biggest metals markets. While some of the largest diversified miners like Glencore Plc argue fossil fuels such as coal and oil still play a crucial role supplying energy needs… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-02/electric-car-revolution-is-shaking-up-the-biggest-metals-markets Tesla Burns Less Cash Than Expected as Model 3 Hits Market (2). Tesla Inc. burned through less cash than expected before rolling out its most affordable model yet, giving Elon Musk some financial leeway to pull off his mission of bringing electric cars to the masses. Negative free cash flow was $1.16 billion in the second quarter, Tesla said in a letter to shareholders Wednesday… http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OU19UE6KLVRC01-0983TRJUQH9U2AMC8K1JD52QQ4 How One Automaker's Bad Behavior Is Good For Sacramento. The Sacramento area is on its way to becoming the first city in the nation with an expansive network of shared electric vehicles and charging stations. Part of Volkswagen's settlement with the State of California over its diesel emissions cheating scheme, is to promote and advance the use of zero emission vehicles throughout the state. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/08/03/how-one-automakers-bad-behavior-is-good-for-sacramento/ California reviews gasoline vehicles for pollution: official. The California environmental agency that probed Volkswagen AG's diesel vehicles for violating pollution-control rules is now scrutinizing whether some gasoline-powered vehicles are emitting excess pollution, according to a senior official. "We are not just looking at diesels, but we are looking at some gasoline concerns," Annette Hebert, division chief for emissions compliance overseeing autos… http://www.businessinsider.com/r-california-reviews-gasoline-vehicles-for-pollution-official-2017-8 Global momentum underway for electric vehicles. Germany and the U.S. automotive state, Michigan, announce novel strides in the move to non-fuel powered vehicles. The drive toward electric vehicles gained international momentum with Germany and the United States making strides on the sea change in the automotive industry. Two million electric vehicles were on the road globally last year… https://www.upi.com/Global-momentum-underway-for-electric-vehicles/9441501754790/ Tesla Model S, Model X electric cars updated with new features. Before the Tesla Model 3 officially entered production, the electric-car maker shuffled features on its Model S to provide a clear distinction between the two sedans. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has often said those looking for luxury will be happiest in a Model S, while the Model 3 remains a much more straightforward piece of transportation. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111909_tesla-model-s-model-x-electric-cars-updated-with-new-features https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/03/stories/1060058335 Climate group sees ‘inevitable’ shift to electric vehicles in Sonoma County. Meeting Sonoma County’s climate protection goals will require putting 138,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and effectively ending sales of fuel-burning cars, a local environmental group said in a report due for release this week. http://www.petaluma360.com/news/7269447-181/climate-group-sees-inevitable-shift?artslide=0 Armored Security Vehicles Go Electric. Cash management provider Brink’s has signed on with battery-electric truck maker Workhorse Group to power its armored security vehicles. The company will purchase two electric vehicles for use in California and Chicago. Brink’s is looking to the startup to help add greener and more efficient vehicles to its fleet in the U.S. https://www.trucks.com/2017/08/03/armored-security-vehicles-go-electric/ Goodbye, Internal Combustion! Electric Vehicles are Rolling In. Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t make much noise on the road, but they’re generating a lot of buzz about the future of this technology and what it means for business and the environment. Cars, buses, and trucks are the second biggest source of pollution in the U.S. after electricity production. http://www.theenergycollective.com/edfenergyex/2410041/goodbye-internal-combustion-electric-vehicles-rolling GREEN ENERGY GE Claims Vestas Infringes Wind Turbine Power Control Patent. General Electric Co., which lost its top spot in wind turbine sales this year, claims new market leader Vestas Wind Systems A/S is using its technology to protect their turbines from dramatic fluctuations in power. The dispute comes as the U.S. wind industry is gearing up for significant growth. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-02/ge-claims-vestas-infringes-wind-turbine-power-control-patent Arsenal Soccer Club Tackles Climate Change With Clean Energy. Arsenal Football Club said it would power its stadium with renewable energy produced from wasted food and solar panels in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The North London club signed a contract with Octopus Energy Ltd. to source energy from anaerobic digestion plants and solar farms. It is offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-03/arsenal-soccer-club-tackles-climate-change-with-clean-energy Powin Energy to get a Hawaiian solar boost. After landing a series of big utility deals, Powin Energy is edging into the market for energy storage paired with non-utility solar projects, a market that is expected to grow rapidly. The Tualatin-based battery systems company said Wednesday it will deploy a total of 2.4 megawatt-hours of storage capacity across seven "behind the meter" solar projects in Hawaii for… https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2017/08/03/powin-energy-to-get-a-hawaiian-solar-boost.html Solar eclipse to disrupt Duke Energy power grid. When the moon blots out the sun during the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, Duke Energy will face its trial by darkness. The trouble: solar farms. North Carolina has the nation’s second-highest power capacity in solar farms, totaling some 3,200 megawatts. That amount of solar energy will make the effect of a total eclipse comparable to several nuclear reactors rapidly shutting down at the same time. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article165171097.html#storylink=cpy Alphabet Turns to Molten Salt to Store Clean Energy. Using giant vats of molten salt and antifreeze under the codename “Malta,” Google's parent company Alphabet is joining Tesla and smaller companies that are developing ways to store wind and solar power affordably to expand renewables and combat climate change. Alphabet’s X research lab is developing a cutting-edge molten salt technology… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/alphabet-molten-salt-clean-energy-21671 The Race For Floating Wind Farms Has Begun. For the last six years Statoil has been testing game-changing offshore wind technology. The result: a floating wind turbine has been pulled from Norway to Scotland where the world’s first floating wind farm will be installed. The £190m Hywind project will ultimately see five 6 MW floating turbines in depths of up to 120m in an area close to 4km close to Peterhead. http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/The-Race-For-Floating-Wind-Farms-Has-Begun.html Study: Batteries and clean energy will outcompete fossil fuels by 2020. Government spending on research is key to energy storage cost reductions, study says. Energy storage prices are falling rapidly, allowing new combinations of solar, wind, and energy storage to “outcompete” the costs of coal and natural gas plants, according to a new study. Research and development investment for energy storage projects have brought the cost… https://thinkprogress.org/study-sees-significant-drop-energy-storage-costs-77b1f2b15c71/ Is the era of the utility megaproject over? Vogtle. Kemper. V.C. Summer. A decade ago, this trio of sprawling power projects signaled the next wave of cleaner baseload energy that would keep air conditioners and the economy humming in the fast-growing Southeast. Now, all three have become a symbols of broken promises and busted budgets — a narrative capped by Monday's announcement that Scana Corp. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/03/stories/1060058301 OPINIONS California leads way in clean energy. Russell Harland’s letter of July 28, referring to the recent cap-and-trade extension, claimed “California isn’t being a leader. California is being left behind.” But let’s check the facts. California’s job growth has outpaced that of the national economy for years. Our state has far more clean-energy jobs than there are coal jobs in all of America. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article164825312.html#storylink=cpy Cap-and-trade deal will save Valley from harsh economy. I was sent to Sacramento to give rural California a seat at the table and to effectively do the business of the state. It was in that spirit I decided to support Assembly Bill 398, which reforms and extends the cap-and-trade program for a decade, while reducing taxes, fees and regulations by more than $16 billion dollars. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/state-issues/article164976197.html#storylink=cpy We'll never tackle climate change if academics keep the focus on consensus. In a democracy, we hope that science helps to inform the public about its problems. In the case of climate change, believe it or not, the evidence suggests this is going relatively well. Climate science is a vast, sprawling field of knowledge that has achieved great success in occupying the public consciousness. https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2017/aug/01/well-never-tackle-climate-change-if-academics-keep-the-focus-on-consensus How realistic are plans to ban new gas and diesel cars? Ban the sale of gasoline and diesel cars by a deadline — 2040, 2030, even 2025. More and more governments are proposing just that. But how seriously can such deadlines be taken? The issue of how to phase out polluting traditional engines has been pushed to the forefront by scandals and crises. http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/08/03/how-realistic-are-plans-to-ban-new-gas-and-diesel-cars.html http://www.nhregister.com/news/world/article/How-realistic-are-plans-to-ban-new-gas-and-diesel-11731132.php http://www.sltrib.com/news/nation-world/2017/08/03/how-realistic-are-plans-to-ban-new-gas-and-diesel-cars/ The Executive Branch's Sharp Turn to the Right. A new lawsuit captures the trench warfare unfolding as opposition groups protest the administration’s rollback of regulations government-wide. In the few hours on Monday between the installation of John Kelly as President Trump’s new chief of staff and the dismissal of Anthony Scaramucci as his communications director… https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/08/trump-obama-regulations/535770/ BLOGS Justice Deferred: A View of California’s Cap & Trade Bill from the Environmental Justice Perspective. Another contentious cap and trade battle has concluded in California with the signing of AB 398 into law. Despite the fanfare, it is important to look beyond the headlines to see what deal was actually struck. The communities where CEJA’s members and partners work are on the frontlines of climate change. https://intpolicydigest.org/2017/08/03/justice-deferred-a-view-of-california-s-cap-trade-bill-from-the-environmental-justice-perspective/ Explainer: California’s new ‘cap-and-trade’ scheme to cut emissions. Last month, California’s politicians agreed a new cap-and-trade bill to help curb the state’s emissions. This week, Governor Jerry Brown signed it into law, representing a major step forward in the state’s effort to combat climate change. “Cap and trade” requires large emitters such as power plants… https://skepticalscience.com/explainer-ca-cap-and-trade.html An Insurance Premium To Reduce Risks Of Global Warming And Unsafe Infrastructure. Imagine a country increasingly referred to as a 'failed state' taking a responsible action that will both curb emissions of greenhouse gases and help finance investment to modernize the world’s largest economy’s embarrassingly dilapidated and unsafe infrastructure network. https://www.forbes.com/sites/harrybroadman/2017/07/31/an-insurance-premium-to-reduce-risks-of-global-warming-and-unsafe-infrastructure/#3e553c934ed0 Germany's Diesel Summit Does Little To Solve Emissions Problems, or Calm Fears. Germany’s Tagesspiegel summed it all up in a two-word headline: “What now?” Germany’s carmakers and policymakers met at a big diesel summit yesterday in Berlin, with the meeting moved to the better-protected Interior Ministry because the Transport Ministry was occupied by Greenpeace. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bertelschmitt/2017/08/03/after-the-diesel-summit-germany-at-a-loss/#1cff62164fb6 California Goes All In -- 100% Renewable Energy By 2045. California is one step closer to a 100 percent renewable future, one that aims to reduce pollution and cut carbon emissions, while increasing jobs in the renewable energy field. The ambitious plan set forth by Senate President Kevin de León (D) would set limits on California's hydrocarbon consumption and aim to gradually increase renewable energy… https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2017/08/01/california-goes-all-in-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2045/#22e60e49570f Three Renewable Energy Numbers to Impress Your Friends With: 7, 43, 50. Next time you’re talking with a friend about the exciting things happening in our electricity sector (aren’t you always?), here are three easy numbers for remembering how we’re doing: 7, 43, and 50. That’s: wind energy’s progress, solar energy’s growth, and the number of states making it happen. http://blog.ucsusa.org/john-rogers/three-renewable-energy-numbers Politics & Global Warming, May 2017. Drawing on a nationally representative survey (n=1,266; including 1,070 registered voters), this report describes how American registered Republican, Democratic, and Independent voters view global warming, personal and collective action, and climate policies. http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/politics-global-warming-may-2017/ Your Employees are More Stressed Out by Global Warming Than Their Boss. Why are your employees, especially your millennials, stressed out? Hint: it’s not their job. In fact, Grokker’s latest research study reveals that your employees are more stressed out by the melting polar ice caps than their boss. Grokker teamed up with SurveyMonkey to examine what most stresses Americans. https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/your-employees-are-more-stressed-out-by-global-warming-than-their-boss/ ====================================================================== 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, 4 Aug 2017 15:41:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 4, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 4, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 _____________________________________ CAP AND TRADE California Legislature Passes 10-Year Extension to Cap and Trade. After weeks of negotiations in the California legislature, the Senate and Assembly passed an extension to cap and trade on July 17. This is a win for California’s climate leadership and for green building. USGBC actively supported the cap-and-trade extension, as one of the state’s key strategies to reach its SB 32 goal to reduce emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030. http://www.theenergycollective.com/usgbc/2410187/california-legislature-passes-10-year-extension-cap-trade AIR POLLUTION China orders 82 industries to obtain licenses before polluting. China has published a list of 82 industries that will need to obtain licenses before discharging pollutants or face punishments such as fines of up to 1 million yuan ($148,920.33). The industries include feed processing, wine-manufacturing paper-making, as well as the steel and chemical sectors, according to the list… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-idUSKBN1AK03N EPA finds air quality improving. The nation's air quality improved last year, according to figures in a newly released U.S. EPA report. In 2016, for example, the total number of days rated as "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in 35 major cities dipped to 697, slightly below the 2015 total of 706 days but much higher than the 2014 total of 599 days, according to the report, posted online earlier this week. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/04/stories/1060058410 Emissions testing a racket? Could end soon. There are those in the world who have strong emotions about the somewhat annoying requirement that they have their cars checked for emissions periodically. Some might call it a racket, but the state calls it a legal requirement if your car is older than a 2009 model year (and not otherwise exempt. http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Auto-emissions-test-could-end-in-Washington-11728571.php CLIMATE CHANGE The Church of England Takes on Climate Change—and Generates a 17 Percent Return. The low-key $10 billion fund that finances missions, cathedral costs and clergy pensions was instrumental in passing Exxon shareholder resolution. President Donald Trump may have quit the Paris climate accord, but shareholders aren’t going to let carbon-producing U.S. ­companies off the hook. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-04/the-church-of-england-takes-on-climate-change-and-generates-a-17-percent-return As the climate continues to change, Al Gore’s here to boil down the science. In late July, Al Gore was in Bellevue, holding a training for the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, the army he is building to spread the word — and worry — about climate change and global warming. At one point, Gore pointed out a crack in a section of the Antarctic Peninsula — an area he visited during the filming of his 2006 documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/as-the-climate-continues-to-change-al-gores-here-to-boil-down-the-science/ 9 States Deciding Whether to Tighten Power Plant Emissions Rules in RGGI. Members of the RGGI cap-and-trade program talk tough on climate change. What they decide now will reflect on states’ ability to counter Trump’s climate rollbacks. Nine northeastern states that broke ground with the nation's first cap-and-trade program are nearing a decision on whether to seek even deeper greenhouse gas emissions cuts. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01082017/rggi-cap-trade-climate-change-emissions-tightening-regulations--trump-rollback Climate Change Could Kill Off One-Fifth of the World By End of the Century. Global warming is on pace to ravage a region home to one-fifth of humanity by the end of the 21st century. If global populations continue with a business-as-usual attitude toward greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, a chunk of the population could be in serious peril. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-08-03/climate-change-could-ravage-areas-of-south-asia-by-late-21st-century https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2017-08-03/climate-change-could-ravage-areas-of-south-asia-by-late-21st-century Global warming reports show we’re in hotter water than first thought. Chances are, if you’ve heard of the Paris Climate Agreement, you know that nearly every nation in the world — except ours — has volunteered to cut carbon emissions enough to prevent an increase in Earth’s temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, by the start of the 22nd century. https://www.pasadenaweekly.com/2017/08/03/global-warming-reports-show-hotter-water-first-thought/ Global Warming Is Fueling Arizona’s Monstrous Monsoons. Summer in Arizona and throughout the Southwest is monsoon season, which means a daily pattern of afternoon thunderstorms, flash floods, dramatic dust clouds and spectacular displays of lightning over the desert. As the climate changes, Arizona’s monsoon rainfall is becoming more intense even as daily average rainfall in parts of the state has… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/warming-fueling-arizonas-monstrous-monsoons-21679 Scientists say patches of dead trees along the east coast are ‘the most obvious indicator of climate change’. They're called "ghost forests" — dead trees along vast swaths of coastline invaded by rising seas, something scientists call one of the most visible markers of climate change. The process has occurred naturally for thousands of years, but it has accelerated in recent decades as polar ice melts and raises sea levels, scientists say, pushing salt water farther inland and killing trees in what used to be… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/04/stories/1060058397 Millions at risk of protein deficiency as carbon emissions rise. Scientists are seeing a troubling consequence of rising carbon dioxide emissions: a decrease in the nutritional value of staple crops in the global diet. This drop in crops' key nutrients increases the risk for dietary deficiencies in the world's most vulnerable populations, according to a new study. http://www.khou.com/news/health/millions-at-risk-of-protein-deficiency-as-carbon-emissions-rise/461910452 Obama rules could yield $300B annually in benefits — study. The benefits of Obama-era rules to curb greenhouse gas emissions would greatly exceed the costs in the coming years, according to a new analysis. Regulations designed to control emissions from power plants, oil production and motor vehicles could together lead to close to $300 billion in net benefits per year by 2030… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/04/stories/1060058397 FUELS U.S. to reject biofuel program tweaks in blow to refiners, Icahn: sources. The Environmental Protection Agency will reject a proposed overhaul of the U.S. biofuels program that would have shifted blending responsibility away from refining companies further down the fuel supply chain, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. The decision is a blow to independent oil refiners like Valero Energy Corp… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-epa-biofuels-idUSKBN1AJ2H8 National Biodiesel Board Announces New California Air Resource Board Certified Biodiesel Additive. On July 25, 2017, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) announced that the California Air Resource Board (CARB) certified a biodiesel additive that will make California B20 blends the cleanest diesel fuel with the lowest emissions profile available in the U.S. https://www.natlawreview.com/article/national-biodiesel-board-announces-new-california-air-resource-board-certified Researchers hope for more than 'bright light' North Dakota's night sky burns with enough gas flares to see them from space. Drillers are burning off methane, the oil byproduct that forms the primary component of natural gas. It has about 30 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide, but there's little market value in piping it from the remote areas driving the country's energy boom. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/04/stories/1060058395 Interior moves to scrap fossil fuel valuation rule. The Interior Department is moving forward with scratching an Obama era rule related to calculating the value of fossil fuels on federal land. Department of Interior. The Trump administration will carry through on reversing recent changes made to how the federal government values coal, oil and natural gas for assessing royalties. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/04/stories/1060058420 VEHICLES Toyota, Mazda plan $1.6 billion US plant, to partner in EVs. Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. plan to spend $1.6 billion to build a joint-venture auto manufacturing plant in the U.S. - a move that will create up to 4,000 jobs, both sides said Friday. The plant will have an annual production capacity of about 300,000 vehicles, and will produce Toyota Corollas for the North American market. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_JAPAN_TOYOTA_MAZDA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/08/03/three-european-countries-say-theyre-done-with-fossil-fueled-cars-can-the-rest-of-the-world-catch-up/?utm_term=.8a9c604cab46 http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-toyota-mazda-us-plants-20170804-story.html http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/toyota-takes-stake-mazda-links-1-6-billion-u-s-plant-article-1.3383634 The all-electric Chevy Bolt is a Tesla Model 3 competitor. You can easily argue that the Chevy Bolt is the most important car General Motors has ever rolled out. What we have here is a $37,495 all-electric vehicle with a range of nearly 240 miles on a single battery charge. GM took it from intro to the assembly line in less than two years, in the process beating the avidly anticipated Tesla Model 3 to market by at least a year. http://www.businessinsider.com/2017-chevy-bolt-review-photos-2017-8 Sonoma County, Calif., Plans for 'Inevitable' Shift Toward Electric Vehicles.Sonoma County has an estimated 4,500 EVs rolling now. Meeting Sonoma County’s climate protection goals will require putting 138,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and effectively ending sales of fuel-burning cars, a local environmental group said in a report due for release this week. “We must now begin to create a future beyond combustion,”… http://www.govtech.com/fs/Sonoma-County-Calif-Plans-for-Inevitable-Shift-Toward-Electric-Vehicles.html VW RECALL Volkswagen executive pleads guilty in U.S. diesel emissions case. Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) executive Oliver Schmidt pleaded guilty on Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit in connection with a massive diesel emissions scandal that has cost the German automaker as much as $25 billion. Under a plea agreement, Schmidt faces up to seven years in prison and a fine of between $40,000 and $400,000 after admitting to conspiring to mislead U.S regulators and violating clean air laws. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkwwagen-emissions-idUSKBN1AK1OY http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-OU48AI6VDKHS01-59322EGEG10JDQJ5IKGSG8LOB2 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/business/volkswagen-diesel-oliver-schmidt.html http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-emissions-guilty-20170804-story.html https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan/articles/2017-08-04/vw-executive-scheduled-to-plead-guilty-in-emissions-scandal http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-vw-executive-guilty-emissions-scandal-20170804-story.html http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/08/04/vwexecutive-pleads-guilty-diesel-cheating-scheme/539737001/ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/04/volkswagen-executive-pleads-guilty-in-us-diesel-emissions-case.html http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/08/04/former-vw-compliance-executive-pleads-guilty-in-emissions-case.html http://kstp.com/national/vw-executive-scheduled-to-plead-guilty-in-emissions-scandal/4563483/ Electric cars are not the answer to air pollution, says top UK adviser. Cars must be driven out of cities to tackle the UK’s air pollution crisis, not just replaced with electric vehicles, according to the UK government’s top adviser. Prof Frank Kelly said that while electric vehicles produce no exhaust fumes, they still produce large amounts of tiny pollution particles from brake and tyre dust… http://www.msn.com/en-ie/cars/news/electric-cars-are-not-the-answer-to-air-pollution-says-top-uk-adviser/ar-AAppmBG GREEN ENERGY Alphabet's Green Energy Ambitions Hit Turbulence. Makani kite project struggles to take flight as cost of other energy sources falls. On May 16, Makani released a YouTube video. A camera pans on a T-shaped airplane, with wings stretching 85 feet holding eight small turbines and a tether connecting it to a tall ground station. The plane swoops into the air. It dips and soars, looping elegantly in circles that mimic a windmill, something it was built to replace. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-04/alphabet-s-green-energy-ambitions-hit-turbulence OPINIONS A question for environmentalists who oppose cap-and-trade programs. A half-century ago, Ellison Burton and I conducted the first studies exploring cap-and-trade and demonstrated, as the July 30 editorial pointed out, the dramatic cost-benefit efficiency of this method of pollution control [“Look to California on climate”]. Nevertheless, then as now, we were chastised by fellow environmentalists for recommending an approach to pollution control that allowed polluters to pollute. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-question-for-environmentalists-who-oppose-cap-and-trade-programs/2017/08/02/337f0fe4-7622-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html?utm_term=.66b654817af4 BLOGS Fleischman: CA GOP’s Phony Pushback Against Cap-and-Trade. California voters could enshrine climate change in the state’s Constitution — thanks to a phony ballot initiative being promoted by weak Republican Party leaders as a brake on cap-and-trade spending. If you search the terms “carbon emissions,” or “greenhouse gas,” or “global warming” in the voluminous text of the California State Constitution, you will come up empty. http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/08/04/fleischman-browns-cap-and-trade-deal-is-actually-worse-than-you-think/ Climate Change Could Get You Bumped from a Future Flight. Major airports will see more frequent takeoff weight restrictions in the coming decades due to increasingly common hot temperatures. Hot weather has forced dozens of commercial flights to be canceled at airports in the Southwest this summer. This flight-disrupting heat is a warning sign. Climate change is projected to have far-reaching repercussions… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/climate-change-could-get-you-bumped-from-a-future-flight/ Motion to Vacate EPA Stay of Landfill Emissions Rule. NRDC and partners’ motion for summary vacatur, filed August 4, 2017 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, seeking to overturn EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s 90-day administrative stay of standards of performance and emission guidelines for emissions of landfill gas from new and existing municipal solid waste landfills. https://www.nrdc.org/resources/motion-vacate-epa-stay-landfill-emissions-rule The Death of ‘Alternative Energy’ Fifteen years ago, when I joined the early ranks of clean energy entrepreneurs, we were nearly dead in the water on climate. Oil was $15 per barrel, Al Gore’s groundbreaking movie An Inconvenient Truth hadn’t come out, and a solar panel was something that powered a calculator. In 2005, I went to my first "alternative energy conference” in Aspen, Colorado. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/the-death-of-alternative-energy ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 15:23:03 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 7, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 7, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 _____________________________________ AIR POLLUTION Studying dust around the Salton Sea, scientists find initial answers. Anyone who lives along the shore of the Salton Sea will tell you how the winds can rake across stretches of exposed lakebed and send dust floating through their neighborhoods. But until recently, no one had real estimates of how much dust from the lakebed is in the air around the lake on any given day. http://www.desertsun.com/story/salton-sea/2017/08/04/dust-health-salton-sea-scientists/537566001/ Banning ALL cars is the only way to beat air pollution CRISIS, claims adviser. A LEADING government adviser has said the only way to beat the air pollution crisis in the UK is a total ban on of all cars. After the recent government ban of petrol and diesel car sales by 2040 in the UK, many were outraged. Some, devastated over by the prospect of shelling out a lot of money for a new electric car… http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/837893/UK-cars-petrol-diesel-ban-electric-air-pollution CLIMATE CHANGE Trump Notifies UN of Paris Exit While Keeping Option to Return. The Trump administration began the formal process to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, but says it’s willing to "re-engage" if terms more favorable to the U.S. are met. The State Department said it notified the United Nations that the U.S. will pull out of the global agreement as soon as it can under the terms of the 2015 accord… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-04/trump-notifies-un-of-paris-exit-while-keeping-option-to-return A flood of problems. Peru’s glaciers have made it a laboratory for adapting to climate change. It’s not going well. After a day of bright sunshine, a chunk of ice the size of a dump truck broke off the glacier on Mount Pucaranra a few weeks ago. It plunged into the lake below and kicked up a wave nine feet high. Victor Morales, a small, catlike man with a tattered ski cap who is the lake’s solitary watchman… http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/world/2017/08/07/perus-glaciers-have-made-it-a-laboratory-for-adapting-to-climate-change-its-not-going-well/?utm_term=.6a79354ce23b Citizen scientists track effects of climate change in the Northwest. At the pace of a wedding march, a group of six hikers saunters down the Sunrise Rim Trail on a recent Wednesday morning. Over their left shoulders, Mount Rainier’s Emmons Glacier wilts against a sapphire backdrop. Suddenly, Tucker Grigsby, an intern with the National Park Service… http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/citizen-scientists-track-effects-of-climate-change-in-the-northwest/ Both Sides Of Climate Change Debate Distort Science, Block Solutions, Expert Says. As the planet heats up, so does the rhetoric on both sides of the climate-change debate. Former Vice President Al Gore has a new film out about the dangers of global warming. His film follows a New York magazine article asserting that “absent a significant adjustment… http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/both-sides-climate-change-debate-distort-science-block-solutions-expert-says Death Valley set record for hottest month in U.S. history with average temperature of 107.39 degrees. Hell on Earth: With an average temperature of 107.39 degrees in July, Death Valley set the record for hottest month at a single location in U.S. history. Keep in mind that that number is an average of all the high and low temperatures. The average daily high temperature was an unbearable 119.6 degrees. https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/08/03/death-valley-set-record-hottest-month-u-s-history/537988001/ US federal department is censoring use of term 'climate change', emails reveal. Exclusive: series of emails show staff at Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service advised to reference ‘weather extremes’ instead. Staff at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been told to avoid using the term climate change in their work, with the officials instructed to reference “weather extremes” instead. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/07/usda-climate-change-language-censorship-emails Here's the Obama energy guy that Pruitt might hire. In the fall of 2014, Steven Koonin was finishing up an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. The theme was a contentious one, especially for a former Obama administration energy official: How certain is climate science? Koonin sent a draft around to about a dozen people he considers "friendly critics." He wanted their feedback. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060058443 'Huge test' for Gov. Cuomo's climate leadership. On June 1, fuming over President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a trio of Democratic governors formed an alliance aimed at keeping the United States on track to meet the Paris targets. Two months later, the governors who founded the U.S. Climate Alliance are looking for wins on the climate front. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/07/stories/1060058437 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Electric truck trial benefits for US port. Oakland says the electric truck trial fits well with its emission-reduction efforts. A US port could benefit from a feasibility trial of cost effective zero-emission freight handling using all-electric trucks. GSC Logistics said that its three-year trial to test battery-powered big rig technology will take place at the Port of Oakland from this September, and depending on the outcome, these trucks could be integrated into its fleet. http://www.portstrategy.com/news101/world/americas/electric-truck-trial-could-bring-port-cost-benefits VEHICLES Electric car maker to open plant in Hanford. Los Angeles-based Faraday Future will open an electric car manufacturing plant in Hanford early next year, bring hundreds of jobs to the Valley. The company announced their plans today to lease the 1 million square-foot, former Armstrong Tire plant in Hanford Industrial Park. The new plant is expected to employee 100 when it opens… http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2017/08/07/electric-car-maker-open-plant-hanford/104376590/ OPINIONS Climate change is about science and solutions. As a university teacher, I have been baffled why some of my adult students follow me with enthusiasm and open-mindedness in all aspects of science except climate change. I do understand that climate change is scary, and I personally do not want to think about it and hence would prefer not to teach it. I have been more enthusiastic about teaching climate change once I found a viable solution to this complex problem with carbon-fee-and-dividend. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/ Editorial: Government rules ruined the simple gas can. Consider the lowly gas can - something many of us fill on a regular basis, if we want to keep ahead of our lawns. The gas can is a model of inefficiency and misguided government regulations. It’s also an object lesson in bureaucracy gone bad. http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-Opinion/296389/editorial-government-rules-ruined-the-simple-gas-can BLOGS The Nitrogen Problem: Why Global Warming Is Making It Worse. New research shows that increases in rainfall and extreme weather because of climate change will increase the amount of nitrogen polluting rivers and other waterways. It is a painful lesson of our time that the things we depend on to make our lives more comfortable can also kill us. Our addiction to fossils fuels is the obvious example… http://e360.yale.edu/features/the-nitrogen-problem-why-global-warming-is-making-it-worse To Stop Global Warming, Should Humanity Dim the Sky? The world’s top geoengineering researchers met off the record to discuss the possibility in Maine last month. An aircraft tries to seed clouds in Thailand in 2007. Late last month, about 100 researchers from around the world gathered at Logan International Airport in Boston. A fleet of buses appeared to whisk them to a remote and luxurious ski resort in northeastern Maine. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/geoengineers-meet-off-the-record/536004/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 15:18:58 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 8, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 8, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php _________________________________________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 _____________________________________ AIR POLLUTION EPA: High levels of manganese found in southeast Chicago. The Environmental Protection Agency has cited a Chicago facility after finding high levels of brain-damaging manganese in a low-income neighborhood. Data the EPA shared Monday shows that air quality monitors around the S.H. Bell Co. facility recorded violations of federal health standards nearly 40 percent of the days when samples were collected. https://www.apnews.com/ce7bd4968ffc44e58491f92ce3c4809f/EPA:-High-levels-of-manganese-found-in-southeast-Chicago New California law gives air quality officials the power to quickly shut down polluters. Local air quality officials are gaining new powers to quickly stop polluters when they endanger people’s health under legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday. The law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, follows years of frustration in communities such as Paramount, Boyle Heights and Maywood… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-air-polluters-authority-20170807-story.html Stress and air pollution - double jeopardy for low-income pregnant women? Low-income families are more likely to live in more polluted areas and also undergo more everyday stress, compared to their wealthier counterparts. For pregnant low-income women, that combination can prove harmful to the health of their fetuses, a new study has found. Researchers at UC Berkeley and the University of California… http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article165906127.html#storylink=cpy New Study Traces Airborne Dust Back To Shrinking Salton Sea. As the Salton Sea shrinks — exposing land that was once underwater to desert winds — one concern has been that increased dust emissions will make already poor air quality worse for nearby residents. A recently published study out of UC Riverside confirms this is already starting to happen. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/aug/07/new-study-traces-airborne-dust-back-shrinking-salt/ Numerous studies show that replacing darker roofs with highly reflective materials can reduce temperatures and cut energy costs. It’s why utilities across the state offer incentives for installation. But a study by the South Coast Air Quality Management District suggests that cool roofs in Southern California can slightly increase ozone and smog. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/08/07/study-shows-cool-roofs-could-increase-air-pollution/ https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24218 LA County tells 4 more metal plants to curb chromium 6 emissions. Claiming "action is needed without delay," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is ordering four Paramount metal processing facilities to reduce emissions of cancer-causing hexavalent chromium. The move apparently comes before regional air regulators have issued any citations against the plants. At least two of the firms dispute the county's findings. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/07/74439/la-county-tells-4-more-metal-plants-to-curb-chromi/ CLIMATE CHANGE Draft US report says extreme storms driven by climate change. Directly contradicting President Donald Trump, a draft report produced by 13 federal agencies concludes that the United States is already feeling the negative impacts of climate change, with a stark increase in the frequency of heat waves, heavy rains and other extreme weather over the last four decades. https://www.apnews.com/9cf6625bebd3459b98d913ac3b7493cf/Draft-US-report-says-extreme-storms-driven-by-climate-change OTHER RELATED STORIES https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/07/climate/climate-change-drastic-warming-trump.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&_r=0 http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/08/new-federal-report-finds-strong-link-between-climate-change-human-activity-2/ http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/08/542223530/u-s-already-feeling-consequences-of-global-warming-draft-report-finds http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/08/08/climate-change-humans-report-trump/ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/07/government-document-directly-contradicts-trump-on-climate-change-report-says.html https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/08/08/Federal-report-points-to-human-activity-as-prime-cause-of-climate-change/2051502186688/ http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/climate-report-full-of-warnings-awaits-president/ http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2017/08/08/58457/how-would-the-trump-administration-respond-to-the/ A Century of Global Warming, in Just 35 Seconds. A new animation, the "Temperature Circle," shows every nation on the planet is now in the red. Last year, there was the temperature spiral. This year, it’s the temperature circle that’s making the trend of global warming crystal clear. A new video shows the rhythm of global warming for countries around the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-century-of-global-warming-in-just-35-seconds/ Five takeaways from the federal climate report. The New York Times on Tuesday detailed the conclusions of a major draft government study on climate change — and how scientists are preparing for pushback from President Trump’s administration. The report is part of an effort that 13 federal agencies undertake every four years to report on the state of the climate and climate science. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/345736-five-takeaways-from-the-federal-climate-report USDA Staff Were Coached Not to Say ‘Climate Change,’ Emails Show. New messaging guidance encourages self-censorship, telling Agriculture Department conservation staff to use ‘weather extremes’ instead. Four days after President Donald Trump took the oath of office, an official at the Department of Agriculture sent an email… https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07082017/usda-trump-ban-words-climate-change-agriculture-conservation-email VEHICLES Electric car maker Faraday Future leases California plant. Electric car maker Faraday Future says it has decided to build vehicles at an existing factory in California. The move comes less than a month after the company scrapped a plan to build a $1 billion factory in Nevada. Faraday said Monday it signed a lease on a 1 million-square-foot (93,000 square meters) factory in Hanford… https://www.apnews.com/a5c8468ffdbb4f9b9def56e1f40ac3e2/Electric-car-maker-Faraday-Future-leases-California-plant California eyes bigger rebates for electric cars. California has far more electric cars and plug-in hybrids plying its roads than any other state — about 300,000 so far. But they’re still just a tiny fraction of auto sales. Now, legislation in Sacramento is designed to juice the market, just as a new generation of long-range electric cars hits showroom floors. A bill from Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, would revamp and expand California’s existing rebate program for people who buy electrics or plug-in hybrids. http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/California-eyes-bigger-rebates-for-electric-cars-11738226.php EPA to broaden review of tailpipe standards. U.S. EPA is set to announce that it will reconsider vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards for model years 2021 to 2025, a year earlier than previously anticipated, sources told E&E News. President Trump announced in March he would consider lowering the standards following automaker pressure, reversing his predecessor's decision to finalize the targets through 2025. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/08/stories/1060058530 OPINIONS Nikki Haley: No reason why Trump administration wouldn't accept findings of climate change report. American Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Tuesday she believes the Trump administration would accept the findings of a new report from scientists working for 13 federal agencies documenting the effects of climate change on the U.S. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/nikki-haley-no-reason-why-trump-administration-wouldnt-accept-findings-of-climate-change-report/article/2630889 In leaking a federal climate change report, scientists send a message to Trump: Global warming is real. A draft federal report on climate change that went public Monday contains little in the way of new science, and although its language is unequivocal, it merely confirms what has been obvious to so many scientists for so long: Human activity is increasing global temperatures, leading to potentially catastrophic climate change. So what’s the news? http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-trump-environment-climate-change-20170808-story.html BLOGS Every breath you take: Air pollution from idling cars puts kids at risk. Drivers who drop off their kids at school should turn off their engines. We think of schools as safe places for children but an invisible hazard is lurking right outside the front door, says a new study from the University of Toronto. Matthew Adams, assistant professor with U of T Mississauga’s department of geography, found that school kiss-and-ride drop-off zones are exposing children to increased levels of air pollution. http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52083 Trump's Summer Holiday Will Get A Lot Hotter Because Of Climate Change. President Trump’s three-week summer vacation is about to get a lot hotter: Humans are undeniably behind climate change, with the last few decades being the warmest since 1880. That’s a central conclusion from a draft report issued by scientists from 13 federal agencies and one that the Trump administration must still approve… https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2017/08/08/trumps-summer-holiday-will-get-a-lot-hotter-because-of-climate-change/#5725df04f693 Mazda Refuses To Give Up On Internal Combustion, Develops Engine It Says Is 20% More Efficient. Last week at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars, Mazda SVP Robert Davis stood in front of the attendees to make the case for flexibility in how we achieve reductions in energy consumption and emissions. A significant portion of Davis’ speech was given over to recounting the history of Mazda and how it has always followed its own innovation path. https://www.forbes.com/sites/samabuelsamid/2017/08/08/mazda-refuses-to-give-up-on-internal-combustion-launching-hcci-in-2019/#4d13eb9a75df ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 14:29:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 9, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 9, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php _________________________________________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 CAP AND TRADE Cap-and-trade extension included fire fee repeal. The bill to extend California’s cap-and-trade program through 2030, which was signed recently by Gov. Jerry Brown, included the repeal of a controversial fee charged to rural landowners for fire protection. The cap-and-trade reauthorization bill Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed also did away with a controversial fee charged for state fire protection, pleasing ranchers and other rural landowners. http://www.capitalpress.com/California/20170808/cap-and-trade-extension-included-fire-fee-repeal AIR POLLUTION LA air regulators say cool roofs may increase air pollution. A popular solution to combat the urban heat island effect may have an unforeseen consequence: increasing air pollution. “Cool roofs” are required on most new non-residential buildings in California, and cities like Pasadena and Los Angeles have cool-roof ordinances that go even further. Cool roofs work by bouncing solar radiation… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/09/74479/la-air-regulators-say-cool-roofs-may-increase-air/ Air Pollution Advisory Extended Until Friday. An air pollution advisory for Portland has been extended until noon Friday as haze from Northwest wildfires remains in the region. An air pollution advisory for Portland has been extended until noon Friday as haze from Northwest wildfires remains in the region. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2017-08-09/air-pollution-advisory-extended-until-friday L.A. to make sure air filters are being installed in homes near freeways. Mayor Eric Garcetti has ordered Los Angeles building inspectors to begin tracking whether required air filtration systems are being installed in new homes near freeways, officials said Tuesday. The Department of Building and Safety will add a “check box” to its inspection forms to ensure dwellings are equipped with the proper-strength filters to protect residents from traffic pollution… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-freeway-pollution-filters-20170808-story.html Smart city: Leeds to trial tech that switches engines to electric when air pollution spikes. The government's controversial air quality plan argued that cities should not introduce new charges for diesel vehicles until innovative alternative approaches to tackle air pollution had been tired first. But could that condition soon lead to UK cities embracing cutting-edge smart technologies and hybrid-electric vehicles… https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3015315/smart-city-leeds-to-trial-tech-that-switches-engines-to-electric-when-air-pollution-spikes How poor air quality can mask global warming's effects: Airborne pollutants dim sunlight at Earth's surface by reflecting it back into space. Poor air quality can mask increasing temperatures caused by climate change, researchers have found. During the 20th century, temperatures rose by almost 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees Celsius) everywhere in the US - except for the Southeast, where temperatures actually decreased slightly until the 1980's. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4775450/How-poor-air-quality-mask-global-warming-s-effecf.html#ixzz4pHR1FrIh Fremont-area residents worry about air pollution from planned Costco plant. More than a dozen Fremont-area residents raised concerns Tuesday that Costco’s planned chicken processing plant could hurt air quality in their community. Evelyn McKnight of rural Fremont was one of several who asked the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to postpone issuing a construction permit. http://www.omaha.com/money/fremont-area-residents-worry-about-air-pollution-from-planned-costco/article_34278cb0-474d-5d64-ab07-f2ccdf5ef647.html Utilities cite EPA sluggishness, seek delay in CSAPR filings. A slow-moving raft of legal challenges to U.S. EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule update would be delayed another four months under a motion filed yesterday with a federal appeals court by a host of power producers and trade groups. The motion seeks to push back the deadline for opening briefs, currently due by Aug. 21, until mid-December… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/08/stories/1060058524 CLIMATE CHANGE Federal scientists leak sweeping climate change draft in clash with Trump administration. Environmental resistance inside the Trump administration hit new heights this week as a group of federal scientists leaked a draft of a sweeping climate change report to the press, pushing the study out into the bloodstream before their superiors had the chance to alter or approve it. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/8/epa-scientists-leak-climate-change-draft-in-clash-/ Climate Report Could Force Trump to Choose Between Science and His Base. The impending release of a key government report on climate change will force President Trump to choose between accepting the conclusions of his administration’s scientists and the demands of his conservative supporters, who remain deeply unconvinced that humans are the cause of the planet’s warming. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/08/us/politics/climate-trump-scientists-supporters.html Federal report sees human-caused changes to California’s climate. The changes to California’s climate since 1980 — higher temperatures, with more extreme swings between droughts and floods — are caused directly by human activity and will accelerate rapidly unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut sharply, according to a new federal climate report that is awaiting action by the Trump administration. http://www.sfchronicle.com/science/article/Federal-report-sees-human-caused-changes-to-11743368.php Pruitt climate science challenge splits conservative allies. EPA chief Scott Pruitt’s attacks on mainstream climate science are causing discomfort in a surprising corner — among many of the conservative and industry groups that have cheered his efforts to dismantle Barack Obama’s environmental regulations. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/09/pruitt-climate-science-challenge-splits-conservative-allies-241426 ‘Spongy’ Soil Can Help Farmers Combat Climate Change. Droughts are expected to worsen and intense storms to become more frequent across much of the country in coming decades as the planet warms, but their impact on agriculture could be blunted if American farmers focus on their roots. A new study, released Wednesday, examines the benefits of cover cropping—planting soil-enriching plants between crop cycles. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08092017/climate-change-agriculture-farm-soil-soybeans-cover-crop-water-drought NASA reports new Study looks at Poor Air Quality and its effects on masking Global Warming. During the 20th century, the average temperature of the continental United States rose by almost 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.5 degree Celsius) — everywhere, that is, except in the Southeast. There, until the 1980s, the temperature actually decreased slightly. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2017/08/08/nasa-reports-new-study-looks-poor-air-quality-effects-masking-global-warming/ Norway Inks Agreement with California to Cooperate on Zero Emission Goals. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) says Norway's climate and environmental minister Vidar Helgesen, during an official visit to California last week, signed an agreement with the U.S. state in support of cooperation toward zero emission goals. "The deal with California provides opportunities for Norway. https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/365154-norway-inks-agreement-with-california-to-cooperate-on-zero-emission-goals http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/226913/norway-joins-forces-with-usa-on-zero-emissions/ FUELS Nevada plant will turn garbage into jet, diesel fuel. The state Board of Finance today approved issuing $140 million in bonds to help build a plant at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center that plans to turn garbage into jet and diesel fuel. Fulcrum Sierra BioFuels will build and run the facility with a total cost estimated at $340 million. It will take trash from a nearby landfill, refine it into sludge and ship it to California for final processing. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/aug/08/nevada-plant-will-turn-garbage-into-jet-diesel-fue/ VEHICLE As Tesla ramps up Model 3 deliveries, California mulls giving electric car owners larger rebates. California lawmakers are considering a bill that would devote $3 billion to clean car incentives, including bigger rebates for consumer that buy electric cars or plug-in hybrids. The bill, which is being sponsored by Assemblyman Phil Ting(D-San Francisco) and has already passed the California Assembly… https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2017/08/09/california-electric-car-rebates-tesla-model-3.html Tesla's 'alien mothership' kept out of reach for debut lenders. Elon Musk calls Tesla’s mammoth battery factory in Nevada an “alien mothership.” For the carmaker’s newest lenders, the plant might as well be in outer space. The billionaire coined that moniker for Tesla Inc.’s Gigafactory 1 as he waxed poetic about his company’s future on a Monday call with would-be bond buyers. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170809/OEM/170809708/teslas-alien-mothership-kept-out-of-reach-for-debut-lenders Faraday Future gets $14 million; factory moved to CA from Vegas. Electric-car maker Faraday Future has received an emergency injection of $14 million to move its FF 91 luxury electric car closer to market. The rescue funds come in the form of a loan from Innovatus Capital Partners, after Faraday Future pledged its California-based headquarters as collateral. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111980_faraday-future-gets-14-million-factory-moved-to-ca-from-vegas Electric car startup Faraday Future has lost yet another executive. The Verge is reporting that Alan Cherry, its vice president of human resources, is leaving the firm. In a statement, a company spokesperson told the publication that Cherry will be leaving the auto industry: "We can confirm that he will be starting a new role at a non-automotive industry startup ... Alan has been instrumental in building out Faraday Future’s talent pool to more than 1,000 employees. http://www.businessinsider.com/faraday-future-hr-vp-alan-cherry-quits-electric-car-2017-8 European Union Says No To Electric Car Quotas. The European Union doesn’t intend to follow in China’s footsteps by introducing a minimum quota for all-electric or plug-in hybrid car sales…or at least that is what they are saying publicly at this moment. Currently in the EU there are only general emission requirements that are designed to nudge (when testing is applied correctly anyway) manufacturers into selling... http://insideevs.com/european-union-says-no-to-electric-car-quotas/ GREEN ENERGY Eclipse Will Give Us a Glimpse of the Future of Natural Gas. Natural gas is about to get a glimpse of its future role in the U.S. power mix as solar energy’s backup. During the upcoming Aug. 21 eclipse, operators of giant solar fields from California to the Carolinas will rely on power from fast-start natural gas generators as well as hydroelectric plants and other sources to fill the gaps as the sky darkens. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-09/in-eclipse-natural-gas-sees-its-future-as-solar-s-backstop Target Will Buy 100MW of Wind Energy to Power 150 Stores. Target Corp. agreed to buy 100 megawatts of output from an Infinity Renewables wind project in Kansas. Power from the 474-megawatt Solomon Forks wind facility will help offset the energy used at 150 Target stores in the area, Santa Barbara, California-based Infinity said in an emailed statement Wednesday. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-09/target-to-buy-100mw-of-wind-energy-that-can-power-150-stores Ohio among country's top states for distributed, on-site wind power. Ohio is among the country’s top states for distributed wind energy, according to a new report by a federal agency run by Battelle Memorial Institute. The state has the sixth-highest wind capacity in distributed applications – that is, small-scale wind turbines installed at a business or home, which is increasingly used to help power businesses. https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2017/08/09/ohio-among-countrys-top-states-for-distributed-on.html Energy storage gets ready for its close-up. Energy storage technology keeps making strides, even though it’s still unclear just how dramatically it will change the grid. For the more than 2,000 storage devotees who have descended on the San Diego Convention Center for the Energy Storage North America conference, though, the future is now. The conference’s expo floor is sold out, with 80 exhibitors and entrepreneurs joining energy executives… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/ 3M partnership will use drones for wind turbine maintenance. To reduce wind turbine downtime that can affect annual energy production, 3M has announced an agreement with Camp Six Labs to apply 3M products to wind turbine blades using soon-to-be-developed robotic applicators. Doing maintenance and inspections on wind turbines 400-feet tall can be dangerous work. http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-and-science/technology/3m-partnership-will-use-drones-for-wind-turbine-maintenance/article/499608#ixzz4pHhDojY3 South Florida makes energy history with new rule requiring solar panel installation. Starting in 2015, Miami-based environmental activist Delaney Reynolds began asking dozens of public officials across South Florida to consider working with her to create a law that would change the way new homes are constructed – and “help change the world for the better.” http://communitynewspapers.com/doral-tribune/south-florida-makes-energy-history-with-new-rule-requiring-solar-panel-installation/ Energy speaker champions natural gas. Vaclav Smil isn’t convinced nuclear technology is the key to our energy future. “If there will be a beautiful, working, pocket-sized reactor, I’ll install it in my basement tomorrow … But lay of the land hasn’t been encouraging to say the least,” Smil said Tuesday in reference to a handful of nuclear-related plans and plants that folded in recent years. http://www.postregister.com/articles/featured-news-daily-email/2017/08/08/energy-speaker-champions-natural-gas MISCELLANEOUS >From spectacular vistas to the pits: A decades-long public land battle continues in the California desert. Just beyond the southeast corner of Joshua Tree National Park, rows of boarded-up houses, gouged mountainsides and concrete ruins are an ugly reminder of the never-ending battle over the West’s public lands. This scarred piece of California desert is what’s left of one of the country’s largest open-pit mining operations and the little company town that Kaiser Steel Corp. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-eagle-mountain-20170807-htmlstory.html ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Greenlining Says New VW Diesel Plan a Step Forward for Disadvantaged Communities. The Greenlining Institute is supporting the California Air Resources Board’s approval of a clean vehicle investment plan stemming from a settlement to address the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal. Greenlining has been critical of the plan, as it falls short of prioritizing meaningful investment… http://www.oaklandpost.org/2017/08/08/49550/ OPINIONS 100 percent renewables -- for a healthful California. If we want a healthy California, it’s time to embrace a 100 percent renewable energy future. Senate Bill 100 — which will be up for a vote in the state legislature shortly after the summer recess — would do just that. Climate change is the greatest health challenge of this century, according to the Lancet Commission it is a medical emergency. http://napavalleyregister.com/opinion/letters/percent-renewables----for-a-healthful-california/article_c47a25ea-b91e-593e-9c5c-3e368b094ef0.html California's Smart Approach to Climate Change. The Golden State's evolving policy sets a good example for the rest of the U.S. California’s decision last month to extend its cap and trade program truly was, as Governor Jerry Brown said, a “milestone” in the fight against climate change, and all the more welcome for coming in the wake of the Trump administration’s misguided decision to withdraw from the Paris accord. https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-08-08/california-s-smart-approach-to-climate-change Extending Cap and Trade in California. To the Editor: Re “California Leads, Again, on Climate” (editorial, July 24): While California’s extension of its cap-and-trade program will serve to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate a shift to cleaner fuels, this approach is not sustainable in the long term. Levying a tariff for the right to pollute is not a mitigation strategy, nor is burning cleaner fuels. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/07/opinion/extending-cap-and-trade-in-california.html?ref=todayspaper Jerry Brown talks a green game. So why isn't California tougher on these polluters? Do regulators in California have your back when utilities or industries run amok, or when there’s a threat to public health in your neighborhood? We’d all like to think so, but there’s a long history of coziness between regulators, industry titans and politicians. So you’d have to be a hopeless optimist, or a very trusting soul. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lopez-exide-aliso-08092017-story.html California should phase out gas-powered cars. California is a global environmental leader, but it’s falling behind in one key respect: phasing out gasoline cars. Germany, India, Norway and the Netherlands are moving to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by or before 2030, and France and the United Kingdom by 2040. Here’s why California should join that list. It would… http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/California-should-phase-out-gas-powered-cars-11743326.php Why California lawmakers did the right thing with cap and trade. Gov. Jerry Brown’s signing of legislation last month to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program advances the clean economy that has bolstered much of the East Bay since the Great Recession and will sustain key investments in transit and smart planning for the next 13 years. The current cap-and-trade program will sunset on Dec. 31, 2020. https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2017/08/08/cap-and-trade-california-legislature-opinion.html How climate change became a question of faith. Every four years, the nation’s scientists from myriad federal agencies come together to release a comprehensive report synthesizing the current state of climate science. It’s become a routine affair, with a predictable process involving extensive analysis of studies, numerous drafts, and eventual approval from the White House before… https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0808/How-climate-change-became-a-question-of-faith U.S. can't ignore climate change science: Editorial. In all the sound and fury that is President Donald Trump's White House, Delawareans should not lose track of the issues that really matter. One is global climate change. No state should be more anxious to see the federal government fight sea level rise than small, low-lying Delaware. The alarm bells are clanging again with news of a draft report… http://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/editorials/2017/08/09/u-s-cant-ignore-climate-change-science-editorial/550112001/ How much will Ontario suffer for handcuffing carbon prices to the California gorilla? On climate change policy, Ontario is about to shackle itself to California. And as with those old jailhouse chain-gang films, the province will soon find itself a prisoner to the whims and designs of a much larger and more powerful partner. Ontario residents could — once again — end up paying more for energy than anticipated. http://www.nationalpost.com/much+will+ontario+suffer+handcuffing+carbon+prices+california+gorilla/14123369/story.html BLOGS Shell Canada launches methane technology pilot, and its timing is perfect. This week, oil and gas giant Shell announced the launch of a technology pilot at one of its shale gas facilities in Canada that will continuously monitor methane levels and provide real-time leak detection to facility operators. This is a big deal and shows what can happen when companies, environmental groups and innovators work together to find solutions. http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/08/09/shell-canada-launches-methane-technology-pilot-and-its-timing-is-perfect/ http://business.edf.org/blog/2017/08/09/shell-becomes-latest-oil-and-gas-company-to-test-smart-methane-sensors/ Midwest ‘Flash Drought’ Warns El Niño May Hammer West Coast. The “flash drought” in the upper plains states, and rising temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, are warnings that another El Niño is forming that could slam the West Coast this winter with heavy rainfall, widespread flooding and infrastructure failure risks. http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/08/09/mid-west-flash-drought-warns-el-nino-may-hammer-west-coast/ Greater Powers to Enforce Waste Laws for CalRecycle in California. California's Governor Brown has signed into law AB 1572, which gives CalRecycle greater flexibility in enforcing waste laws. In California Governor Brown has signed into law AB 1572, which gives the California Department of Resources and Recycling Recovery (CalRecycle) greater flexibility in enforcing waste laws. https://waste-management-world.com/a/greater-powers-to-enforce-waste-laws-for-calrecycle-in-california Swing Voters in California Climate Deal Among Top Oil Money Recipients. California Assembly members considered swing votes on legislation to reduce carbon emissions by charging polluters were among the top recipients of donations from oil companies, an analysis of campaign finance filings shows. Records show oil companies in the Western States Petroleum Association… http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2017/08/09/460704.htm California Considers Bigger Rebates for Electric Cars. It’s the same approach California used 10 years ago to kick-start sales of rooftop solar arrays with rebates. California has far more electric cars and plug-in hybrids plying its roads than any other state — about 300,000 so far. But they’re still just a tiny fraction of auto sales. Now, legislation in Sacramento is designed to juice the market… http://www.govtech.com/fs/California-Considers-Bigger-Rebates-for-Electric-Cars.html The Coming Solar Eclipse Is a Big Moment for Natural Gas. Natural gas is about to get a glimpse of its future role in the U.S. power mix as solar energy’s backup. During the upcoming Aug. 21 eclipse, operators of giant solar fields from California to the Carolinas will rely on power from fast-start natural gas generators as well as hydroelectric plants and other sources to fill the gaps as the sky darkens. http://fortune.com/2017/08/09/total-solar-eclipse-natural-gas/ Polluted lake to algae biofuel source. Scientists from Sandia National Laboratories are working to see if one of California’s most polluted lakes can be turned into a profitable source of algae biofuel. The 350-square-mile Salton Sea in Southern California has elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus due to agricultural runoff. Algae thrives in these conditions, something which causes a host of environmental problems. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12726/polluted_lake_to_algae_biofuel_source/ California’s New ‘Cap-and-Trade’ Scheme to Cut Emissions. Last month, California’s politicians agreed a new cap-and-trade bill to help curb the state’s emissions. This week, Governor Jerry Brown signed it into law, representing a major step forward in the state’s effort to combat climate change. “Cap and trade” requires large emitters such as power plants, refineries and factories to buy permits… http://www.resilience.org/stories/2017-08-08/californias-new-cap-and-trade-scheme/ Can Poor Air Quality Mask Global Warming's Effects? There, until the 1980s, the temperature actually decreased slightly. Climate scientists dubbed this peculiar phenomenon the "warming hole," and it was the cause of much speculation. But beginning in the 1990s, temperatures in the Southeast began to warm again, and in the early years of the 21st century this warming has accelerated. http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52115 The Asian Cities Battling The Worst Air Pollution Are Doing The Most To Combat It. In many Asian cities, a generation of children is growing up that rarely sees blue skies. Air pollution penetrates their lungs and stings their eyes -- but they must keep breathing it in. It is one of the most pernicious threats to health precisely because it is so pervasive. https://www.forbes.com/sites/insideasia/2017/08/09/the-asian-cities-battling-the-worst-air-pollution-are-doing-the-most-to-combat-it/#53d352a22a90 Climate change is disrupting the birds and the bees. We all know that climate change will cause more extreme weather and rising seas. But it is also having an unexpected effect on sex. Our changing climate seems set to disrupt just about everything. From rising sea levels to ocean acidification, the list of negative consequences from climate change is endless. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170808-climate-change-is-disrupting-the-birds-and-the-bees Here’s how you attract $2 billion of investment into a 9,000-person county. Nearly 40 years ago, something amazing happened in the California desert. American ingenuity turned mountain pass breezes into large amounts of electricity, and grid-scale wind energy as we know it was born. That has made a world of difference in rural America, without changing lifestyles that rely on the land. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/heres-how-you-attract-2-billion-of-investment-into_us_598b07bae4b030f0e267c8c7 There's No Point To Carbon Pricing If It Doesn't Make Renewable Energy Cheaper. Climate change is already costing Canadians money, and it will cost us more. Pricing carbon is about much more than getting people to drive less. It is also about generating the money we need to accelerate the process of getting our economy off fossil fuels and onto renewables. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/alana-lajoie-o-malley/theres-no-point-to-carbon-pricing-if-it-doesnt-make-renewable_a_23065647/ How’s that? Cellulosic fuels now worth $4.98/gallon, up 15% in 2 mos. The value of cellulosic fuels has reached $4.98 per gallon in the California market. That’s real-world, today, including the energy and the low-carbon attributes, and not based on speculation. The value has risen 65 cents, or 15.1 percent in the past 56 days — and is up $1.24 per gallon, or 33.1 percent, in the past 19 months. http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2017/08/08/value-boom-cellulosic-fuels-now-worth-4-98gallon-up-15-in-2-mos/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 16:11:50 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 10, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 10, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php __________________¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬____________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ___________________________ CAP AND TRADE Will Other States Join California's International Climate Pact? The state has for years been part of the Western Climate Initiative, Inc.—a nonprofit company it formed with Canadian provinces to coordinate emissions programs. The same day President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate agreement, the governors of New York, California, and Washington announced… https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/08/california-emissions-cap-trade/536430/ CLIMATE CHANGE This Hurricane Season May Generate as Many as 19 Atlantic Storms. The Atlantic hurricane season will probably end with an above-average 14 to 19 named storms that can rattle energy and agriculture markets now that it is almost certain a system-deterring Pacific El Nino won’t arrive. At least 5 to 9 will become hurricanes with 2 to 5 becoming major systems with winds of 111 miles (179 kilometers) per hour or more, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-09/atlantic-may-spawn-as-many-as-19-storms-as-el-nino-odds-fade?utm_source=Need+2+Know&utm_campaign=9608a22e49-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_08_09&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_97f672225d-9608a22e49-313576909 Climate report validates global warming warnings; Indiana experts weigh in. The draft report on climate change by scientists from 13 federal agencies released earlier this year issued a warning about human-caused global warming, but didn't surprise some experts. David Konisky, associate professor of public and environmental affairs at Indiana University in Bloomington… http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-climate-change-report-st-0811-20170811-story.html Alaskan towns at risk from rising seas sound alarm as Trump pulls federal help. Communities in danger of falling into the sea say assistance from Washington has dried up: ‘It feels like a complete abdication of responsibility on climate change’. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/10/alaska-coastal-towns-sea-level-rise-climate-change EPA head casts doubt on ‘supposed’ threat from climate change. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Scott Pruitt on Wednesday cast doubt on the idea that climate change poses a threat to the United States. Pruitt told conservative North Dakota talk radio host Scott Hennen on WHO-AM that that’s one of the reasons why he is organizing a “red team/blue team”… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/345937-epa-head-casts-doubt-on-supposed-threat-from-climate-change Developers are bolting. But will that cut emissions? Oil majors are fleeing Canada's oil sands, but critics of the industry's climate footprint shouldn't celebrate yet. ConocoPhillips Co., Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Marathon Oil Corp. together sold about $23 billion worth of oil sands projects this year. Total SA and Statoil ASA pulled out of similar projects earlier. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/10/stories/1060058623 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Greening the fleet. Chico Unified gets grants to replace school buses, add electric model. When students wait on a street corner for their school bus, sometimes they’ll hear the arrival before spotting the big yellow vehicle. Buses, which traditionally are powered by diesel fuel, can be loud and obnoxious. https://www.newsreview.com/chico/greening-the-fleet/content?oid=24809091 State Exceeds National Average in Adopting New Clean Diesel Trucks. Introduction of new clean diesel truck engines and emissions control systems into Pennsylvania’s trucking fleet over the last five years is now at a 35% level, according to new research commissioned by the Diesel Technology Forum. “Pennsylvania, with 35 percent of commercial trucks equipped with the latest generation clean diesel technology… https://ngtnews.com/pennsylvania-exceeds-national-average-adopting-new-clean-diesel-trucks Neighbors want electric buses for Division Transit Project. Four neighborhood associations and the Southeast Uplift neighborhood coalition are pushing TriMet to purchase electric buses for the agency's next big project along Southeast Division Street. But TriMet officials are still hesitant to take the leap, as the Tribune reported in January for this project or any other large commitment to an all-electric fleet… http://www.pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/368629-249409-neighbors-want-electric-buses-for-division-transit-project FUELS Trump review of Obama-era mileage rules expanded. President Donald Trump’s administration is expanding its review of stringent fuel economy rules enacted by former President Barack Obama that are estimated by some to add at least $2,000 to the sticker price of a vehicle. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation said Thursday that they are accepting comments on mileage rules… http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2017/08/10/trump-review-obmama-mileage-rules-expanded/104484034/ VEHICLES Ford Germany says all models, engines comply with emissions rules. Ford's (F.N) division in Germany said on Thursday that all its vehicles and engines, including its latest diesel motors, comply with current emissions guidelines. Ford is not using illegal devices to cheat on emissions tests, the carmaker's German division said by email. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKBN1AQ01H https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/08/10/business/10reuters-germany-emissions-ford.html http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/346105-feds-to-expand-review-of-emissions-standards-for-cars The Diesel Scandal Haunts Bosch’s Hopes to Be a Global Giant. There’s a saying in Stuttgart, where Robert Bosch GmbH was founded in 1886: “Halt dei Gosch, i schaff beim Bosch.” It’s a dismissive retort—roughly “Shut up, I’m the one working for Bosch”—suggestive of the company’s culture of engineering brilliance, which has made it an icon of German industry. The world’s largest automotive supplier, with revenue of €73 billion ($86 billion) last year… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-10/will-bosch-choke-on-vw-s-exhaust 7 Countries That May Ban Gas & Diesel Cars. “We are announcing an end to the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040,” Nicolas Hulot, France’s new ecology minister, said last month, adding that the move was a “veritable revolution.” It looks like England may follow suit. Jesse Norman, from England’s Department for Transport has announced, “a manifesto commitment for almost all cars… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/10/7-countries-may-ban-gas-diesel-cars/ OPINIONS Jerry Brown talks a green game. So why isn't California tougher on these polluters? Do regulators in California have your back when utilities or industries run amok, or when there’s a threat to public health in your neighborhood? We’d all like to think so, but there’s a long history of coziness between regulators, industry titans and politicians. So you’d have to be a hopeless optimist, or a very trusting soul. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lopez-exide-aliso-08092017-story.html California shows leadership in climate-change fight: Bloomberg View editorial. California's decision last month to extend its cap-and-trade program truly was, as Gov. Jerry Brown, D, said, a "milestone" in the fight against climate change, and all the more welcome for coming in the wake of the Trump administration's misguided decision to withdraw from the Paris accord. http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/08/california_shows_leadership_in.html Scientists to Trump: Global warming is real | Guest editorial. A draft federal report on climate change that went public Monday contains little in the way of new science, and although its language is unequivocal, it merely confirms what has been obvious to so many scientists for so long: Human activity is increasing global temperatures, leading to potentially catastrophic climate change. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/fl-op-editorial-global-warming-20170809-story.html BLOGS El Cajon family endures months, possibly years of toxic indoor air. Alex and Vicki Masters are devoted parents. Their 8-year-old son Vincent has his own area of the living room for his Lego bricks, and a baby gate keeps his 8-month-old brother, Gabriel, away from the small choking hazards. The baby can crawl across a brightly blanketed room, all under the gaze of his brother and stay-at-home dad. http://inewsource.org/2017/08/10/el-cajon-family-toxic-home-air/ US can boost gas exports, cut global emissions in one fell swoop. Infamously, Donald Trump has called climate change a hoax, but the rest of the world knows better. In fact, the main reason European and Asian nations are interested in importing U.S. natural gas is to displace coal and cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/346082-us-can-boost-gas-exports-cut-global-emissions-in-one What changes minds about climate change? Seventy percent of Americans now believe global warming is occurring, and more than half understand that it is mainly caused by human activity, a new report reveals. This is an improvement over 2013, said Edward Maibach, a principal investigator on the report, which came out of the Yale Program on Climate Change... https://phys.org/news/2017-08-minds-climate.html#jCp New observations of Crab Nebula and pulsar reveal polarised emissions. New observations of polarised X-rays from the Crab Nebula and Pulsar, published today in Scientific Reports, may help explain sudden flares in the Crab's X-ray intensity, as well as provide new data for modeling – and understanding – the nebula. Since it was first observed little more than a thousand years ago, the Crab Nebula has been studied by generations of astronomers. https://phys.org/news/2017-08-crab-nebula-pulsar-reveal-polarised.html#jCp Cap & Trade 2.0: California Fine Tunes and Extends Cap & Trade Program to 2030. On July 17, 2017, the California legislature passed legislation to extend the state’s cap-and-trade program to 2030 (the program was originally set to expire in 2020). Bill AB 398 received broad bi-partisan support and was passed with a two-thirds majority vote, which is the threshold required to pass tax laws in California. http://www.canadianeraperspectives.com/2017/08/cap-trade-2-0-california-fine-tunes-and-extends-cap-trade-program-to-2030/?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=View-Original Chanje's electric delivery truck flattens noise and pollution. Urban dwellers may be used to noisy delivery trucks spewing soot from tailpipes, but Chanje offers an antidote: its V8070 electric delivery van. At 26 and a half feet long, Chanje's big white van takes up most of a yellow-painted loading zone in downtown San Francisco. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/chanje-reduce-city-noise-pollution-electric-trucks-fossil-fuel/ Contra Costa County in California Gets More Renewable Energy. Community choice aggregation (CCA) programs are taking off in a big way in California. The first was Marin Clean Energy, now known as MCE, which opened its doors in 2010. MCE recently announced that 11 of its member communities had “opted up” for its Deep Green program, which provides 100% renewable energy. https://www.pvsolarreport.com/california-county-gets-more-renewable-energy/ ====================================================================== 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, 11 Aug 2017 13:31:31 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 11, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 11, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ___________________________ AIR POLLUTION Study: Fines for illegal pollution plummet under Trump. Fines for illegal pollution have plummeted under President Donald Trump, according to analysis by an environmental advocacy group. The Environmental Integrity Project looked at that civil penalties paid by polluters during the first six months under Trump. The group published an analysis Thursday that found penalties were less… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRUMP_ENVIRONMENTAL_FINES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT CLIMATE CHANGE 2016 weather report: Extreme and anything but normal. Last year's global weather was far more extreme or record-breaking than anything approaching normal, according to a new report. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday released its annual checkup of the Earth, highlighting numerous records including hottest year, highest sea level, and lowest sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_BAKED_2016?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Study finds climate change altering Europe's river floods. Climate change is affecting the timing of river floods across Europe and societies may have to adapt to avoid future economic and environmental harm, scientists said Thursday. River floods are among the costliest natural disasters worldwide, causing annual damages of more than $100 billion. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_CHANGING_FLOODS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Science Says: Trump team garbles climate science. President Donald Trump and his cabinet often avoid talking about the science of climate change, but when pressed what they have said clashes with established mainstream science, data and peer-reviewed studies and reports. Even the federal government's own reports - including a draft science study… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SCI_SCIENCE_SAYS_CLIMATE_CHANGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Court Scuttles Rule Cutting Potent Greenhouse Gas. The decision makes efforts to cut hydrofluorocarbons more difficult both in the U.S. and globally. One of the most powerful climate pollutants on earth, hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, account for a small portion of U.S. climate pollution, but scientists say it’s important for countries to urgently cut them just because they’re so potent—and growing. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/court-scuttles-rule-cutting-potent-greenhouse-gas/ Federal climate report finds ‘extreme’ conditions, despite Trump’s cold shoulder. A new federal report could again challenge the Trump administration’s dismissive stance on global warming, finding that last year the planet was hotter than any time in well over a century and witnessed perhaps the most significant climate disruption in modern history. http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Fed-climate-report-finds-extreme-11749180.php MA rolls out new rules to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Gov. Charlie Baker's administration will issue a set of new rules aimed at bringing Massachusetts into full compliance with an ambitious state law that calls for a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade. The regulations being rolled out on Friday include clean energy… http://www.sacbee.com/article166639037.html#storylink=cpy John Harte to present proof of global warming at Quarryhill. High in the Rocky Mountain, climate change is getting the scientific proof that should settle the question once and for all: Is the earth getting warmer? “We’re at about 9,600 feet on the Western Slope, about half-way between Aspen and Crested Butte right at the edge of the Maroon Bells Wilderness,” said John Harte… http://www.sonomanews.com/news/7295004-181/john-harte-to-present-proof?ref=most&artslide=0 Under court order, San Diego County releases revamped climate plan — proposes 90 percent green energy future. San Diego County released a draft climate plan on Thursday, pledging to dramatically reduce greenhouse-gas emission by limiting backcountry sprawl and using at least 90 percent renewable energy by 2030. The proposed blueprint for fighting global warming comes five years… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-county-cap-overhaul-20170810-story.html U.S. emissions probably won’t increase under Trump, study says. But they won’t fall, either. Carbon-cutting efforts in the United States may be more resilient to Trump administration policies than expected, according to a new study. But under even one term for President Trump, the nation will still fall behind on an ambitious Obama-era plan for reducing emissions over the next few decades. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/11/u-s-emissions-probably-wont-increase-under-trump-study-says-but-they-wont-fall-either/?utm_term=.53ffa40833f8 Millennials think their cash can affect climate change. Millennials are driving a U.S. surge in sustainable investment. That generation — defined as people between 18 and 35 years old — is twice as likely as other age groups to "invest in companies or funds that target social or environmental outcomes," according to a new survey from Morgan Stanley. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/11/stories/1060058671 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Railroads fined for violating state’s drayage truck regulation. The California Air Resources Board reached settlements with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) to resolve violations of the state's drayage truck regulation, which requires cleanup of trucks servicing the state's busy ports and intermodal rail yards. http://www.publicnow.com/view/74BBA7B4D0AD63F8A28029C3CD07CE93879BE432?2017-08-11-00:30:11+01:00-xxx8112 http://scvnews.com/2017/08/10/carb-reaches-settlement-with-railroads/ FUELS Cooking gas shortages force Venezuelans to turn to firewood. Venezuelan homemaker Carmen Rondon lives in the country with the world's largest oil reserves, but has spent weeks cooking with firewood due to a chronic shortage of home cooking gas - leaving her hoarse from breathing smoke. Finding domestic gas cylinders has become increasingly difficult, a problem that oil industry analysts attribute to slumping oil output in the OPEC nation… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gas-idUSKBN1AQ23Q Carmaker lobbyist urges fuel-economy deal to keep emission limits, but stretch them out (updated). Automakers appear to have united behind a surprising position: reviews of emission rules should not involve scrapping the current standards. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a lobbying group that represents automakers building cars in the U.S., has suggested the Trump administration should back a deal… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111930_carmaker-lobbyist-urges-fuel-economy-deal-that-could-raise-cafe-requirements Oil and gas industry loses latest row over Obama standards. The oil and gas industry will not have another shot at swiftly delaying Obama-era greenhouse gas restrictions. A federal appeals court yesterday rejected industry groups' request to reconsider a July decision ordering U.S. EPA to enforce New Source Performance Standards for methane emissions from oil and gas sites. A coalition of states and industry groups made the request last… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/11/stories/1060058675 Trump admin targets CO2 standards for cars. The Trump administration has reopened the Obama-era greenhouse gas standards for vehicles manufactured between 2021 to 2025. U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao yesterday signed and published a notice asking for comments on the rules. President Trump announced he would review the tailpipe standards at the request of automakers in March. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/11/stories/1060058680 VEHICLES Trump Administration Targets CO2 Standards for Vehicles. California officials have vowed a fierce legal battle if the federal rules change. The Trump administration has reopened the Obama-era greenhouse gas standards for vehicles manufactured between 2021 to 2025. U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-administration-targets-co2-standards-for-vehicles/ GREEN ENERGY New map shows wind farms spreading rapidly across US. 52,000 large wind turbines in 41 states now generate twice as much electricity as in 2010. Wind power started in California in 1981 when the Altamont wind farm in Alameda County was built as a reaction to the Arab Oil Embargo of the 1970s. But now, as a new map released Thursday shows, the industry is spreading rapidly across the United States… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/10/new-map-shows-wind-farms-spreading-rapidly-across-us/ Proponents rally in Santa Cruz for state clean energy bill. Even as state lawmakers look to completely displace fossil fuel energy use in California within 38 years, Santa Cruz County is helping to move the conservation needle forward locally. On Wednesday in Santa Cruz, state lobbyist group Environment California launched an 11-city tour in support of the pending Senate Bill 100. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170809/NEWS/170809620 MISCELLANEOUS The Scripps Research Institute ranked first worldwide in science. The Scripps Research Institute ranks first worldwide in the quality and impact of its science, besting world-renowned research centers such as MIT, the National Institutes of Health and Stanford University, according to a report by the top-tier scientific journal Nature. Privately held TSRI scored the highest impact… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/biotech/sd-me-scripps-science-20170810-story.html OPINIONS Staid utility investing world upended by green energy revolution: James Saft. The formerly staid, predictable world of utilities investing faces a revolution as the price of solar and wind energy plunges, creating new winners and losers. Generally tightly regulated and thus with reliable cash flows, utility stocks and bonds have long been beloved by pension funds and other conservative investors for their safe income generation. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-markets-saft-idUSKBN1AR03N BLOGS California Senate Leader Kevin de Léon Blasts Trump at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. California State Senate leader Kevin de Léon on Thursday blasted President Donald Trump’s policies, pledged to tackle housing costs, and support the film industry in a wide-ranging State of the State address to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at the third annual luncheon on the… http://variety.com/2017/biz/news/kevin-de-leon-trump-california-tax-credit-chamber-of-commerce-1202523298/ Scientists warn climate change is leading to deaths on massive scale in India. As many as 59,000 suicides in India over the last three decades can be attributed to climate change. And unless global carbon emissions are curbed, at least four per cent of India’s population will face near-fatal six-hour heatwaves at least once between the years 2071-2100. https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/scientists-warn-climate-change-is-leading-to-deaths-on-massive-scale-in-india-1.618504 Climate Action: Global Transition Away from HFCs. In India and the world, governments, businesses, and environmental groups continue to make steady progress toward phasing down the use of harmful climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in air conditioners, as shown in the recent Bangkok talks. While the recent decision of the DC Circuit Court to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations… https://www.nrdc.org/experts/anjali-jaiswal/climate-action-global-transition-away-hfcs-moving-forw As US leadership on climate falters, California steps up. President Trump may want to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, but California, the most populous US state, is intent on pushing ahead with significant climate legislation regardless. In August 2016, the California Legislature set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% below today’s levels by 2030. https://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/9976-As-US-leadership-on-climate-falters-California-steps-up/en Why Pollution Trading Will Never Be the Climate Solution for California—or Anywhere Else. Carbon prices have never been high enough to drive the technological innovation to fully stop carbon pollution. The planet’s largest carbon trading, or cap-and-trade platform, the European Union Emissions Trading System (or EU ETS) was introduced 12 years ago. http://www.alternet.org/environment/why-pollution-trading-will-never-be-climate-solution-california-or-anywhere-else ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 14:07:48 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 14, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 14, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 AIR POLLUTION Railroads fined for not reporting dirty diesel trucks at SoCal rail yards. Ports have been working to reduce fumes from diesel trucks, but local rail yards have remained a hot spot for diesel air pollution. To help remedy that, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a combined $1.25 million in fines this week against two railroads that let dirty diesel trucks enter their rail yards. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/11/74584/railroads-fined-for-not-reporting-dirty-diesel-tru/ Diesel car sale forecasts tail off amid air pollution fears. Diesel car sales are expected to take an ever smaller bit of the market. Industry forecasts for 2017 and 2019 suggest continued decline in demand for new diesel cars as public concern over air pollution mounts. Diesel car sales are set to see their market share eroded over the next two years as public concern over air pollution continues to mount, the latest industry forecasts suggest. https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3015572/diesel-car-sale-forecasts-tail-off-amid-air-pollution-fears Thirty Years After the Montreal Protocol, Solving the Ozone Problem Remains Elusive. Despite a ban on chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons, the ozone hole over Antarctica remains nearly as large as it did when the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987. Scientists now warn of new threats to the ozone layer, including widespread use of ozone-eating chemicals not covered by the treaty. http://e360.yale.edu/features/thirty-years-after-the-montreal-protocol-solving-the-ozone-problem-remains-elusive States Are Using Social Cost of Carbon in Energy Decisions, Despite Trump's Views. The climate metric, maligned by the Trump administration, helps build the cost of future climate harms into state electricity plans and markets. The social cost of carbon was an arcane but important tool in the federal climate toolbox until President Donald Trump targeted it in his sweeping March 2017 executive order to weaken climate actions. Now, states are taking up the metric. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11082017/states-climate-change-policy-calculate-social-cost-carbon EPA backs utility bid to delay cross-state rule case. U.S. EPA is open to going along with a utility-proposed delay in proceedings in litigation over the agency's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule update, according to a Friday court filing. But the agency isn't happy at all with a related proposal to put its handling of the administrative reconsideration process under judicial supervision. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/14/stories/1060058739 CLIMATE CHANGE China Is Preparing to Launch the World’s Biggest Carbon Market. The emissions market will cover roughly a quarter of the country's industrial CO2. As the United States reverses its climate policies, the world's top greenhouse gas emitter is in the midst of setting up a national carbon-trading system. Chinese officials are preparing to launch an emissions market later this year that will cover roughly a quarter of the country's industrial CO2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-is-preparing-to-launch-the-world-rsquo-s-biggest-carbon-market/ The Daily 202: Evidence of climate change abounds amid extreme weather in the Pacific Northwest. This city known for its rain just went a record-breaking 55 days without any. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had not measured any precipitation since June 18 until the wee hours of Sunday morning, when it drizzled. Barely. Some sprinkles also allowed Portland to break its own 57-day dry streak. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2017/08/14/daily-202-evidence-of-climate-change-abounds-amid-extreme-weather-in-the-pacific-northwest/59910b8e30fb0462b8e1a9c4/?utm_term=.c13bc536c127 http://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/The-Daily-202-Evidence-of-climate-change-abounds-11817191.php#photo-12728587 California Republicans face backlash for backing climate change program. After weeks of escalating criticism, Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes still doesn’t have any regrets over bucking his party to support California’s cap-and-trade program on climate change. There’s just one thing Mayes would have done differently: He wishes he had attended the ceremony… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-republican-california-climate-change-20170814-story.html In Egypt, A Rising Sea — And Growing Worries About Climate Change's Effects. On Egypt's Mediterranean coast, August should be prime tourist season. But the seaside restaurants in Alexandria are almost empty. Worries over security are keeping a lot of foreign tourists away. But there's a much bigger worry looming: that hotter weather and a disappearing shoreline could make Egypt's prospects even worse. http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/08/13/542645647/in-egypt-a-rising-sea-and-growing-worries-about-climate-changes-effects Arctic Voyage Shows Global Warming Impact. Arctic voyage finds global warming impact on historic Northwest Passage's sea ice, wildlife, native communities. The email arrived in mid-June, seeking to explode any notion that global warming might turn our Arctic expedition into a summer cruise. "The most important piece of clothing to pack is good, sturdy and warm boots. There is going to be snow and ice on the deck… https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska/articles/2017-08-14/arctic-voyage-finds-global-warming-impact-on-ice-animals http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/arctic-voyage-finds-global-warming-impact-ice-animals-49199647 Refugees of a different kind are being displaced by rising seas — and governments aren't ready. This week, University of Florida scientists discovered the sea level along the southeastern U.S. coast has risen far more quickly than the long-term rate globally, underscoring new concerns about the effects of climate change. Increasingly, the phenomenon of rising sea levels has amplified fears over climate refugees… https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/11/climate-change-refugees-grapple-with-effects-of-rising-seas.html Climate Change: Is the World Doing Enough To Tackle Global Warming? The global temperature of Earth is expected to rise by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century, and this can lead to an inundation of large areas of land. Climate change has also been linked to deaths, diseases and suicides, according to many studies. http://www.ibtimes.com/climate-change-world-doing-enough-tackle-global-warming-2577506 Air-conditioning industry scrambles in HFC ruling's wake. A federal appeals court's decision to toss an Obama-era rule against chemicals used in cooling is creating uncertainty for that industry. At issue are hydrofluorocarbons, known as HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases. The previous administration, with the support of many companies, moved to phase them out as part of its climate agenda. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/14/stories/1060058744 China is about to have the world's biggest carbon market. As the United States reverses its climate policies, the world's top greenhouse gas emitter is in the midst of setting up a national carbon-trading system. Chinese officials are preparing to launch an emissions market later this year that will cover roughly a quarter of the country's industrial CO2. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060058665 New rules clamp down on greenhouse gases. Massachusetts regulators finalized a series of rules last week intended to make deep cuts in the Bay State's carbon emissions. The regulations, required under state law, establish a state cap-and-trade program, gradually increasing requirements for renewable energy and rules for leak detection and repair on pipelines and natural gas infrastructure. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/14/stories/1060058725 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Poop-Powered Electric Feed Truck Debuts at Northern California Creamery. One of the first things that you pass on the dirt road to Straus Family Creamery in Northern California is a pond. It has a white tarp over it, and you don’t want to get too close because the tarp is collecting methane gas — gas produced by the poop from the ranch’s nearly 300 cows. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/08/11/poop-powered-electric-feed-truck-debuts-at-northern-california-creamery/ FUELS A scientist thinks his gizmo can see methane leaks better. Research scientist Dirk Richter wants to change the way oil and gas companies detect methane leaks. The founder and CEO of Quanta3, a Colorado-based startup, is developing a lightweight, solar-powered and cloud-connected laser methane sensor that would allow companies to monitor oil wells for leaks 24 hours per day, without having to physically visit their facilities. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/14/stories/1060058717 GREEN ENERGY Sierra Club sues U.S. Energy Department over power grid study. Environmental group the Sierra Club sued the U.S. Energy Department on Monday in hopes of forcing it to reveal the groups it has consulted in conducting an eagerly awaited study on the electricity grid. It was the latest push-back on the department’s study from backers of renewable energy such as wind and solar power… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-powergrid-suit-idUSKCN1AU1T1?il=0 South Australia state follows Tesla battery project with thermal solar plant. An Australian state leading a push for renewable energy over fossil fuels is backing a new solar thermal plant costing A $650 million ($512 million) to replace a coal-fired generator. The 150-megawatt (MW) facility located in the city of Port Augusta is the second large-scale renewable power project planned for the state of South Australia. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-power-solar-idUSKCN1AU0SR London Solar Auctions Aim to Make City Greenest on Earth. ‎London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he wanted to try city-wide auctions as part of an environment strategy proposed to more than double the capital’s solar energy generation capacity by 2030. The reverse auctions would be similar to the Solarize NYC model already used in New York, where multiple buyers pool together and panel sellers compete for one single contract, according to a draft solar action plan. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-11/london-mayor-plans-solar-auctions-in-city-environment-strategy How to Watch a Solar Eclipse. On Aug. 21, at midday, people who live in, or have ventured to, a band about 70 miles wide arcing from Oregon to South Carolina will get to see the moon pass directly in front of the sun. For a minute or two day will turn to night. If you are one of the lucky people who will get to see this total eclipse live and in-person, make sure you take advantage. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/science/how-to-watch-a-solar-eclipse Grid officials say California is ready for the Great American Eclipse. What's been nicknamed the Great American Eclipse is going to cast a large shadow on solar generation on the Golden State. The last time a solar eclipse was seen throughout California was 1979, when Jimmy Carter was president, the L.A. Clippers were based in San Diego and solar-powered generation was largely an afterthought when it came to the grid. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/sd-fi-eclipse-preparations-20170811-story.html Severing ties with utilities isn't as easy as cutting the cable cord. If disaster ever struck, Joe Fleischmann could keep the lights, refrigerator and big-screen TV running in his Orange County home, even if the power company went dark. Fleischmann is an early adopter of home energy storage: In his garage is a battery strong enough to help keep the essentials in operation. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-home-energy-storage-20170813-story.html MISCELLANEOUS California Sues for Answers About Pruitt's EPA Stewardship. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to compel it to say what steps were taken to ensure its rule making and procedures remain impartial even as it’s led by a man who opposed the EPA in at least a half dozen lawsuits while serving as Oklahoma’s attorney general. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-11/california-sues-for-answers-about-scott-pruitt-s-epa-stewardship http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Trump-s-EPA-sued-over-sluggish-response-to-11758885.php Can Grey Pavement Paint Cool the Planet? Los Angeles to Test. In Los Angeles, where summer temperatures regularly surpass 100 degree Fahrenheit (38 degree Celsius), workers are coating streets in special grey treatments in a bid to fight global warming. In Los Angeles, where summer temperatures regularly surpass 100 degree Fahrenheit (38 degree Celsius), workers are coating streets in special grey treatments in a bid to do just that. http://www.news18.com/news/world/can-grey-pavement-paint-cool-the-planet-los-angeles-to-test-1490631.html OPINIONS How did the air fare in cap-and-trade? The bills (AB 398 and AB 617) that Gov. Jerry Brown signed on July 25 and 26 represent the culmination of years of debate in the Capitol over global warming and air quality. Now that those bills have become law, what have we learned? Californians want to both clean up our local air and show the world how to reduce climate-changing emissions. http://capitolweekly.net/air-fare-cap-and-trade/ GUEST COLUMN: Climate change opinion column rebuttal. Scott Weiser's recent column ("Michael 'hockey-stick' Mann headed for penalty box", August 8) subjected readers to falsehoods about the science of climate change as well as untruthful assertions about me. While some of the most egregious untruths were subsequently removed by the paper's editors, what remains is half-truths… http://gazette.com/guest-column-climate-change-opinion-column-rebuttal/article/1609020 The urban answer to climate change: Rally a city to capture stormwater. It may well be in our future. A definitive government report on climate science makes clear that the frequency and intensity of precipitation in the northeast (already the highest in the nation, with a 17% increase in the last 25 years) will only grow dramatically in years to come. In New York City, we should brace ourselves. http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/urban-answer-climate-change-article-1.3404347 BLOGS Competition Fierce for Manure-to-Energy Projects in California’s Dairy Industry. Last Friday, several dozen farmers, government officials, dairy industry representatives and clean energy professionals met at Philip Verwey Farms in rural Madera County, 160 miles southeast of San Francisco. They congregated near where 5,600 dairy cows contribute to the region’s growing dairy industry – as well as the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.triplepundit.com/2017/08/competition-fierce-manure-energy-projects-californias-dairy-industry/ California's Clean Energy Drive Is Earning It Tens Of Billions Of Dollars. One of the most common misconceptions about clean energy is that it’s expensive and will harm the American economy. This isn’t just untrue, but it’s the exact opposite of what really happens when nations invest in solar and wind power. Even a modest expansion of both by 2050 would result in a net saving of $12.5 trillion to the global economy. http://www.iflscience.com/environment/californias-clean-energy-drive-is-earning-it-tens-of-billions-of-dollars/ SunPower Unveils Pilot Line for Manufacturing Solar Panels in California. Solar technology design, manufacturing and installation methods have come a long way in just 20 years, and as a trailblazing solar energy company, SunPower has witnessed the trajectory first-hand. Globally, there is now 305 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, up from around 50 GW in 2010 and virtually nothing at the turn of the millennium. http://www.solarnovus.com/sunpower-unveils-pilot-line-for-manufacturing-solar-panels-in-california_N11093.html California Energy Commission Funds More Hydrogen Fueling Stations. In a recent announcement, the California Energy Commission says it awarded more than $16 million to Houston, Texas-based Equilon Enterprises LLC, which does business as Shell Oil Products US, to develop seven new hydrogen stations in Northern California. https://ngtnews.com/california-energy-commission-funds-hydrogen-fueling-station-development Aliso Canyon Should Close Permanently, Says California Governor Jerry Brown. Aliso Canyon Should Close Permanently, Says California Governor Jerry Brown A call to phase out Southern California’s biggest natural-gas storage site in 10 years, and bring in efficiency, solar PV, energy storage and demand response to take its place. Aliso Canyon, the leaking natural-gas storage site that’s been shut down for the past year and a half… https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/aliso-canyon-should-close-permanently-says-california-gov-jerry-brown The eclipse will block solar energy production, so adjust your thermostat. When the total solar eclipse hits on Aug. 21, it's going to be quite the party. The problem? Solar panels need the sun to generate electricity. With the sun dimmed, solar energy sources will be affected. More than 100 million solar panels are expected to be affected, which will drop output by 20 percent — or the equivalent of all the energy the city of San Francisco uses in a week. http://mashable.com/2017/08/11/solar-eclipse-clean-energy-nest-thermostat/#7b_XCVlHHaqG Air Pollution Ranking In 32 Cities — How Does Yours Measure Up? (State of Pollution Series). As we revealed in our previous article, air pollution is a serious problem that costs millions of lives each year and is a drain on the world economy. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution is now a bigger health threat than HIV and Ebola. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/11/air-pollution-ranking-32-cities-measure/ The Republican Retreat From Market-Based Regulation. During the debate over the repeal of Obamacare, Republicans made frequent reference to their desire for a “free market” for health care. This is consistent with the GOP’s long-standing support of deregulation and free market principles. But all well-functioning markets are regulated to one degree or another. Consider, for example, an important set of regulations we mostly take for granted, weights and measures. http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2017/08/14/Republican-Retreat-Market-Based-Regulation Air pollution is blamed as lung cancer rates among non-smokers double in just a decade. The number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers has doubled in the last decade, with experts blaming air pollution on the rise. If the trend continues, the number of deaths from lung cancer among non-smokers will leapfrog those among nicotine users in a decade. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4783676/Air-pollution-blamed-non-smokers-lung-cancer.html#ixzz4pkL5e9FG How is climate change affecting the Great Lakes? Across the globe, climate change is increasing temperatures, spurring on extreme weather, harming ecosystems and raising sea levels. But what does it mean for the Great Lakes? For the 30 million Americans and Canadians who live in the Great Lakes basin, climate change, primarily attributed to human activities increasing greenhouse gas emissions… http://www.cleveland.com/weather/blog/index.ssf/2017/08/how_is_climate_change_affectin.html California counties sue oil and gas companies for damages caused by climate change. As investigations continue into whether ExxonMobil misled investors by failing to report its own scientists’ predictions about global warming, the company and other fossil fuel titans are being challenged on another legal front. Marin and San Mateo counties, along with the City of Imperial Beach in California, are taking 37 companies and trade groups to court. https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-08-14/california-counties-sue-oil-and-gas-companies-damages-caused-climate-change Global warming will leave different fingerprints on global subtropical anticyclones. Subtropical anticyclones are essential components of the atmospheric circulation in the subtropics, and are responsible for the formation of subtropical monsoons and deserts. There are two subtropical anticyclones in the subtropical northern hemisphere in boreal summer... https://phys.org/news/2017-08-global-fingerprints-subtropical-anticyclones.html#jCp Ozone treaty taking a bite out of US greenhouse gas emissions. Ozone treaty taking a bite out of US greenhouse gas emissions. The ozone hole over Antarctica, captured by NASA’s Aura satellite on October 2, 2015. A new study shows the Montreal Protocol, the international treaty adopted to restore Earth’s ozone layer in 1989, has significantly reduced …more. https://phys.org/news/2017-08-ozone-treaty-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html#jCp A Former EPA Adviser on How to Push for Environmental Justice Under Trump. “In our country there are two things that move policy. One is money. The other is the power of people.” Clean-air crusader Mustafa Ali spent more than two decades and most of his adult life as an environmental justice adviser with the Environmental Protection Agency before his abrupt departure under President Donald Trump. http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/a-former-epa-adviser-on-how-to-push-for-environmental-justice-under-trump-20170809 Massive El Niño sent greenhouse-gas emissions soaring. Disruptive weather pattern in 2014–2016 spurred tropical forests to pump out 3 billion tonnes of carbon. The monster El Niño weather pattern of 2014–16 caused tropical forests to burp up 3 billion tonnes of carbon, according to a new analysis. That's equivalent to nearly 20% of the emissions produced during the same period by burning fossil fuels and making cement. http://www.nature.com/news/massive-el-ni%C3%B1o-sent-greenhouse-gas-emissions-soaring-1.22440 ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 14:14:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 15, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 15, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE Mathis seeks farmers' input on cap-and-trade. On July 27, the California Air Resources Board adopted revisions to the state's cap-and-trade program passed by lawmakers a week earlier. While many large businesses are in support of AB 398, family-owned farmers remain skeptical about the state's efforts to lower greenhouse gases. Assemblyman Devon Mathis (R-Visalia)… http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/2017/08/15/mathis-seeks-farmers-input-cap-and-trade/561375001/ Carbon offsets help lower emissions — study. A new study examining the efficacy of paying to preserve forests finds that carbon offsets do produce genuine emissions reductions. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by three Stanford University researchers, examines California's carbon offset program. It allows businesses to fund forest preservation in lieu of turning in some of their allowances… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/15/stories/1060058772 https://phys.org/news/2017-08-carbon-offsets-wide-ranging-environmental-benefits.html AIR POLLUTION Air pollution ups stress hormones, alters metabolism. Breathing dirty air causes stress hormones to spike, new research suggests, which could help explain why long-term exposure to pollution is associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and a shorter life span. Dr. Haidong Kan of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and colleagues looked specifically at the health effects of particulate matter (PM)… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-pollution-stress-hormones-idUSKCN1AV1VK Mapping West Oakand pollution, block by block. West Oakland has had an air pollution problem for years, and it’s taken a toll on residents. Emergency room visits for asthma are highly concentrated in West Oakland and Emeryville, but they drop off dramatically when you get to other parts of Oakland. A new study is bringing this variation into focus. Researchers mounted air quality monitors on Google Street View cars… http://kalw.org/post/mapping-west-oakand-pollution-block-block#stream/0 Air pollution: Are you better off in your car or on the sidewalk? Anyone walking along Capital Boulevard or Six Forks Road during morning rush hour is likely to get a lungful of engine exhaust, but they won’t be as bad off as the people in the passing cars. That’s one of the takeaways from a study of the exposure of drivers to pollution done by scientists at Duke University… http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article167253582.html#storylink=cpy APES pollution control still up in the air. After years of dithering, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is finally trying to force a North Portland used-oil recycling refinery, American Petroleum Environmental Services, to construct and install air pollution control equipment at its plant near the Expo Center. Last December, the agency ordered the plant to install the equipment… http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/369082-251681--apes-pollution-control-still-up-in-the-air CLIMATE CHANGE California Hopes ‘Healthy Soil’ Will Fight Climate Change. California lawmakers are enlisting farmers’ help in pulling carbon dioxide out of the air and storing it in their soil. California’s $7.5 million Healthy Soils initiative will pay farmers up to $50,000 if they adopt "carbon farming" practices, including applying compost on rangeland to increase carbon retention capacity. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2017/aug/14/california-hopes-farmers-healthy-soil-will-fight-c/ The Trump Administration Doesn’t Understand Climate Change and This Federal Report Proves It. “I’m not a believer in man-made global warming” is just the beginning. There’s little doubt: The climate is changing, human activity is accelerating the process, and the U.S. is already feeling its effects, according to an expansive climate report that dozens of government scientists drafted. http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/08/the-trump-administration-doesnt-understand-climate-change-and-this-federal-report-proves-it/ Around the Island: Acting locally to fight climate change. As an island city, nearly every home and business in Alameda could be affected by climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten our environment, native wildlife and public health. We have dry spells that reduce our fresh water availability and storms that have a costly and lingering impact on our community. http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/08/15/around-the-island-acting-locally-to-fight-climate-change/ Montreal Protocol is helping U.S. on climate — study. A reduction of superwarming gases required by the Montreal Protocol has taken a big bite out of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, but other categories of emissions have remained about the same, according to a new study by NOAA. The results of the study, derived from air samples taken regularly from 32 sites across the nation… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/15/stories/1060058752 FUELS Trump administration takes key step to rolling back auto fuel standards. The Trump administration has begun the process of rolling back tough fuel standards for America's car and light truck fleet. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Transportation Department have opened the public comment period on the rewriting of standards for greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks for model years 2022-2025. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/14/74667/trump-administration-takes-key-step-to-rolling-bac/ VEHICLES You could get up to $20,000 off the price of an electric car — if you live in San Diego. The city’s power company offers $10,000 off the price of BMW i3 or Nissan Leaf on top of other state and federal incentives. California already has some of the most generous incentives to get an electric car, but people living in San Diego are being further enticed to go the plug-in route. Through September 30th, San Diego Gas & Electric will… https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/14/16127106/bmw-i3-nissan-leaf-electric-car-rebates-san-diego GREEN ENERGY Unlikely allies try to sway White House before trade decision. In an event matching the upside-down politics of 2017, some ideologically right-wing voices are allied with the solar industry's main lobby group in a trade case that could shape the future of solar power. Consider this: The American Legislative Exchange Council is on the same team as the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar's main trade group. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/15/stories/1060058772 MISCELLANEOUS Judge Rules Monterey County 2016 Wildlife Control Agreement Needed Environmental Review. A Monterey County Superior Court judge has ruled that the county should have conducted an environmental review of its contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture last year to kill wild animals that threaten human activities. Superior Court Judge Lydia Villareal, in a decision issued on Aug. 9… http://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Judge-Rules-Monterey-County-2016-Wildlife-Control-11819598.php Federal climate agencies operating without Trump nominees. In the seven months since President Trump took office, his administration hasn't nominated a head to either of the nation's premier climate science agencies. NOAA and NASA conduct the bulk of climate research in the United States and collect and disseminate essential data for scientists across the globe. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/15/stories/1060058770 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Consortium wants to fix 'environmental injustice' in Wedgewood. Residents of the pollution-plagued Wedgewood community met with scientists and professors Saturday to discuss ways of restoring health and prosperity to their neighborhood. The meeting was helmed by a coalition of community-based organizations and historically black colleges and universities called the HBCU-CBO Gulf Coast Equity Consortium. http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2017/08/15/consortium-wants-fix-environmental-injustice-wedgewood/561279001/ OPINIONS Should Assembly GOP leader Mayes resign? The California Assembly’s Republican leader has been under fire from conservatives since he and seven other party members voted with Democrats last month to extend a major environmental program. Should Assemblyman Chad Mayes resign as Republican leader? That’s our Question of the Week for readers. The controversy stems from the passage of Assembly Bill 398… http://www.pe.com/2017/08/15/should-assembly-gop-leader-mayes-resign/ Fighting climate change at the cap-and-trade level. Only if all states in our region ascribe to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative or RGGI, we can make a real dent in the climate change problem. And if that seems grand, then I ask you: who else will? Our federal government, when not embroiled in cartoonish scandals, touts the very outdated carbon fuel technology that kicked off this entire problem! States must lead… http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-rr-rggi-states-20170814-story.html LETTER: Time for a wakeup call on climate change. Thanks to the APP for the article of August 13 titled “Five signs that climate change is starting in New Jersey”. This article should be a clarion call to action by the public and elected leaders. Unfortunately, because of our current combustion of fossil fuels, we are already committed to a changing climate… http://www.app.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/08/15/letter-time-wakeup-call-climate-change/564899001/ BLOGS Understanding alternative reasons for denying climate change could help bridge divide. Mainstream criticism of people who deny climate change essentially portrays climate skeptics as being out of touch, ignorant or somehow incapable of understanding the facts about climate change. However, an early look at ongoing work by a University of Kansas researcher examines alternative reasons for climate change denial… https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170815095049.htm CARB meetings to allow input on incentive program. A series of community meetings and a state-wide webcast scheduled this month in California offer HVAC&R stakeholders a chance to promote an HFC-reduction refrigerant incentive program that has been on the state’s agenda since last year. The meetings (see below), which will be held under the auspices of the California Air Resources Board (CARB)… http://www.ammonia21.com/articles/7790/carb_welcomes_input_on_ghg_reduction_funding California Republicans battle one another over cap-and-trade. After months of quarreling between establishment and progressive Democrats, the California Republican Party now has an internal struggle over the recent extension of the state’s cap-and-trade program. [LA Times] On July 17, eight Republican legislators, including Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo), broke rank… https://calcoastnews.com/2017/08/california-republicans-battle-one-another-cap-trade/ Nigel Lawson admits claim that global temperatures have fallen was false. Global Warming Policy Foundation concedes that the Tory peer's supposedly official figures were wrong and produced by a right-wing think tank. A claim by Britain’s leading climate science sceptic, Nigel Lawson, that the world’s average temperature has fallen in the past 10 years… http://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Judge-Rules-Monterey-County-2016-Wildlife-Control-11819598.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: Thu, 17 Aug 2017 08:54:33 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 16, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE Carbon Offsets Really Do Help Lower Emissions. In California, offsets from forests totaled 4.7 million metric tons of carbon in 2015. A new study examining the efficacy of paying to preserve forests finds that carbon offsets do produce genuine emissions reductions. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by three Stanford University researchers… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/carbon-offsets-really-do-help-lower-emissions/?sf106260696=1 Mexico Looks to Curb Carbon with a New Cap-and-Trade System. Mexico's stock market has begun trading simulated emissions permits. Mexico kicked off 2017 with a 20 percent spike in gasoline prices, driven in part by the phasing out of subsidies. Some consumers set fires at gas stations—a response that highlights the backlash countries can face as they stop subsidizing carbon-based fuels and start encouraging climate-friendly alternatives. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mexico-looks-to-curb-carbon-with-a-new-cap-and-trade-system/ AIR POLLUTION Northern China air quality worsens in January-July: ministry. Air quality worsened in China's northern region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei in the first seven months of this year, piling pressure on authorities to crack down on firms in their efforts to meet politically crucial 2017 pollution targets. The region's 13 cities racked up an increase of 11.3 percent in concentrations of hazardous breathable particles known as PM2.5… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-idUSKCN1AW0QG City official: Chemical plant can do more to cut cancer-causing emissions. A Rubbertown chemical plant gripped in an environmental justice fight could actually meet a stringent emission goal - one that the company seeks to relax, according to the head of Louisville's air pollution agency. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2017/08/16/rubbertown-chemical-plant-can-do-more-cut-cancer-causing-emissions/571792001/ Air Purifiers Could Protect Heart From Air Pollution, Study Says. Air pollution causes severe harm to the heart health. A recent study suggested that air purifiers can play a significant role to protect the heart from this threat. Recently, researchers performed a study in China to explore how the air purifiers play an important role to save the heart from air pollution. http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/17776/20170816/air-purifiers-could-protect-heart-from-air-pollution.htm CLIMATE CHANGE Swiss, EU move closer to linking emissions trading systems. Switzerland and the European Union have moved closer to linking their carbon emissions trading systems (ETS) after the European Commission and Swiss government gave their backing for a deal. An accord could be signed by the year's end and needs approval from EU leaders and ratification by the Swiss and EU parliaments, according to announcements in Brussels and Bern. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-eu-carbontrading-idUSKCN1AW1EI Fast-melting Arctic sign of bad global warming. One of the coldest places on Earth is so hot it’s melting. Glaciers, sea ice and a massive ice sheet in the Arctic are thawing from toasty air above and warm water below. The northern polar region is heating up twice as fast as the rest of the planet and that’s setting off alarm bells. http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/fast-melting-arctic-sign-of-bad-global-warming-1.2230473 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Port Of Oakland Boosts Efforts To Curb Emissions With New High-Power Line. Port of Oakland officials said today they’ve commissioned new equipment bolstering efforts to curb diesel emissions from ships. The Port OKd a high-voltage cable system that will connect more vessels to Oakland’s landside power grid. The Port said the breakthrough will accelerate the program that has helped cut emissions 76 percent in Oakland since 2009. http://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/port-oakland-boosts-efforts-curb-emissions-new-high-power-line/ http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/227321/port-of-oakland-adds-new-equipment-to-cut-ship-emissions/ CARL MOYER Butte County Air Quality Grant helps farmers become more green. Butte County leaders are struggling to meet the federal air quality standards and are hoping an old grant will help farmers and the county to reduce air pollution. One Chico walnut farmer received the grant and says it helped him buy new equipment, which can be very expensive." http://www.actionnewsnow.com/story/35127525/butte-county-air-quality-grant-helps-farmers-become-more-green Chico School District to get lower-emission school buses. The Chico Unified School District is receiving $677,656 dollars through a grant program to help replace old school buses with new ones. The Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD) administers the Carl Moyer Program. A grant program established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that gives grants to replace old diesel engines with cleaner technology. http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/butte/chico-school-district-to-get-lower-emission-school-buses/605364425 http://www.actionnewsnow.com/story/36134492/chico-unified-upgrading-to-greener-school-bus-fleet http://www.chicoer.com/general-news/20170815/air-quality-grants-bringing-new-school-buses-to-butte-county VEHICLES How Elon Musk and Cheap Oil Doomed Push for Another Car Fuel. The idea was nothing short of revolutionary: convert the nation’s millions of trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles to run on natural gas instead of gasoline and diesel. Back in 2008, the proposal by energy magnate T. Boone Pickens had some appeal. U.S. oil production was plunging, and the world’s biggest fuel-consuming… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-14/how-elon-musk-and-cheap-oil-doomed-push-for-natural-gas-cars GREEN ENERGY The Energy Market's Facts Of Life. Realists will tell you that what counts are facts on the ground. But sometimes half-formed facts on the ground can be just as important. A clutch of these have materialized in the U.S. power sector of late. Southern Co. several weeks ago suspended work on what was supposed to be a pioneering plant to turn coal into gas for generating electricity. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-15/why-coal-and-nuclear-don-t-figure-big-in-energy-s-future Will a trade fight with Asia sabotage the U.S. solar industry? That may be up to Trump. President Trump’s most useful ally in his push to restore the dominance of coal, oil and gas in America could ultimately turn out to be a pair of bankrupt solar firms seeking help from the federal government getting back on their feet. In an unorthodox trade case roiling the solar industry worldwide, the duo of distressed panel makers is aiming to empower… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-solar-20170815-story.html Visalia solar company makes a short list CalCom Solar of Visalia has been named to a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country by the business magazine Inc. CalCom ranks 23rd on the list, boasting of a three-year growth rate of 9,000 percent. "We take a very strategic approach to developing some of the largest solar farms in the agricultural and water management industries. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=33137 What happens to the grid when solar power goes dark during the eclipse? The last solar eclipse that cast a shadow across the United States didn’t spark much interest from the nation’s electric utilities. That was back in 1991, before the sun became a significant contributor to the power grid. But when the sky darkens during Monday’s solar eclipse, operators of the nation’s electric… http://www.philly.com/philly/business/energy/what-happens-to-the-grid-when-solar-power-goes-dark-during-the-eclipse-20170818.html U.S. DoE Report Shows How Renewables Can Help Utilities Avoid Risky Investments. It’s no secret rising demand for clean electricity has upended America’s utility sector, making building new fossil fuel generation a difficult proposition. But a related challenge caused by this trend is challenging utilities – the need for flexible planning and procurement to avoid risky investments. http://www.theenergycollective.com/energy-innovation-llc/2410892/u-s-doe-report-shows-renewables-can-help-utilities-avoid-risky-investments School System Taps ForeFront Power For 1.4 MW Solar Canopy Portfolio. ForeFront Power and Los Altos School District (LASD) in California have partnered to develop 1.4 MW of solar canopy systems across nine schools. The solar canopy systems will deliver significant energy cost savings, promote sustainability, and provide shade to the parking lots and outdoor school areas. http://solarindustrymag.com/school-system-taps-forefront-power-1-4-mw-solar-canopy-portfolio OPINIONS Another climate-change nightmare: 91 new volcanoes beneath Antarctica’s ice. Antarctica has been having a rough time of it lately, you may have heard. You know — greenhouse gases, warming oceans, trillion-ton icebergs breaking off the continent like a middle-aged man losing hair in the sink. Not the best century for the old South Pole. And now it turns out Antarctica has problems we didn't even know about. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/08/15/another-climate-change-nightmare-dozens-of-volcanoes-beneath-antarcticas-thinning-ice/?utm_term=.e7cd57968b2a Case for climate change grows ever stronger. Could proof grow any more powerful that humanity is responsible for a dangerously warming planet? Scientists studying Earth's atmosphere and oceans are finding ever more troubling evidence. Last year was the hottest on record, according to a report late last week from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/08/14/climate-change-trump-administration-editorials-debates/562985001/ Air pollution: Are you better off in your car or on the sidewalk? Anyone walking along Capital Boulevard or Six Forks Road during morning rush hour is likely to get a lungful of engine exhaust, but they won’t be as bad off as the people in the passing cars. That’s one of the takeaways from a study of the exposure of drivers to pollution done by scientists at Duke University… http://www.newsobserver.com/news/traffic/article167253582.html#storylink=cpy Climate Change Could Make Newly Discovered Volcanoes in Antarctica More Active. Ice sheets and glaciers mitigate volcanic activity—but they are melting. When one thinks of Antarctica, one of the last things to come to mind is volcanoes, but that is precisely what scientists recently discovered under the continent’s western ice sheet. Conducted by Edinburgh University, the project discovered 91 volcanoes… http://observer.com/2017/08/volcanoes-antarctica-climate-change/ LETTER: Man-made climate change claims are irresponsible. The front page article (Aug. 13) “Five signs that climate change is starting in New Jersey” is yet another grossly irresponsible article about issue of man-made climate change (MMCC). Claim that “climate change is coming” is ridiculous against the backdrop of incessant warnings by MMCC believers that dire change has been imminent for more than 20 years. This sounds like the “sky is falling.” http://www.app.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/08/16/letter-man-made-climate-change-claims-irresponsible/565512001/ Close to Home: Cap-and-trade funds need to support creative rural solutions, like those on the North Coast. Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed Assembly Bill 398, which extends cap-and-trade, California’s cornerstone climate change program, through 2030. The program requires the largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., the oil and gas industry, cement plants, large food processors) to cut their emissions. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/opinion/7298879-181/close-to-home-cap-and-trade-funds?artslide=0 Opinion: Widespread wind and solar energy projects makes sense for B.C. In his comment piece in The Vancouver Sun, Aug. 4, Simon Fraser University professor Mark Jaccard is correct in citing that dispatchable energy is of more value than variable energy. His analogy regarding the dispatchability of emergency services is also quite compelling. http://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-clean-reliable-renewable-energy-just-makes-sense BLOGS Cap and Trade and Regional Grid Integration Go Hand in Hand. California recently reauthorized the central element of its cornerstone climate initiative, which sets a declining cap on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GhG) that industrial and other sources can release into the air, and sets rules for industries to acquire and trade permits to emit pollution under the cap’s limit. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/carl-zichella/cap-and-trade-and-regional-grid-integration-go-hand-hand How cap and trade affects green building through revenue spending. Our graphics give you a view of how cap-and-trade revenues are distributed to sustainability initiatives. The California legislature recently passed a 10-year extension to cap and trade. With the graphics below, USGBC gives you a closer look at the proportion of emissions being regulated in various sectors of the California economy… https://www.usgbc.org/articles/how-cap-and-trade-affects-green-building-through-revenue-spending Climate change will cut crop yields: study. Climate change will have a negative effect on key crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, according to a major scientific report out Tuesday that reviewed 70 prior studies on global warming and agriculture. Experts analyzed previous research that used a variety of methods, from simulating how crops will react to temperature changes at the global and local scale… https://phys.org/news/2017-08-climate-crop-yields.html#jCp Tesla Takes Tiny House On Tour To Tout Rooftop Solar & Energy Storage In Australia. Electricity from sunlight makes economic sense in Australia, in part because the cost of electricity in that sun-splashed country is sky high. Tesla’s overall plan is to include displays for its rooftop solar products in its stores. The problem is, at the present time, it has an official sales presence only in Sydney and Melbourne. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/15/tesla-takes-tiny-house-tour-tout-rooftop-solar-australia/ Study: How To Convince Climate Change Deniers Without Using Graphs. There are many people who don’t believe in climate change -- starting with President Donald Trump and the head of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt -- and it seems like climate change deniers and believers won’t ever understand each other. Those who don’t believe in climate change are often portrayed as being out of touch… http://www.ibtimes.com/study-how-convince-climate-change-deniers-without-using-graphs-2578894 What if the EPA dialed back emissions rules, but only on trucks? Back in March, Donald Trump authorized a review of current U.S. emissions regulations. Those regulations cover vehicles through the 2025 model year and were hastily finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in the days leading up to Trump's inauguration. The review alarmed environmental activists, not to mention California's Air Resources Board. http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1112116_what-if-the-epa-dialed-back-emissions-rules-but-only-on-trucks Amidst Solar Eclipse's Test On Clean Power, One Smart Grid Solution Offers A Cautionary Tale. Almost 2,000 utility-scale solar plants could experience a shortfall in power next week big enough to light up Los Angeles—all due to a solar eclipse set to sweep across the country on August 21. While power operators stand ready and are confident that the steep drop in solar power won’t impact service… https://www.forbes.com/sites/ucenergy/2017/08/16/amidst-solar-eclipses-test-on-clean-power-one-smart-grid-solution-offers-a-cautionary-tale/#723bcb5b2ffb 12-Step Climate Change & Global Warming Action Plan For India. Clean air and a livable climate are inalienable human rights. And solving this crisis is not a question of politics. It is a question of our own survival. Climate change is real. Global warming is the root cause of climate change. Far too often climate change is dismissed as an issue for the future. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/16/12-step-climate-change-global-warming-action-plan-india/ Trump wants to ignore the effects of climate change when permitting infrastructure projects. President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that he said will streamline the environmental review required to get large public construction efforts — like roads, bridges, and buildings — off the ground. >From the gilded lobby of Trump Tower, the president proclaimed that the executive order would repair… http://grist.org/briefly/trump-wants-to-ignore-the-effects-of-climate-change-in-permitting-infrastructure-projects/ What does climate change mean for the Great Lakes? A new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls 2016 the warmest year on record around the globe. The surface temperature of the Great Lakes was also above average. According to NOAA’s 2016 State of the Climate report, eight of the last 10 years have been among the warmest years on record, globally. https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/34499/20170816/what-does-climate-change-mean-for-the-great-lakes Global warming could cause yield of sorghum crops to drop ‘substantially’. Rising global temperatures could cause yields of sorghum – a cereal crop known for its resilience to heat stress and drought – to fall substantially, new research finds. Sorghum is the fifth most economically important cereal in the world and is grown in some of the most arid parts of Africa and South Asia, where it is a staple food for half a billion people. https://www.carbonbrief.org/global-warming-could-cause-yield-sorghum-crops-drop-substantially The electric industry is prepared for next week's eclipse. But what about the one in 2024?Utilities most impacted by the total eclipse say they have lined up alternate power supplies for when solar goes dark. Warnings about fake viewing glasses and unusual pet behavior. Advice on the proper gifts and kitsch for your watch party. NASA will live stream it and bars will name drinks after it. The United States has gone crazy for next week's eclipse. http://www.utilitydive.com/news/the-electric-industry-is-prepared-for-next-weeks-eclipse-but-what-about-t/449409/ How Quickly Have US Solar and Wind Grown? Here at the Union of Concerned Scientists, we spend a lot of time focusing on the future—where we need to get to (on climate change, for example), how we do that (clean energy, clean transportation, carbon pricing,…), what happens when we delay (sea-level rise, anyone?). For clean energy in particular, though… http://blog.ucsusa.org/john-rogers/how-quickly-have-us-solar-and-wind-grown Countries urged to start bargaining over negative emissions. There is an emerging consensus CO2 needs to be sucked out of the air to meet climate goals, but no discussion of which countries are responsible for acting. Countries need to start negotiating who will take responsibility for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere… http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/08/14/countries-urged-start-negotiating-negative-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: Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:52:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 17, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 17, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE EU, Switzerland To Link Emissions Trading Systems. The European Commission and the Swiss Federal Council have each approved proposals to link their emissions trading systems (ETSs), meaning formal signature of a new agreement could take place by the end of the year. Once the agreement takes effect, participants in the EU ETS will be able to use units from the Swiss system for compliance, and vice versa. http://www.tax-news.com/news/EU_Switzerland_To_Link_Emissions_Trading_Systems____75023.html California climate deal could net big bucks for polluters. Against the sparkling backdrop of sailboats bobbing on San Francisco Bay, Gov. Jerry Brown last month signed a bill extending California’s cap-and-trade program, assuring that the most high-profile piece of the state’s fight against climate change persists for another decade. In a Sacramento hearing room two days later… https://calmatters.org/articles/california-climate-deal-net-big-bucks-polluters/ Report says carbon price would have little effect on N.Y. consumers. In a first step towards possibly adopting a price for power plant carbon dioxide emissions, New York’s grid operator is reviewing a report that found that adding a $40 per ton charge would have little effect on customer bills in the state. http://www.publicpower.org/media/daily/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=48695 State to hand out nearly $7 million in grants for soil health. The state is taking applications for nearly $7 million in grants to help farmers and ranchers adopt such soil health practices as composting, cover crops and reduced tillage.Applicants have until Sept. 19 to seek $3.75 million in incentives or about $3 million for demonstration projects from the state Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Program. http://www.capitalpress.com/20170817/state-to-hand-out-nearly-7-million-in-grants-for-soil-health CLIMATE CHANGE A Growing Threat on the Shoreline. The Pacific has been gobbling up the California coast with growing voraciousness. A study this year by the United States Geological Survey predicted that as much as two thirds of Southern California’s beaches could be lost by the end of the century. Among the variables, said Patrick Barnard, a geologist and author of the report, are rising seas and intensified storms… http://www.nytimes.com/newsletters/2017/08/17/california-today?nlid=79449713 California scientists push to create massive climate-research programme. Effort backed by the state’s flagship universities comes as US President Donald Trump shrugs off global warming. California has a history of going it alone to protect the environment. Now, as US President Donald Trump pulls back on climate science and policy, scientists in the Golden State are sketching plans for a home-grown climate-research institute… https://www.nature.com/news/california-scientists-push-to-create-massive-climate-research-programme-1.22455 Investigating the Enigma of Clouds and Climate Change. As climate scientists attempt to forecast the future pace of global warming, one of the more complex variables has proven to be the interrelation of clouds and climate change. In an interview with Yale Environment 360, physicist Kate Marvel discusses the double-edged effect clouds have on rising temperatures. http://e360.yale.edu/features/investigating-the-enigma-of-clouds-and-climate-change VEHICLES Legislation calls for $3B in rebates for electric cars in California. California Assembly member Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, says electric cars are the future. And the future he envisions in a bill making its way through the Legislature comes with a $3 billion price tag. “If we don’t change the cars we drive, we’re not going to be able to reach (California’s) greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Ting, who was in San Diego on Wednesday. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-electric-rebates-20170816-story.html EPA gathers consumer data as it rethinks GHG standards. U.S. EPA is gathering data on consumer preferences and jobs as it reconsiders the feasibility of greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles. The Trump administration announced last week it will take public comments and hold a public hearing on changing the standards for model years 2021 to 2025, though the schedule hasn't yet been set (Climatewire, Aug. 11). https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/17/stories/1060058906 OPINIONS Climate Lessons from California. California faces serious risks from climate change. Some are already being felt, like the severe heat this summer and recent episodes of extremely low snowpack in the mountains, which the state depends on for much of its water. Those are among the key messages in a new climate science report now under review in the White House. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/17/opinion/california-climate-snow-heat-trump.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0 Opinion: Will Trump allow oil drilling in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary? Just look west. Right off our coastline is the majesty and wonder of the Pacific Ocean. From the largest mammal to the smallest microbe, our oceans house an abundance of life like no other place on our planet. Though much of it is unexplored, the parts we know are teeming with marine wildlife. Here on shore, surfers, sailors, divers and more treasure this abundance. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/16/opinion-will-trump-allow-oil-drilling-in-the-monterey-bay-marine-sanctuary/ A very big fish story. This could be the greatest fish story since the one about loaves and fishes — and with a lot more fish involved, at that. But first some background. http://www.boulderweekly.com/opinion/big-fish-story/ BLOGS California’s big pushback: Golden State sets the standard for resistance to Trump agenda. After Donald Trump’s shocking meltdown on Tuesday afternoon, it’s even clearer that progressives need effective strategies to blunt the effect of having a conspiracy-theory-driven, racist authoritarian in the Oval Office, backed by a congressional majority that is still too afraid to offer meaningful checks on his worst behavior. http://www.salon.com/2017/08/17/californias-big-pushback-golden-state-sets-the-standard-for-resistance-to-trump-agenda/ ====================================================================== 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, 18 Aug 2017 16:30:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 18, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 18, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ AIR POLLUTION PA approves air pollution plan for $59M Perdue soybean plant in Conoy Township. The state is allowing Perdue Agribusiness to “offset” 174 tons of annual air pollution at its $59 million soybean-processing plant in Lancaster County by paying for emissions reductions at four industries elsewhere in Pennsylvania and New York. The emissions from the plant nearing completion… http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/state-approves-air-pollution-plan-for-m-perdue-soybean-plant/article_94b364c6-837f-11e7-9145-df1a29b9f58e.html Scottish scientists provide first definite link between air pollution and increased risk of infection. SCIENTISTS at a Scottish university have for the first time shown a definite link between car-choked streets and illness, concluding that air pollution can make people more vulnerable to infection. And the man leading the team at Edinburgh Napier University has said that strong action plans should be put in place urgently to combat the threat. http://www.thenational.scot/news/15480470.Scottish_scientists_provide_first_definite_link_between_air_pollution_and_increased_risk_of_infection/ https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170818/Air-pollution-particles-could-make-you-more-susceptible-to-infection-say-scientists.aspx CLIMATE CHANGE Kuwait's inferno: how will the world's hottest city survive climate change? Malls and office complexes continue to spring up in Kuwait City, built by migrants often working illegally in soaring temperatures. But as oil and water reserves dwindle, the energy-guzzling citystate heads for an existential crisis. It is 9am and the temperature in Kuwait City is 45C and rising, but already people working outside. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/aug/18/kuwait-city-hottest-place-earth-climate-change-gulf-oil-temperatures Global warming 'is causing the Alps to CRUMBLE': Huge rock fall in Austria is latest sign of climate change's effects on the mountain range - with SKI RESORTS at risk. Global warming is causing the Alps to literally fall apart, as the rise in temperature is melting snow caps on the mountains, experts warn. The Alps' permafrost - soil, sediment, or rock that stays frozen for at least two years - is thawing rapidly, causing rock avalanches and floods. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4799300/Global-warming-causing-Alps-CRUMBLE.html#ixzz4q7e1fQqK Global warming, habitat conversion curb biodiversity, encouraging uniformity. "Both of these global pressures are favoring the same species and threatening the same species," said researcher Daniel Karp. Nature is becoming homogenized, researchers at the University of California, Davis, claim in a new study. The research, published this week in the journal Global Change Biology… https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/08/18/Global-warming-habitat-conversion-curb-biodiversity-encouraging-uniformity/2931503060725/ Economists, legal experts challenge Trump on carbon pricing. A group of economists and lawyers is arguing that the current calculation of the societal cost of greenhouse gas emissions is the best estimate available, despite President Trump's decision to withdraw the metric and disband the interagency working group that developed it. The social cost of carbon, which currently sets the price of CO2 at $50 per ton emitted… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/18/stories/1060058953 Leading Scientists, Lawyers Challenge Trump On Social Cost Of Carbon. Despite the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the official estimate of the Social Cost of Carbon and disband the interagency working group that developed it, a group of prominent economists and lawyers have highlighted the metric’s continued validity for policymaking. In a letter published today in the journal Science (archived PDF here)… http://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/leading-scientists-lawyers-challenge-trump-social-cost-carbon/ Leaks you'll never see in food stores are warming the Earth. When newly graduated environmental lawyer Keilly Witman joined U.S. EPA in 2007, she was handed one of its toughest jobs. She had to convince supermarkets that their leaky air conditioning and refrigeration systems needed to be fixed or they would substantially warm the Earth's atmosphere. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/18/stories/1060058932 It's the deadline for a big climate report. Agencies are mum. Today is the deadline for 13 federal agencies to respond to a sweeping climate science report that draws on extensive research to show that humans are warming the world at an unprecedented pace. Some Trump administration Cabinet members, and the president himself, have contradicted the type of basic climate science contained throughout the 669-page report. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/18/stories/1060058933 DIESEL ACTIVITIES FUELS New gas plants cheaper than distributed power — Calif. study. A hotly awaited study on alternatives to building a new gas-fired power plant in Southern California has found that distributed resources could fill the need but would be more expensive than conventional resources. The state's grid operator released a study late Wednesday that found NRG Energy Inc.'s proposed Puente Power Project on the California coast would be far cheaper than varying combinations of distributed resources.. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/18/stories/1060058926 VEHICLES Swiss road agency bans new Porsche Cayenne registrations. Switzerland's road agency on Friday imposed a preliminary ban on new registrations of Porsche Cayenne cars equipped with manipulated diesel engine management software. The preliminary ban, imposed on Cayenne cars with three-litre diesel motors of emissions standard euro 6, does not affect cars already registered in Switzerland, the agency said. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-porsche-hldg-swi-idUSKCN1AY19Q Hyundai plans long-range premium electric car in strategic shift. Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) said on Thursday it was placing electric vehicles at the center of its product strategy - one that includes plans for a premium long-distance electric car as it seeks to catch up to Tesla (TSLA.O) and other rivals. Like Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), Hyundai had initially championed fuel cell technology as the future of eco-friendly vehicles but has found itself shifting electric as Tesla shot… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-hyundai-motor-electric-vehicle-idUSKCN1AX039 http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112165_hyundai-kia-eight-electric-cars-by-2022-dedicated-ev-platform http://www.thedrive.com/news/13564/hyundai-ditches-hydrogen-fuel-cell-technology-for-now-pivots-to-electric-vehicles Tesla electric-car plant expansion could double size of Fremont factory. Electric-car maker Tesla is at a pivotal time in the 13-year-old company's history as production of its mass-market Model 3 ramps up and ambitious plans to roll out additional vehicles loom. Coinciding with the production start of the Tesla Model 3 are plans for a major expansion the Silicon Valley automaker's assembly plant in Fremont, California. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112189_tesla-electric-car-plant-expansion-could-double-size-of-fremont-factory Chevy Bolt EV reviewed by BMW i3 driver: electric cars compared. Owners of specific electric cars sometimes tend to become boosters and fans for their particular EV as well as plugging in to drive in general. So it was with Tom Moloughney, whose purchase of the very first 2014 BMW i3 REx range-extended electric car in the U.S. he wrote about for us three years ago. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112164_chevy-bolt-ev-reviewed-by-bmw-i3-driver-electric-cars-compared OPINIONS What should you say to a climate change skeptic? We’ve all been there: The perfectly innocuous conversation you’ve been having at a friend’s party or your kid’s soccer game devolves into an argument about climate change. Suddenly, you realize you’re talking to a climate change skeptic. You want to help your acquaintances see the light. But how? We asked climate scientists and communicators how… http://www.latimes.com/la-sci-sn-climate-change-arguments-20170818-htmlstory.html Editorial: New climate change report likely to be ignored to death. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially confirmed last week that 2016 was the Earth’s hottest year on record, surpassing 2015, which surpassed 2014. The NOAA had reported this unofficially back in January. What made last week’s announcement noteworthy is that the NOAA is now part… http://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-new-climate-change-report-likely-to-be-ignored-to/article_80383a19-d671-5703-b909-f928f594e75b.html Climate change will likely wreck their livelihoods – but they still don't buy the science. The small Louisiana town of Cameron could be the first in the US to be fully submerged by rising sea levels – and yet locals, 90% of whom voted for Trump, still aren’t convinced about climate change. In 50 years, the region near where I grew up, Cameron Parish in south-west Louisiana, will likely be no more. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/18/louisiana-climate-change-skeptics-donald-trump-support GUEST COLUMN: Clean air, water and land are for the health of all Hoosiers. Indiana residents are at risk of worsening air pollution levels, water contamination and deteriorating quality of life due to an extreme budget and devastating staff cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed cuts will significantly impact the ability of the EPA to protect human health and the environment… http://news-sentinel.com/opinion/your-voice/guest_column_clean_air_water_and_land_are_for_the_health_of_all_hoosiers_20170818 Pick for chief scientist post just another Trump quack. President Donald Trump’s pick to be chief scientist for the Department of Agriculture should not be confirmed by the Senate. Sam Clovis has pushed unfounded theories about then-President Barack Before gaining national attention as a vocal supporter of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, Clovis was a conservative radio host and political activist in Iowa. http://www.phillytrib.com/commentary/editorials/pick-for-chief-scientist-post-just-another-trump-quack/article_05d5ecbc-b0ed-5f63-849e-c1e76b9430e4.html BLOGS A burning smell? This device can detect air pollution in real time. With the haze season now underway in Southeast Asia, there’s now a technology that can detect air pollution quickly and accurately. Southeast Asians are no strangers to the effects of air pollution. Many across the region painfully recall the haze that has periodically, over decades, blanketed the lands of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei with smog. http://www.eco-business.com/news/a-burning-smell-this-device-can-detect-air-pollution-in-real-time/ The world's biggest logistics company races towards net-zero emissions. DHL is the largest logistics and express delivery company in the world. It’s not surprising that its carbon emissions are massive. But those emissions have declined substantively in the last nine years, and those reductions will be tiny compared to what DHL will achieve if its aggressive projections are realized. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/worlds-biggest-logistics-company-races-towards-net-zero-emissions Women may bear the brunt of climate change's impacts. In the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, I traveled from the Upper East Side of Manhattan to Staten Island to help community members rebuild their devastated neighborhoods. Perhaps the most poignant experience I had was helping to clean out the flooded basement of a single woman in Staten Island, named Rebecca. https://phys.org/news/2017-08-women-brunt-climate-impacts.html#jCp Curbing climate change: Why it’s so hard to act in time. This summer I worked on the Greenland ice sheet, part of a scientific experiment to study surface melting and its contribution to Greenland’s accelerating ice losses. By virtue of its size, elevation and currently frozen state, Greenland has the potential to cause large and rapid increases to sea level as it melts. http://theconversation.com/curbing-climate-change-why-its-so-hard-to-act-in-time-80117 Leaders Looking to Curb Emissions Should Focus on Transportation, Not Energy Choice. A plan to reduce emissions in San Diego that does not include solutions that reduce pollution from cars and other forms of transportation is incomplete. Why? Because emissions from our transportation choices in San Diego County are twice as large as the next source, electricity, and account… http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/science-environment/leaders-looking-curb-emissions-focus-transportation/ Prepping For World Electric Car (Tesla) Distance Record Attempt. This weekend, members of the Tesla Shuttle crew are going to attempt to break the world record for miles/kilometers driven on a single charge in an electric car. The attempt is being led by Tomasz Gać, founder/CEO of Quriers and co-founder of Tesla Shuttle. But I’m also one of those people and will be doing a good chunk of the driving — weather permitting. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/18/prepping-world-electric-car-distance-record-attempt/ Climate Change and Water. On July 28, 2017, carried an article that caught many Americans off guard. While several of us have been focused on the soap opera in Washington, Italian government leaders have been dealing with a much more severe issue: water, or lack thereof. They announced on July 28 that two-thirds of the citizens in Rome are set to have their water reduced to just eight hours a day, effective immediately. https://eponline.com/blogs/environmental-protection-blog/2017/08/climate-change-and-water.aspx Trump Forest organizers want to resist Trump with billions of trees. Trump Forest wants to plant a big, beautiful forest to make up for Trump-fueled carbon emissions. Resistance to the Trump administration’s rollback of U.S. climate policy is literally taking root across the globe, driven by three climate-savvy campaigners in New Zealand and hundreds of thousands of trees. https://thinkprogress.org/offset-trumps-terrible-climate-policies-with-trees-a36e8d7117d4/ How the U.S. Navy is Responding to Climate Change. Forest Reinhardt and Michael Toffel, Harvard Business School professors, talk about how a giant, global enterprise that operates and owns assets at sea level is fighting climate change—and adapting to it. They discuss what the private sector can learn from the U.S. Navy’s scientific and sober view of the world. https://hbr.org/ideacast/2017/08/how-the-u-s-navy-is-responding-to-climate-change ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 14:13:32 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 21, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 21, 2017. HAPPY SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY! 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE A controversial California effort to fight climate change just got some good news. A controversial California climate program got a shot of good news this month when a study suggested it is successfully reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and providing other environmental benefits on the side. The study, conducted by a trio of Stanford University researchers, concerns a California “carbon offset” program, which allows companies to pay to preserve carbon-storing… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/21/a-controversial-california-effort-to-fight-climate-change-just-got-some-good-news/?utm_term=.44a4c67b41c3 California Senate leader eyes cap-and-trade funding for cleaner tractors, trucks and cars. Now that lawmakers have extended the cap-and-trade program, it’s time for them to divvy up the money generated by the sale of pollution permits. Most of the revenue is already being routed to affordable housing, mass transit and building the bullet train. But there’s still at least $1.4 billion available… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-senate-leader-eyes-1503265460-htmlstory.html https://firenewsfeed.com/politics/378684 CLIMATE CHANGE The Trump administration just disbanded a federal advisory committee on climate change. The Trump administration has decided to disband the federal advisory panel for the National Climate Assessment, a group aimed at helping policymakers and private-sector officials incorporate the government’s climate analysis into long-term planning. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/20/the-trump-administration-just-disbanded-a-federal-advisory-committee-on-climate-change/?utm_term=.819b6e75a2e1 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-trump-dissolves-climate-change-advisory-panel/ Stitching Together Forests Can Help Save Species, Study Finds. In the 1980s, an ecologist named Thomas Lovejoy conducted an unusual experiment in Brazil’s Amazon rain forest. As loggers moved in with chain saws to clear trees for cattle pasture north of Manaus, he asked them to leave untouched several small “islands” of forest to see how the animals within them fared. The results were unsettling. Even in the largest protected forest fragments… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/21/climate/rain-forest-corridors-species-habitats-extinctions.html Support for climate change bill is haunting a California Republican leader. A Republican lawmaker who helped propel a bipartisan climate bill to victory last month could lose his leadership post on Monday, as lawmakers return to the Capitol after a month-long summer recess. Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, is facing a sustained backlash from conservative party activists for supporting an extension of California’s cap-and-trade climate program… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/21/support-for-climate-change-bill-is-haunting-a-california-republican-leader/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES Trucking worries CARB may step into GHG gap. Move by EPA to “revisit” Phase 2 rules may encourage more California-only regulation, trade groups fear.The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) are two industry trade groups worried that the intent announced by the Environmental Protection Agency last week to “re-evaluate” parts the Phase 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel efficiency rules… http://fleetowner.com/emissions/trucking-worries-carb-may-step-ghg-gap VEHICLES California added 1,300 fuel cell hydrogen vehicles over the last year – projections lowered again. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its latest annual evaluation of “Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development” report today. The assessment shows that about 1,300 new fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have been deployed… https://electrek.co/2017/08/21/california-fuel-cell-hydrogen-vehicles/ Diesel still needed to meet climate goals, Merkel says. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Sunday against a swift abandonment of diesel cars after a series of emissions scandals, saying the fuel is still needed if climate change targets are to be met. Speaking at a pre-election town hall event on RTL television on Sunday, Merkel called on German carmakers, all of which have been caught using workarounds to cheat nitrogen emissions tests… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions-idUSKCN1B00QH?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/21/emissions-scandal-is-a-risk-to-german-economy-says-ministry VW gives green light for electric version of classic Microbus camper van. Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) has decided to go ahead with production of an electric version of its classic Microbus camper van as it seeks to boost its electric vehicle credentials. The potential battery-powered revamp of the van, known as the Bulli in Germany, was first announced at the Detroit auto show in January. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-microbus-idUSKCN1B00KG?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews Santa Barbara Startup EVMatch Connects Electric Vehicle Drivers with Charging Stations. A company started by two Santa Barbara-area women that matches up electric vehicle drivers with charging stations now has registered users throughout Southern California. EVMatch was started by Heather Hochrein, its CEO, and co-founder Shannon Walker, and it was originally a master’s thesis… https://www.noozhawk.com/article/santa_barbara_evmatch_electric_vehicle_drivers_charging_stations_20170820 OPINIONS Ignoring causes of climate change is political malpractice: Opinion. How would you judge a doctor who prescribed a painkiller, but didn't tell you the headache was caused by a brain tumor? Now, how about a politician who argues for spending millions adapting to rising seas - but doesn't want to address the cause of the problem: climate change propelled by human activity. That's where we are today in Red State America. http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2017/08/climate_change.html Want to fight climate change? Don't invest in Tesla. There are even hidden tax breaks for your local or sales tax paid during the year. “You’re permitted to deduct state or sales tax on your federal return,” said Ryan Saltz, Esq., licensed tax professional at Tax Defense Network. “This can be incredibly helpful, particularly if your state does not tax your income." http://www.msn.com/en-au/money/personalfinance/want-to-fight-climate-change-dont-invest-in-tesla/ar-AAqsBGV?li=AAgfOd8 BLOGS Clearing the Air, Ports Step up to Green Initiatives. The Ports of L.A. and Long Beach rolled out their 2017 “Clean Air Action Plan” (CAAP) this July aggressively stepping up air quality standards for the region. Originally adopted in 2006, the plan has steadily reduced emissions through the purchase of alternate fuel vehicles at the port and the imposition of a “Clean Truck Program” (CTP). https://www.ajot.com/blogs/full/blog-clearing-the-air-ports-step-up-to-green-initiatives Solar & Wind Subsidies = Less Than $0 In USA … Because Clean Energy Saves Lives! Anti-cleantech companies, think tanks, politicians, and messengers like to talk a lot about renewable energy and electric car subsidies. Meanwhile, they pretend that fossil fuels have gotten no subsidies and continue to get no subsidies. That’s absolutely rubbish, but it’s more or less something we’re going to ignore in this article. Aside from subsidies, polluting products come with massive “externalities”… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/21/solar-wind-subsidies-less-0-usa-solar-wind-save-lives/ How will global warming affect wood frogs? A far-ranging study of wood frogs have found that the bog-breeding amphibians could be vulnerable to global warming at the southern edge of their range, and that the population could shift northward, similar to many other species. But the research, covering more than 740 wood frog populations in 27 different areas, also showed some nuance in the response to climate change. https://summitcountyvoice.com/2017/08/20/how-will-global-warming-affect-wood-frogs/ Going in the Wrong Direction: We Need More Advice on the Impacts of Climate Change. As of Sunday, the federal Advisory Panel for the Sustained National Climate Assessment is no more. The charter for the panel was not renewed. That makes little sense from any perspective I can imagine. This panel was advising the federal government on how to best improve the scientific information for state… http://blog.ucsusa.org/andrew-rosenberg/going-in-the-wrong-direction-we-need-more-advice-on-the-impacts-of-climate-change US Cities Plagued by Poor Performance on SDGs. US cities still have a long way to go towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the first-ever US Cities SDG Index, which ranks the 100 most populous metropolitan areas in the US based on their performance on the SDGs. Using 49 indicators from 16 of the 17 SDGs (SDG 14, life below water, was not assessed)… http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/new_metrics/sustainable_brands/us_cities_plagued_poor_performance_sdgs Steyer Critics Call Out Tax-Break ‘Hypocrisy’ Over Support for New Tesla Subsides. Fight heats up over California's $3 billion electric-vehicle subsidy. The fight over a California state bill to create a $3 billion state subsidy program for electric vehicles, a potential boon for Tesla, is intensifying with the Senate set to take up the measure Monday. http://freebeacon.com/issues/steyer-critics-call-tax-break-hypocrisy-support-new-tesla-subsides/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 09:34:10 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 22, 2017 From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 22, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ AIR POLLUTION California’s Auto Crackdown Reinforced by Road Emissions Uptick. California’s advocates for fuel economy standards and zero-emission vehicle mandates should toughen their rules, according to a non-profit that said road emissions have undercut the state’s efforts to reduce pollution. Emissions from on-road transportation rose by the equivalent of 4.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2015… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-22/california-s-auto-crackdown-reinforced-by-road-emissions-uptick https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22082017/california-greenhouse-gas-emissions-decoupling-economy-electric-car-culture http://grist.org/article/california-defies-trump-claim-that-environmental-regulation-kills-economic-growth/ https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059024 Firm wants to burn methane leaking from Utah coal mine — creating credits to sell to carbon-emitting companies. By burning the greenhouse gas escaping from the retired West Ridge mine, a Colorado firm plans to help California companies that need to offset their own carbon emissions. Coal and trona mines are a big source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. http://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2017/08/21/firm-wants-to-burn-methane-leaking-from-utah-coal-mine-creating-credits-to-sell-to-carbon-emitting-companies/ CLIMATE CHANGE Agriculture a culprit in global warming, says U.S. research. Agriculture has contributed nearly as much to climate change as deforestation by intensifying global warming, according to U.S. research that has quantified the amount of carbon taken from the soil by farming. Some 133 billion tons of carbon have been removed from the top two meters of the earth's soil over the last two centuries by agriculture at a rate that is increasing… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-climatechange-agriculture-idUSKCN1B20TR Report: California needs to address housing crisis to meet long-term climate change goals. California’s economy grew robustly during the past decade even as state-imposed environmental standards to combat climate-change helped lower greenhouse gas emissions. But authors of a report released Tuesday cautioned that the future might not be so rosy… http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/21/report-california-needs-to-address-housing-crisis-to-meet-long-term-climate-change-goals/ California Republican leader survives party infighting over climate change — for now. A contentious, intra-party dispute over a Republican lawmaker who helped propel a bipartisan climate bill to victory last month is underscoring just how hard it is for the GOP to find a direction in politically progressive California. Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, has come under withering attack from party stalwarts who say he sold out Republican… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/21/california-republican-leaders-clash-over-climate-change/ http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article168541377.html https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2017-08-21/assembly-gop-leader-fends-off-challenge-over-climate-vote http://www.sbsun.com/2017/08/21/inland-assemblyman-chad-mayes-remains-as-gop-leader-for-now/ http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/22/74902/assembly-gop-leader-fends-off-challenge-over-clima/ Trump team has slowed down or disbanded 3 climate panels. The Trump administration is choosing to let key climate advisory councils expire without renewing them. The Trump administration has quietly disbanded a growing number of scientific advisory committees, raising concerns that the latest research on climate change could be omitted from government decisions on things like infrastructure projects. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059025 Study: People furthest apart on climate views often most educated. As arguments about climate change heat up, don't underestimate your opponent. It turns out that people who are the furthest apart in their views on a scientific issue are often the most educated and informed, according to a study published yesterday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059023 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Trucking worries CARB may step into GHG gap. Move by EPA to “revisit” Phase 2 rules may encourage more California-only regulation, trade groups fear. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) are two industry trade groups worried that the intent announced by the Environmental Protection Agency last week to “re-evaluate”… http://fleetowner.com/emissions/trucking-worries-carb-may-step-ghg-gap FUELS With Obama EPA rule in force, compliance clash may loom. The Trump administration is giving scant details on how or whether it plans to enforce restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry after a federal court revived the standards last month. U.S. EPA has been tight-lipped since the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit blocked the agency's efforts… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059016 Delay of fossil fuel royalties reg still in legal crosshairs. The Trump administration's plan to swiftly scrap an Obama-era fossil fuel regulation isn't going as smoothly in the courtroom as officials had hoped. While the Interior Department this month successfully rolled back a rule that changed how royalties are calculated for federal coal, oil and gas development, the agency came up short in its attempt to sidestep related legal wrangling. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059005 VEHICLES Electric cars now 5 percent of California new-car sales: report. California continues to lead the country in adoption rates for cars that plug in, both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. The state offers numerous local and statewide incentives, and many utility companies reward customers for choosing an electric car over a fossil-fuel powered vehicle. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112251_electric-cars-now-5-percent-of-california-new-car-sales-report GREEN ENERGY Grid operators take a stunning event in stride. As the moon's shadow raced across the U.S. yesterday, 1,900 utility-scale solar power plants and many thousands of rooftop solar cells dozed off or shut down, one after the other, their electric currents disappearing from power networks from coast to coast. At 2:32 p.m. EDT, on a park overlooking the Clinch River here, the sun disappeared behind the moon, revealed only by its dazzling corona. https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060059019 Trump to keep program that's given energy to 50M Africans. Six months into the Trump presidency, the Obama administration's signature program to electrify 60 million homes and businesses in Africa has quietly met or exceeded its near-term goals, according to a progress report issued yesterday. The U.S. Agency for International Development reports that the program, launched in July 2013… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/22/stories/1060059014 OPINIONS Chad Mayes decision on climate control was good: Letters. Chad Mayes’ decision on climate control was good. Re “Should Assemblyman Chad Mayes resign as Republican leader?” (Question of the Week, Aug. 15): I applaud the Southern California News Group for covering the important issues around climate change. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a non-partisan goal… http://www.dailybreeze.com/opinion/20170821/chad-mayes-decision-on-climate-control-was-good-letters Response to ‘California is shrinking’ Editor, Sabrina Brennan’s perspective (“California is shrinking” in the Aug. 14 edition of the Daily Journal”) did a great job of highlighting California’s vulnerability to climate change and the cost of adapting to sea level rise. However, I’m surprised she neglected to mention the most obvious way to pay for these costs: a carbon fee. Since carbon dioxide and equivalent emissions are clearly… http://www.smdailyjournal.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/response-to-california-is-shrinking/article_edad6248-86db-11e7-aed2-1714ada0a5aa.html >From global warming to redistricting: Is Arnold back? It was ‘way back in 1984 when Arnold Schwarzenegger first uttered the movie catchwords “I’ll be back” in The Terminator. Today, Arnold is back. Sort of. In the past several weeks, the former governor of California has: –Stepped up his advocacy for the environment, specifically by endorsing California’s controversial cap-and-trade law and launching an environmental policy resource for state governments. http://capitolweekly.net/global-warming-redistricting-arnold-back/ Energy, CCAs and the seniors’ cost burden. The Legislature will be reviewing a flurry of bills upon its return from summer recess, but an informational hearing regarding Community Choice Aggregations (CCAs) on Wednesday morning in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee warrants equal attention. A current law that is supposed to protect seniors and all electricity customers... http://capitolweekly.net/ccas-seniors-energy-share-cost-burden/ Why the Trump Administration's Latest Auto Industry Move Will Fail. In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a weatherman doomed to relive the same day over again until he can get it right. The movie’s central truth has endured: everyone has issues, moments, problems or events that seem to keep reappearing. One of mine happened again recently… http://time.com/4906656/donald-trump-auto-industy-pollution/ Midwestern agriculture stands to lose with climate change skeptics in charge. Agriculture is central to Missouri’s economy. In 2016, agriculture, forestry and related industries comprised 9.3 percent of the state’s economy and 10.5 percent of its jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the value of sales of soybeans alone exceeded $8.4 billion. But much of this could be threatened by global warming. http://www.stltoday.com/opinion/columnists/midwestern-agriculture-stands-to-lose-with-climate-change-skeptics-in/article_b53497ce-21ff-593c-ac3f-fafc7140be8a.html BLOGS California Proves That Environmental Regulations Don't Kill Profits. To anyone who believes environmental regulation is poison for profits, California must be infuriating. The state’s pollution policies rarely wilt its perennially blooming economy. For the past nine years, a Golden State-centric think tank Next 10 has been releasing its California Green Innovation Index. https://www.wired.com/story/california-proves-that-environmental-regulations-dont-kill-profits/ Diesel prices trickle down 2 tenths of a penny to $2.596. What goes up, must come down, and retreating oil prices are finally having an impact on diesel prices, albeit a small one, as on-highway diesel was down two-tenths of a penny today to $2.596, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.14 to settle at $47.37 per barrel today… http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Story/Dieselpricestrickledown2tenthsofapennyto2596 http://www.ttnews.com/articles/diesel-slips-02c-2596 Clearing the Air, Ports Step up to Green Initiatives. The Ports of L.A. and Long Beach rolled out their 2017 “Clean Air Action Plan” (CAAP) this July aggressively stepping up air quality standards for the region. Originally adopted in 2006, the plan has steadily reduced emissions through the purchase of alternate fuel vehicles at the port and the imposition of a “Clean Truck Program” (CTP). https://www.ajot.com/blogs/full/blog-clearing-the-air-ports-step-up-to-green-initiatives New study finds soil carbon losses nearly equal to total emissions from deforestation. The first effort to spatially quantify global soil carbon loss revealed that agriculture has removed 133 billion tons of carbon from the top 2 meters of soil, with the rate of loss increasing dramatically in the past 200 years. Those soil carbon losses are nearly equal to total carbon emissions due to forest clearing. http://whrc.org/new-study-finds-soil-carbon-losses-nearly-equal-to-total-emissions-from-deforestation/ Trump Just Killed a Study Looking Into the Health Effects of Coal in Central Appalachia. Understanding the risks of living near mountaintop removal mining sites just stalled. The Trump administration has told the National Academy of Sciences to stop working on a study about the potential health risks for people living near mountaintop coal-removing sites in Central Appalachia. “Everyone knows there are major health risks living near mountaintop removal coal mining sites… http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2017/08/trump-kills-coal-health-study/ ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 09:21:00 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 23, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 23, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE California Auction Raises $640 Million for Greenhouse Gas Fund. California raised an estimated $640 million for its greenhouse gas fund by auctioning permits to curb carbon emissions—a result that analysts said shows restored confidence in the state’s cap-and-trade program. Every allowance offered in the auction sold at above the $13.57 floor price, according to California Air Resources Board results released Aug. 22. https://www.bna.com/california-auction-raises-n73014463455/ http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-cap-trade-auction-results-20170823-story.html http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-california-cap-and-1503427903-htmlstory.html http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article168702607.html http://www.capradio.org/101013 Cap-and-trade vote sparks GOP revolt. California Republicans are having an identity crisis fueled by climate policy. The state's 25 Assembly Republicans are having a leadership election next week, motivated by current leader Chad Mayes' (R) support for the state's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases. Mayes led six other Assembly Republicans to cross the aisle last month in a vote… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/23/stories/1060059080 AIR POLLUTION Dutch activists in legal battle to urge action on pollution. Environmentalists went to court Wednesday to demand that the Dutch government take urgent action to improve air quality, arguing that authorities haven't done enough to meet European Union-mandated targets. The summary hearing in The Hague was part of a crowd-funded legal battle by the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth… http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/science/article/Clearing-the-air-Dutch-activists-demand-action-11952073.php CLIMATE CHANGE Study concludes Exxon misled public on climate change. A study published Wednesday asserts that Exxon Mobil Corp. misled the public for years about what it knew regarding the science of climate change. The findings from a pair of Harvard University researchers add to charges from environmentalists, Democratic attorneys general and others that Exxon knew decades ago that its fossil fuels… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/347622-study-concludes-exxon-mislead-public-on-climate-change http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-exxon-report-20170822-story.html Depleted climate staff 'in limbo' as agency reshuffles. Pastoralist women in Ethiopia participate in an activity on resource mapping. The State Department's climate team is operating on autopilot as it waits for a departmental reorganization that will likely lessen its clout. Staff rosters are shrinking at the agency's Office of Global Change and the Special Envoy for Climate Change (SECC) office… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/23/stories/1060059076 Warmer waters mean smaller fish — study. Fish will struggle to breathe as the ocean waters warm, researchers say, and bigger fish will have bigger problems. That means important species could soon top out well short of their current sizes — shrinking fisheries and potentially causing problems up the food chain. Fish have proved sensitive to subtle changes, and higher temperatures could present them with two problems… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/23/stories/1060059078 FUELS Proposed rule pushes BLM requirements to July 2019. Federal lands regulators last week offered the Office of Management and Budget a proposal for rolling back Obama-era requirements to limit methane releases from oil and gas operations on public lands. In a notice received by OMB last weekend, the Bureau of Land Management announced its proposed rule to suspend certain requirements… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/08/23/stories/1060059067 GREEN ENERGY 'Cyborg' bacteria deliver green fuel source from sunlight. Scientists have created bacteria covered in tiny semiconductors that generate a potential fuel source from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. The so-called "cyborg" bugs produce acetic acid, a chemical that can then be turned into fuel and plastic. In lab experiments, the bacteria proved much more efficient at harvesting sunlight than plants. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40975719 OPINIONS The loss of frozen ground in Arctic regions is a striking result of climate change. And it is also a cause of more warming to come. The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as other parts of the planet, and even here in sub-Arctic Alaska the rate of warming is high. Sea ice and wildlife habitat are disappearing; higher sea levels threaten coastal native villages. But to the scientists from Woods Hole Research Center who have come here to study the effects of climate change… https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/23/climate/alaska-permafrost-thawing.html Don’t let Trump roll back California’s environmental gains. California has long been an environmental leader, adopting strong laws to protect the air, water and land that often, eventually, become national policy. Yet the task of setting and enforcing environmental standards is a huge one, and even Green California has relied on the federal government to handle much of that work. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-preserve-california-20170823-story.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, 24 Aug 2017 13:19:09 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 24, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE East Coast states agree on greater carbon cuts for regional cap-and-trade pact. Maryland and eight other states that have a regional compact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have agreed to deeper cuts to carbon emissions over the next decade. The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative are pledging… https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/east-coast-states-agree-on-greater-carbon-cuts-for-regional-cap-and-trade-pact/2017/08/23/e0283710-882a-11e7-a94f-3139abce39f5_story.html?utm_term=.7c9c48bfdffb http://www.powermag.com/eastern-states-expand-emission-cuts-as-part-of-cap-and-trade/ Nine states aggressively step up plans to cut emissions. A coalition of nine states from Maryland to Maine on Wednesday announced an aggressive plan to cut power plant emissions in the next decade, one of the broadest efforts to address climate change since President Trump said the United States would withdraw from the Paris accord. After more than a year of negotiations… https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/08/23/emissions/Bu8VXv5jqkqldVNKXpafON/story.html https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23082017/rggi-northeast-states-tighten-power-plant-emissions http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/environment/bs-md-hogan-carbon-emissions-20170823-story.html http://wnpr.org/post/nine-states-agree-accelerate-emissions-reduction-next-decade http://www.pressherald.com/2017/08/23/maine-eight-other-states-in-rggi-cut-cap-on-carbon-emissions-further/ Northeast strengthens carbon goals as federal rules fade. Nine Northeastern states delivered a boost to U.S. climate efforts yesterday. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced a proposal to cut power plant emissions 30 percent between 2021 and 2030. The plan puts the regional cap-and-trade program's members on pace to greatly exceed the emissions targets… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/24/stories/1060059139 Assembly GOP leader steps down over pressure on climate vote. The California Assembly's top Republican said Thursday he will resign his leadership post after weeks of pressure from his party over his support for major climate change legislation. Assemblyman Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley will be replaced as leader by Assemblyman Brian Dahle of Bieber, a tiny town in far northern California. http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article169099287.html AIR POLLUTION China commits to cut northern air pollution by 15 percent. China has pledged to cut average concentrations of airborne particles known as PM2.5 by more than 15 percent year-on-year in the winter months in 28 northern cities to meet key smog targets, the environment ministry said. In a 143-page winter smog "battleplan" posted on its website on Thursday… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-idUSKCN1B40CM CLIMATE CHANGE Warming Arctic spurs battles for riches, shipping routes. From a distance, the northern shores of Baffin Island in the Arctic appear barren - a craggy world of snow-capped peaks and glaciers surrounded by a sea of floating ice even in the midst of summer. Yet beneath the forbidding surface of the world's fifth largest island… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BATTLE_FOR_THE_ARCTIC?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Exxon Misled the Public on Climate Change, Study Says. As Exxon Mobil responded to news reports in 2015 that said that the company had spread doubt about the risks of climate change despite its own extensive research in the field, it urged the public to “read the documents” for themselves. Now two Harvard researchers have done just that, reviewing nearly 200 documents representing… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/23/climate/exxon-global-warming-science-study.html http://mashable.com/2017/08/23/exxon-misled-public-global-warming-study-finds/#aDmVdXHlVsqH https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/23/exxon-mobil-misled-the-public-on-climate-change-harvard-study-finds.html Another US agency deletes references to climate change on government website. The National Institutes of Health deleted multiple references to climate change on its website over the summer, continuing a trend that began when the Trump administration took charge of the dot.gov domain. The changes were first outlined in a report by the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI), which has been using volunteers to track changes to roughly… https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/23/us-government-agency-climate-change-references-removed-again 4 things to watch as Trump team readies rollback. The Clean Power Plan has been considered dead since President Trump's election, but exactly how he kills it is important. Five months ago, Trump signed an executive order aimed at repealing the Obama-era rule, which would limit power plants' greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Power Plan is on hold for now, after the Supreme Court blocked it last year. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/24/stories/1060059135 FUELS Scientists Hope To Farm The Biofuel Of The Future In The Pacific Ocean. The push for renewable energy in the U.S. often focuses on well-established sources of electricity: solar, wind and hydropower. Off the coast of California, a team of researchers is working on what they hope will become an energy source of the future — macroalgae, otherwise known as kelp. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/08/22/542903378/scientists-hope-to-farm-the-biofuel-of-the-future-in-the-pacific-ocean VEHICLES German Auto Giants, Once Courted, Become Political Pariahs. After decades of cozying up to car makers, German politicians are turning their backs on a scandal-ridden industry many voters now see as an embarrassment rather than a source of national pride. In the first public speech of her campaign to win a fourth term in next month’s election, Chancellor Angela Merkel lambasted the country’s leading auto makers and their top management earlier this month for their response to a now two-year-old diesel emission scandal. The comments came a day after her main rival, Social Democratic Party chairman Martin Schulz, pledged to implement a mandatory quota for electric vehicles—a technology German manufacturers have been slow to embrace—on new car sales if elected.https://www.wsj.com/article_email/german-auto-giants-once-courted-become-political-pariahs-1503567001-lMyQjAxMTI3MTI1NDQyMjQ4Wj/ Used electric cars: the best bang for your buck? Electric vehicles are cheaper than conventional cars to maintain, but they're more expensive upfront and lose value at a much faster pace over time, according to a new study. Takeaway: Consider buying a used electric car, said AAA, which releases its annual True Cost of Vehicle Ownership report Wednesday. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/08/23/aaa-cost-of-ownership-study/589833001/ GREEN ENERGY Energy Dept: Government should ease rules on power plants. The Energy Department said Wednesday the government should make it easier and cheaper to operate power plants, including coal and nuclear plants, to strengthen the nation's electric grid. The department said in a new report that the closure of many plants that once formed the backbone of the grid has raised the risk that consumers might not have… http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ELECTRIC_GRID?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Perry’s Grid Study Calls for Easing Pollution Rules on Power Plants. The Department of Energy study also concedes that the electricity grid can handle renewable power. A rush study on the reliability of the nation's electric grid ordered by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry concedes that the rapid increase of clean, cheap solar and wind power hasn't thrown the power network out of kilter. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23082017/perry-grid-study-protect-coal-nuclear-renewable-energy-dominance-clean-air-act California Lawmakers Begin Push for 100% Clean Energy by 2045. California could solidify its position as a global leader on the issue of climate change in the coming weeks, when the state Legislature considers a bill that would push for the state to obtain all its electricity from renewable sources by 2045. Hawaii is the only other state in America to have committed to that ambitious goal… https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-lawmakers-begin-push-100-clean-energy-2045-n795411 City buildings move closer to solar energy. The buildings for City Hall, Fire Department, WIC and YMCA are looking at making a change to solar energy, and the Soledad City Council approved further research into projects on Aug. 2. “There were five projects that were considered citywide,” said Richard Guillen, engineering consultant for the city. “The City Hall, Fire Department and the WIC building, the YMCA building… https://soledadbee.com/article/city-buildings-move-closer-to-solar-energy Grid study omits climate change from final version. The Department of Energy removed the words "climate change" from the final version of the agency's long-awaited study on electric grid stability. The only reference to rising average temperatures was in the context of rolling back environmental rules under Executive Order 13783. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/24/stories/1060059141 OPINIONS California cap-and-trade program generates more than $1 billion. Who gets the money? Yesterday’s carbon permit auction, the first since California extended its cap-and-trade system through 2030, was among the most successful the state has held in the program’s five years. After several quarters of anemic auction results, businesses bought $935 million in credits to emit polluting greenhouse gases. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article168777792.html#storylink=cpy What California should really do with cap-and-trade windfall. Starting with Thursday’s Senate budget subcommittee hearing, lawmakers can use a $1.4 billion cap-and-trade windfall to bring about important change in the lives and lungs of Californians, or they can squander it. Lawmakers last month approved legislation extending the cap-and-trade program through 2030. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article169011037.html#storylink=cpy Ignore climate change, and California wildfires will get worse. In John Lindsey’s July 16 column, “It’s getting hotter and hotter, and that’s not good news,” he reports that Cal Fire predicts by 2050 a 300 percent increase in wildfire risk “due to climate change.” So, should we just crank up the air conditioner and go about our business as usual? Powering our air conditioners will add to… http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article168838212.html#storylink=cpy Rebates a prudent way to save world from climate change. California Gov. Jerry Brown may soon sign legislation extending cash rebates given to residents who buy low-emission vehicles from Tesla and other automakers. While the bill’s details are still evolving, the governor should in principle sign off on… http://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/opinion/18178/rebates-a-prudent-way-to-save-world-from-climate-change Another roadblock for Newhall Ranch. Environmentalists are once again standing in the way of the Newhall Ranch development in the Santa Clarita Valley. Two environmental groups have filed suit against Los Angeles County and the developer over the Board of Supervisors’ vote to allow two of five planned segments of the development to proceed. http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20170823/another-roadblock-for-newhall-ranch New study finds that climate change costs will hit Trump country hardest. Humans are causing Earth’s climate to change. We know that. We’ve known it for decades. Okay so what? The follow-up questions should be directed to what the effects of warming will be. What will the costs be to society, to the natural biosystem, and to human lives? Let’s be honest, if the consequences of warming are not large, then who cares? https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/aug/24/new-study-finds-that-climate-change-costs-will-hit-trump-country-hardest How natural gas became the dirty fuel, at least in your home. Not long ago natural gas – the fuel that probably gave you your hot shower this morning – was hailed as the clean “bridge fuel,” the one that would create a safe transition for society from yesterday’s dirtier home fuels, coal and oil, to a fully renewable future. But now the gold standard for a home, from a climate-change perspective, is to go all electric… http://inewsource.org/2017/08/23/natural-gas-vs-electric/ BLOGS California-Quebec August auction results reflect a secure cap-and-trade future. Strong results from the California-Quebec August auction released today reflect that the future of cap and trade is secure in California. The August 15 auction saw increased demand and prices for carbon allowances, which will now be usable at least through 2030. These strong results are particularly significant because the auction … http://blogs.edf.org/climatetalks/2017/08/22/california-quebec-august-auction-results-reflect-a-secure-cap-and-trade-future/ Cap and Trade Has a Good Week in California. A month after a bruising political battle to extend California's cap-and-trade program, the state received a big vote of confidence in the policy's future. Cap and trade requires oil refineries, food processors and other facilities to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and state regulators auction off the permits several times a year. http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/tns-cap-trade-california.html Can California Protect Frontline Communities From Climate Change? In the last five years, San Jose has seen severe drought followed by the worst floods in a century, and to top it off, record-breaking temperatures. These extreme weather events are not unique to the Bay Area, but are happening all around California as well as the U.S. and the world. Climate change makes them more common and more severe. http://www.alternet.org/environment/can-california-protect-frontline-communities-climate-change EPA Plan to Revisit GHG Phase 2 Raises Questions. Less than five months from the starting date of Phase 2 of the federal rule on greenhouse gas emissions from trucks, a brief statement from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on his plan to revisit the regulation’s sections on trailers and glider kits has created confusion and uncertainty among the manufacturers and purchasers of those products. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/epa-plan-revisit-ghg-phase-2-raises-questions California Vehicle Emissions Are Up, Despite Strict Pollution Controls. In spite of tough CARB standards, road vehicle emissions rose 3.1 percent in 2015. California is known for being among the most restrictive states when it comes to legally modifying cars. Their emission requirements are much more strict than other states'—except for those parts of the Union that have adopted California's standards for themselves. http://www.thedrive.com/news/13738/california-vehicle-emissions-are-up-despite-strict-pollution-controls National Institutes of Health wipes references to climate 'change' from site. References to "climate change" have been wiped from parts of The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Environmental Health Science division website, according to a report by the Environmental Data & Governance Initiative. In one of the changes, for example, an article formerly titled "Climate Change and Human Health," now reads, "Climate and Human Health." http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/347798-nih-unit-deletes-references-to-climate-change Wind Energy Isn’t a Breeze. Nearly 175 years ago, Lana Wanders’ ancestors settled in what would soon become the state of Iowa. The farm served as a stopping point for people heading west who had run out of money. Her forefathers would rent a piece of land to them for up to five years, so they could farm and earn a living to pay for their continued journey. http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2017/08/why_farmers_in_iowa_hope_wind_energy_will_blow_over.html New green solvent could help clean our air. Eco-friendly mixture made from choline salt and urea could absorb harmful gaseous pollutants. French researchers have patented an eco-friendly liquid mixture that could help trap harmful pollutants from the air. The non-flammable solvent contains urea and choline salt, a common ingredient in chicken feed, says Leila Moura of the Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant in France.. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170824101812.htm View from the Academy: silos should not hold back biofuel development. The systems that constitute the world around us do not recognise the silos into which we organise ourselves. This is a key lesson for engineers as they seek to integrate their individual efforts towards achieving positive outcomes. Whether concerned with small components within discrete technical systems… https://www.theengineer.co.uk/silos-biofuel-development/ Warmer waters from climate change causing fish to shrink in size, finds study. As cold-blooded animals, fish cannot regulate their own body temperature. Fish could shrink in size dramatically as ocean temperatures rise because of climate change, according to a new study. When the water gets warmer, cold-blooded fish need more oxygen. However, one of the consequences of climate change is less oxygen in the sea. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/climate-change-fish-shrink-size-warm-waters-global-warming-cod-tuna-a7910216.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, 25 Aug 2017 15:26:54 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 25, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 25, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider updates to ARB’s Enforcement Policy. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 The draft Enforcement Policy may also be obtained from ARB’s website at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/policy2017.htm ____________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE E.U. to host talk with Calif., carbon-trading nations. The European Union is hosting a climate workshop next month with China, Canada, New Zealand and California ahead of this fall's U.N. talks to discuss their emissions trading systems. The meeting is being organized by the European Commission's director-general for climate action, Jos Delbeke, and will involve discussion of the potential to link carbon markets… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060059198/search?keyword=calif Where to spend $1.5B in cap-and-trade revenue? California's Legislature is debating how to spend about $1.5 billion in revenue from the state's cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide emissions in the next year, with the potential for far more in years ahead. The $1.5 billion reflects the amount projected for the upcoming fiscal year plus an existing pool of unspent funds… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/25/stories/1060059195 AIR POLLUTION Cleaner air, cooler buildings: urban trees save megacities millions. Trees in cities reduce air pollution, absorb carbon and protect people during heatwaves, saving megacities more than $500 million a year in healthcare, energy costs and environmental protection, according to new research. With one in ten people predicted to live in cities of more than 10 million inhabitants by 2030… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-climatechange-trees-idUSKCN1B326Z Long Beach company ordered to reduce hexavalent chromium emissions. A North Long Beach aerospace supplier is the latest metal finishing facility being forced to reduce its emission of a hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen linked to lung cancer. An administrative board on Thursday ordered Lubeco, Inc., to curtail the release of chromium-6 to prevent any harm to residents and children at a nearby school. http://www.presstelegram.com/environment-and-nature/20170824/long-beach-company-ordered-to-reduce-hexavalent-chromium-emissions Key senator vows to block climate deal that would aid polluters. An irritated chairman of a state Senate Budget subcommittee says he intends to thwart a recent move by the state Air Resources Board that could give California’s biggest polluters a cushion of more than $300 million. In a sharp rebuke of the board, Sen. Bob Wieckowski said Thursday that he’ll insert language into next year’s budget bill instructing regulators to reduce the free compensation… https://calmatters.org/articles/key-senator-vows-block-climate-deal-aid-polluters/ UW Study Finds Surprising Lack Of Research On How Air Pollution Affects Birds. The effects of air pollution on human health have been well documented. We also have research on how air pollution affects plants and wildlife. What’s not as well known? How this same pollution affects birds. "Even though we hear about the canary in the coal mine, when you start looking into it… https://www.wpr.org/uw-study-finds-surprising-lack-research-how-air-pollution-affects-birds Icy air reveals human-made methane levels higher than previously believed. In 2011 a team of researchers led by Vasilii Petrenko, an assistant professor of Earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester, spent seven weeks in Antarctica collecting and studying 2,000-pound samples of glacial ice cores that date back nearly 12,000 years. http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52285 EPA recommends leaving current SO2 standard in place. U.S. EPA's air quality office is recommending against any change to the current primary sulfur dioxide standard, according to a draft assessment released yesterday. Currently available evidence does not call into question "the adequacy of protection" provided by the current 75 parts per billion standard… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/25/stories/1060059227 CLIMATE CHANGE Narwhals Are Helping NASA Understand Melting Ice and Rising Seas. Never send a satellite to do a whale's job. Greenland’s ice cap holds beneath it 10 percent of the earth’s freshwater, enough to raise global sea levels by 20 feet. While there's no doubt it is melting, scientists have little certainty about exactly what's happening inside this 10,000-year-old ice roughly three times the size of Texas. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-24/narwhals-are-helping-nasa-understand-melting-ice-and-rising-seas The Relationship Between Hurricanes and Climate Change. How much does Hurricane Harvey, or any particular storm, have to do with climate change? The relationship between hurricanes and climate change is not simple. Some things are known with growing certainty. Others, not so much. The most recent draft of a sweeping climate science report pulled together by 13 federal agencies as part of the National Climate... https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/us/hurricane-harvey-climate-change-texas.html This Is What Climate Change Sounds Like. One of the best instruments scientists can use to map climate change is roughly the size of a thumb—and adorable. The humble tree frog (genus Hyla) has proliferated from Florida to Alaska, yet it’s a delicate critter. Its disappearance from a habitat is an early warning that the place is becoming deforested, drier, or simply hotter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-24/this-is-what-climate-change-sounds-like How California’s car culture hurts the state’s fight against climate change. Californians can’t shake their love affair with cars – and pickup trucks and SUV’s. That’s hurting the greenest state in the union’s much-publicized crusade against climate change. While California is making headway in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the rate of progress is slowing. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article169249447.html#storylink=cpy Climate Change Will Likely Trigger More Deadly Landslides In The Alps. Yesterday morning, a large rock avalanche with an estimated volume of 4 million cubic meters was filmed happening at Piz Cengalo, on the border between the Swiss canton of Graubünden and Italy. The rock avalanche was large enough to be seen from space. Mixing with ice and water, it formed a debris flow… https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2017/08/24/climate-change-will-likely-trigger-more-deadly-landslides-in-the-alps/#51267a5e3d28 Arctic Ice Cores Document Climate Change in Past 300 Years. Ice cores from arctic mountain glaciers show a dramatic climate change that began nearly 300 years ago, documenting an unprecedented increase in the intensity and duration of winter storms. Drilled by a Dartmouth-led team, the cores show striking changes in weather patterns that may have reached as far as Florida. http://www.enn.com/climate/article/52281 E.U. to host talk with Calif., carbon-trading nations. The European Union is hosting a climate workshop next month with China, Canada, New Zealand and California ahead of this fall's U.N. talks to discuss their emissions trading systems. The meeting is being organized by the European Commission's director-general for climate action, Jos Delbeke, and will involve discussion of the potential to link carbon markets… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/08/25/stories/1060059198 Was scientist told to erase 'climate change' from proposal? The Department of Energy denied today that it's banning the use of "climate change" in materials after a public letter alleged scientific censorship and sparked a Twitter storm. Jennifer Bowen, an associate professor at Northeastern University in Boston, posted a letter on Facebook showing a DOE official asking her to remove the words "global warming"… https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/08/25/stories/1060059225 FUELS Methane "climate bomb" not likely according to new Scripps study. As climate change heats the planet, scientists fear that melting glaciers could release large stores of greenhouse gases — one of a number of scenarios some climatologists believe could trigger runaway warming. Similarly, researcher have expressed concerns about the massive amounts of methane trapped on the ocean floor. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-scripps-methane-20170824-story.html VW RECALL VW Engineer Sentenced to 40 Months for Emissions Role. A veteran Volkswagen AG engineer was sentenced to 40 months in prison for his role in helping the German carmaker cheat U.S. emissions tests, the first person prosecuted in one of the biggest scandals in the automotive industry’s history. James Liang, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy last year, got less than the statutory maximum time… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-25/vw-engineer-sentenced-to-40-months-for-emissions-cheating-role http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-emissions-20170825-story.html http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vw-engineer-sentence-for-role-in-emissions-fraud-2017-08-25 http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/08/25/volkswagen-engineer-sentenced-for-role-in-emissions-fraud.html http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41053740 http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2017/08/25/engineer-sentenced-volkswagen-emissions-scandal/598637001/ VW manager told CEO about U.S. 'cheating' in July 2015: media. A former senior quality manager at Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) has told investigators he informed then-CEO Martin Winterkorn on July 27, 2015, that the carmaker had “cheated” during emissions tests in the United States, German media reported on Friday. Volkswagen (VW) has said its executive board did not learn about the severity of emissions test cheating using illegal software until late August 2015. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-timeline-idUSKCN1B51CD GREEN ENERGY We’ve been underestimating the solar industry’s momentum. That could be a big problem. Analysts have been underestimating the expansion of solar energy for nearly two decades, scientists report in a new study released Friday. And that could be a serious problem for the industry and, maybe, the planet. If policymakers believe solar is growing more slowly than it actually is… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/08/25/weve-been-underestimating-the-solar-industrys-momentum-that-could-be-a-big-problem/?utm_term=.894542d8383e OPINIONS Trump and Pruitt, Making America Polluted Again. Efforts to kill Obamacare have failed, at least for now. Tax “reform” — which really means big tax cuts for the rich — faces doubtful prospects. Indeed, these prospects may have become even more doubtful thanks to Louise Linton, wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin: Her now infamous Instagram rant may open at least a few voters’ eyes to the contempt “populist”… https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/opinion/trump-pruitt-polluted-climate-.html?ribbon-ad-idx=5&rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context®ion=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=article Should California extend its low-emission vehicle rebates program? Yes: Rebates a prudent way to save world from climate change. California Gov. Jerry Brown may soon sign legislation extending cash rebates given to residents who buy low-emission vehicles from Tesla and other automakers. http://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/editorials/article169253802.html#storylink=cpy New study finds that climate change costs will hit Trump country hardest. In the USA, the southeastern states are most vulnerable to the costly impacts from human-caused climate change. Humans are causing Earth’s climate to change. We know that. We’ve known it for decades. Okay so what? The follow-up questions should be directed to what the effects of warming will be. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/aug/24/new-study-finds-that-climate-change-costs-will-hit-trump-country-hardest Donald Trump’s climate denying Flat Earth Society. As Hurricane Harvey barrels toward the coast of Texas — a potential Category 3 storm in the making — the Trump administration’s environmental officials might want to get around to reading the new federal report on climate change. We’ve already fouled our planet, the report warns. https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2017/08/24/donald-trump-climate-denying-flat-earth-society/rLm2YcE4oId6aoVxxXb0tM/story.html?s_campaign=bdc:globewell:opinion Column: I was an Exxon-funded climate scientist. ExxonMobil’s deliberate attempts to sow doubt on the reality and urgency of climate change and their donations to front groups to disseminate false information about climate change have been public knowledge for a long time, now. Investigative reports in 2015 revealed that Exxon had its own scientists doing its own climate modeling… http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/column-exxon-funded-climate-scientist/ Trump White House Continues Attack On Renewables & Climate Change — “Clean Coal,” Wiping Climate Change, Grid Study. It’s been another rough week for the US effort to transition to a low-carbon economy and minimize its impact on the environment, with Donald Trump proclaiming his support for “clean coal,” while his Administration took aim at renewables and official acknowledgement of the phrase “climate change.” https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/25/trump-white-house-continues-attack-renewables-climate-change-clean-coal-wiping-climate-change-grid-study/ BLOGS Did climate change make Hurricane Harvey worse? As climatologist Katharine Hayhoe points out, seasonal hurricanes are a natural part of the weather system in the Gulf coast, and attributing the cause of a single storm entirely to climate change is currently an impossible task. “Once you get down to a small regional level, hurricanes are so rare and random that you would not be able… https://qz.com/1062574/hurricane-harvey-and-climate-change-did-rising-temperatures-and-sea-levels-make-harvey-worse/ California continues to lead the US in renewable energy. But its greenhouse gas emissions reductions have stalled. In 2006, California adopted aggressive legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting renewable energy production throughout the state. And since then, the state has been tracking its progress through its annual California Green Innovation Index report. https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/23/california-lead-us-renewable-energy/ Researchers identify cheaper, greener biofuels processing catalyst. Fuels that are produced from nonpetroleum-based biological sources may become greener and more affordable, thanks to research performed at the University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute that examines the use of a processing catalyst made from palladium metal and bacteria. Biofuels are made from renewable materials such as plants or algae… https://phys.org/news/2017-08-cheaper-greener-biofuels-catalyst.html#jCp Big ethanol's fuel mandate costs American taxpayers millions. Big ethanol's fuel mandate costs American taxpayers millions. Government’s toll on taxpayers is easy to compute when April 15 rolls around or when a receipt clearly shows the portion of a cost that’s attributable to sales taxes. There is no such clarity for taxpayers where the federal renewable fuel standard is concerned. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/347810-big-ethanols-fuel-mandate-costs-american-taxpayers ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 15:52:10 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 28, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for August 28, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider updates to ARB’s Enforcement Policy. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 The draft Enforcement Policy may also be obtained from ARB’s website at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/policy2017.htm ____________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. LOS ANGELES Tuesday, August 29, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) Junipero Serra Building 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013 SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ CAP AND TRADE Gold Line extension to Montclair could get cap-and-trade funding. The project has a $280 million funding gap. A group of Los Angeles area officials requested last week that $280 million in state cap-and-trade dollars be used to complete Metro’s Gold Line extension to Montclair. Work on the 12.3-mile rail project is expected to get underway in October, but it faces a significant funding gap. https://la.curbed.com/2017/8/27/16212436/gold-line-extension-funding-montclair-claremont http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/general-news/20170827/legislators-believe-they-found-a-way-to-close-gap-in-glendora-to-montclair-gold-line-extension Climate change program at center of GOP feud raises hundreds of millions more. While Republican leaders were working to sack Assembly member Chad Mayes for his role in passing landmark climate change legislation, California businesses were snapping up greenhouse-gas pollution permits in the state's quarterly auction. http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/2017/08/25/climate-change-program-center-gop-leathat-removed-mayes-leadership-post-raised-nearly-1-billion-stat/600283001/ AIR POLLUTION ‘Excessive’ heat anticipated Sunday, Monday in much of Bay Area; air quality advisory issued. The National Weather Service is warning of “excessive heat” Sunday and Monday in most parts of the Bay Area that aren’t adjacent to the coast, officials said Saturday. Temperatures along the shoreline are expected to reach between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with the East Bay valleys… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/26/excessive-heat-anticipated-sunday-monday-in-much-of-bay-area-air-quality-advisory-issued/ Spare the Air Alert in effect on Monday. A Spare the Air Alert is in effect for the Bay Area on Monday. What are Spare the Air days? Air quality in the Bay Area can be unhealthy at times throughout the year. During the summer months, ozone pollution can become a health problem in the Bay Area. The summertime Spare the Air program notifies residents when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy… http://abc7news.com/weather/spare-the-air-alert-in-effect-on-sunday/54306/ High heat, smog hold sway for 3rd straight day across East Bay, valley regions. Triple-digit temperatures and dirty, stagnant air prompted officials Saturday to issue the eighth air pollution alert of the summer for Sunday across the greater Bay Area. The primary culprit is ozone – or smog. It’s the second such pollution alert in as many days from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and includes a large swath of… http://www.dailyrepublic.com/solano-news/fairfield/air-pollution-alert-extends-to-2nd-day-for-southern-solano-as-heat-wave-builds/ Air pollution could spike with back to school traffic. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is hoping motorists can undertake some practices that will help keep air pollution levels from rising during the back to school period. With school back in session the Valley Air District is asking the public to reduce vehicle emissions by carpooling or walking their children… http://www.turlockjournal.com/archives/36478/ Air quality ‘Unhealthy’ during day. With fires raging to the north and winds driving smoke to the south, the Lake County Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert on Thursday. District director Douglas Gearhart graded air in the county Unhealthy to Hazardous for several hours before upgrading it to Moderate in the afternoon. The momentary downgrade results from ultra-fine particulates… http://www.record-bee.com/article/NQ/20170825/NEWS/170829893 American Heart Association reports Air pollution linked to Cardiovascular Disease; Air Purifiers may lessen impact. Exposure to high levels of air pollution increased stress hormone levels and negative metabolic changes in otherwise healthy, young adults in a recent study conducted in China. Air purifiers appeared to lessen the negative effects… http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2017/08/28/american-heart-association-reports-air-pollution-linked-cardiovascular-disease-air-purifiers-may-lessen-impact/ Reducing the Mon Valley "stink". The Pittsburgh region too often still has an oily, sulfuric, industrial “stink,” and tougher regulation is needed to reign in the unhealthy malodors, said Mark Dixon, who testified at an Allegheny County Health Department hearing last week on permit changes at coke and steel making facilities in the Mon Valley. http://powersource.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2017/08/28/air-pollution-sulfur-Mon-Valley-stink/stories/201708250214 The European Union is Losing Its Way on Climate Change. New EU rules agreed on 31 July mean Europe’s 3000 large combustion power plants – coal burning for the most part – will have to cut pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, mercury and particulate matter by 2021. But this is not as good news as it seems. Eighty-two per cent of the EU’s coal-fired plants are estimated to be non-compliant, emitting excessive levels of pollutants. http://www.theenergycollective.com/david-k-thorpe/2411704/european-union-losing-way-climate-change ALISO CANYON SoCal Gas twice emitted too much methane since reopening Aliso Canyon. In the month since Southern California Gas Company got the green light to refill its underground gas storage field near Porter Ranch, it has put unacceptable levels of gas into the atmosphere on at least two separate occasions, state regulators said. The Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility was the site… http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/28/75042/socal-gas-field-still-emits-too-much-methane-state/ CLIMATE CHANGE Key senator vows to block California climate deal that would aid polluters. An irritated chairman of a state Senate Budget subcommittee says he intends to thwart a recent move by the state Air Resources Board that could give California’s biggest polluters a cushion of more than $300 million. In a sharp rebuke of the board, Sen. Bob Wieckowski Thursday hearing that he’ll insert language... http://www.dailynews.com/government-and-politics/20170827/key-senator-vows-to-block-california-climate-deal-that-would-aid-polluters Insurers count cost of Harvey and growing risk from climate change. Damages from Hurricane Harvey's ravaging of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast are estimated to be well below those from the major storms that hit New Orleans and New York in recent years, insurance executives have said. Though insurers should swallow the claims easily, given that there have been relatively few natural disasters… https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/28/reuters-america-insurers-count-cost-of-harvey-and-growing-risk-from-climate-change.html Climate change seen as cause for mudslide in Switzerland. The effects of climate change are partially to blame for a mudslide through a southeastern village that left eight people missing after a massive chunk of rock broke off an Alpine mountainside, Switzerland's environmental protection office said Monday. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-climate-change-switzerland-mudslide-20170828-story.html US Energy Agency Asked Scientists to Scrub References to Climate Change. Researchers were told to censor descriptions of projects funded by a Department of Energy laboratory. Multiple researchers who received grants from the US Department of Energy (DOE) have been asked to remove references to “climate change” and “global warming” from the descriptions of their projects. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/us-energy-agency-asked-scientists-to-scrub-references-to-climate-change/ Researchers study ice to learn about wildfire. With the recent occurrence of wildfires on the rise, researchers at the Desert Research Institute in Reno may have uncovered important data in understanding how human-caused climate change compares with what the Earth was like thousands of years ago. http://www.sierrasun.com/news/environment/researchers-study-ice-to-learn-about-wildfire/ Boomtown, Flood Town. Climate change will bring more frequent and fierce rainstorms to cities like Houston. But unchecked development remains a priority in the famously un-zoned city, creating short-term economic gains for some while increasing flood risks for everyone. For the third time in eight years, water gushed into Virginia Hammond’s northwest Houston home. It was 2 a.m. on April 18. https://www.texastribune.org/boomtown-floodtown/ DROUGHT CAP-California water deal that Arizona nixed provokes ongoing conflict. A newly disclosed memo from that year, written by a CAP attorney, characterized the proposal as a sale of some of Arizona’s Colorado River water to the giant, six-county Metropolitan Water District in Southern California. Such a sale would be controversial in Arizona… http://tucson.com/news/local/cap-california-water-deal-that-arizona-nixed-provokes-ongoing-conflict/article_2b73013e-220f-56f6-a02b-cf328abfedbb.html DIESEL ACTIVITIES POLB Sets New Records in Pollution Reductions. The Port of Long Beach (POLB) informed it notched clean air records in its latest study of air pollution emissions, including an 88 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter, continuing more than a decade of air quality improvements. The inventory, conducted by an independent consultant, found the port’s actions to cut pollution have decreased diesel particulate… http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/228262/polb-sets-new-records-in-pollution-reductions/ https://www.ajot.com/news/port-of-long-beach-achieves-record-pollution-reductions VEHICLES Audi, shaken by emissions scandal, reshuffles management board. Volkswagen’s (VOWG_p.DE) premium carmaker Audi (NSUG.DE) announced its biggest management reshuffle in years on Monday as it seeks a fresh start in the aftermath of the diesel emissions scandal. Audi, which is the biggest contributor of profits to VW, said it was replacing finance Chief Axel Strotbek… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-audi-management-idUSKCN1B81BQ http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/08/28/audi-reshuffles-management-board-amid-emissions-scandal.html Should California spend $3 billion to help people buy electric cars? Over seven years, the state of California has spent $449 million on consumer rebates to boost sales of zero-emission vehicles. So far, the subsidies haven’t moved the needle much. In 2016, of the just over 2 million cars sold in the state, only 75,000 were pure-electric and plug-in hybrid cars. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-electric-vehicle-subsidies-20170828-htmlstory.html Audi diesel: another shoe drops as top VW Group execs implicated. It has been nearly two years since Volkswagen came clean and admitted its "clean diesel" engines were actually quite dirty. In 2015, a VW engineer admitted the TDI diesel cars sold in the U.S. since 2009 were outfitted with "defeat device" software that let them pass emission tests… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112350_audi-diesel-another-shoe-drops-as-top-vw-group-execs-implicated OPINIONS How farmers convinced scientists to take climate change seriously. Rural Americans once led the fight to link extreme weather like Hurricane Harvey and human activity. What changed? The path of Harvey’s destruction cut through some of the rural communities least likely to believe in human-caused climate change. But not long ago, these very same rural communities contained the most fervent believers… https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2017/08/27/how-farmers-convinced-scientists-to-take-climate-change-seriously/?utm_term=.020e1dbdc73e States Dare to Think Big on Climate Change. The one bright spot amid the generally gloomy news about climate change, and the Trump administration’s resistance to doing anything about it, is the determination of a number of state governments to take action on their own. California, as usual, has commanded the headlines on this score, having just strengthened its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/opinion/climate-change-states-trump.html Cap-and-trade + Confederate statues + Housing + Parkway + Homeless + Poetry. Clean diesel. Re “What California should really do with cap-and-trade windfall,” Editorials, Aug. 23): The Sacramento Bee editorial board’s endorsement of carbon cap-and-trade funds for transportation is diminished by antiquated perceptions of diesel technology. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article169466622.html Power of Choice - Size matters in energy business. Is it too late to stop global warming? We’re not sure, but this is not a drill. Our climate and our planet are too important for us to simply stand by as atmospheric warming poses ever-greater risks. We need a carbon-free future sustained by clean and renewable energy from solar, wind and geothermal farms — not coal mines and oil wells… http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/sd-utbg-energy-community-choice-20170825-story.html Our view: Cap and trade program shows power of markets. California’s experiment with a market-based solution to reduce carbon emissions took a step toward becoming a reality Aug. 22, when the latest round of bidding for cap-and-trade permits went off without a hitch. In fact, the permit auction drew close to $1 billion, creating perhaps as much as $640 million in revenue for the state. https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2017/08/25/our-view-cap-and-trade-program-shows-power-of-markets/ Did Climate Change Intensify Hurricane Harvey? “The human contribution can be up to 30 percent or so of the total rainfall coming out of the storm.” Every so often, the worst-case scenario comes to pass. As of Sunday afternoon, the remnants of Hurricane Harvey seem likely to exceed the worst forecasts that preceded the storm. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/did-climate-change-intensify-hurricane-harvey/538158/ A Hotter Climate Could Make You Sick. The health effects of a warming planet are already being felt. Leaving aside the debate over who or what is to blame, 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have occurred since 2001 – and 2016 was the hottest ever. While the consequences of melting ice caps or vanishing species may seem remote, the health effects of a warming planet… http://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2017-08-28/a-hotter-climate-could-make-you-sick Trump’s climate change denial will be tested by Houston’s devastation. Hurricanes are nothing new but the US has seen two of its worst storms ever in a little over a decade. Images of America's fourth largest city under several feet of water are a reminder that not even the richest country on earth is immune to the effects of extreme weather. Nearly half a million of Houston's residents have been directly affected… http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/trump-climate-change-denial-tested-by-houston-s-devastation-a7916961.html Hurricane Harvey is America's climate future. Hurricane Harvey pummeled southern Texas all weekend, causing apocalyptic flooding. Worse, several more days of torrential rainfall are in the cards, as Harvey is predicted to slowly wander slightly back out to sea and then make landfall again in a day or two. Several deaths have already been confirmed, and forecasters estimate there will be up to 50 inches of rain in the worst-hit areas. http://theweek.com/articles/720740/hurricane-harvey-americas-climate-future This Is What Climate Change Sounds Like. One of the best instruments scientists can use to map climate change is roughly the size of a thumb—and adorable. The humble tree frog (genus Hyla) has proliferated from Florida to Alaska, yet it’s a delicate critter. Its disappearance from a habitat is an early warning that the place is becoming deforested, drier, or simply hotter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-24/this-is-what-climate-change-sounds-like Tiny pests eating New Jersey's pines march north as climate changes, report says. Love the warmer winters we’ve been enjoying? So does the southern pine beetle, a rice-grain-sized pest that has munched through New Jersey’s pine forests and could be a harbinger of climate change, according to a new study. Using the Garden State as a barometer, researchers from Columbia University... http://www.philly.com/philly/health/tiny-southern-pine-beetle-pests-eating-new-jerseys-pines-could-be-harbinger-of-climate-change-study-says-pinelands-pine-barrens-20170828.html NIH Institute Purges References To Climate Change, But Not Very Well. Last week, one of NIH's institutes, the National Institute for Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS), did something rather mysterious. The institute purged references to climate change on its website by replacing the phrase "climate change" with "climate." https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2017/08/28/nih-institute-purges-references-to-climate-change-but-not-very-well/#66dcda2e389d Stop blaming the Sun for global warming. The Earth is getting warmer and warmer, and scientists are now essentially unanimous in their opinion that humans are to blame, but could other factors also be contributing? A new study looked closely at whether or not our sun could also being playing a role in how hot it’s getting here on our planet. http://bgr.com/2017/08/25/global-warming-sun-temperature/ BLOGS Californians benefit from continuous pollution monitoring at oil and gas sites. Since the 1892 discovery of oil in California, the oil and gas industry has been a major economic engine and energy supplier for the state. Although this oil and gas production may be broken down into dollars and barrels, it doesn’t tell the story of the potential impact of drilling activity on the lives of the people in Los Angeles and the Central Valley… http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2017/08/28/californians-benefit-from-continuous-pollution-monitoring-at-oil-and-gas-sites/ Learning from Thirty Years of Experience with Cap-and-Trade Systems. “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The implication of this famous line (often misquoted as “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it”) from philosopher George Santayana’s 1905 book, The Life of Reason, Volume I – Reason in Common Sense, is that we are wise to learn from our mistakes. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/learning-from-thirty-years-of-experience-with-cap-and_us_59a4345fe4b0a62d0987b0f2 How much is climate change behind the Hurricane Harvey flooding in Houston? Over the past week we have seen two major tropical storms devastate different parts of the world. First Typhoon Hato struck Hong Kong and Southern China, killing at least a dozen people. And over the weekend Hurricane Harvey… http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-much-is-climate-change-behind-the-hurricane-harvey-flooding-in-houston-2017-08-28 Scientists Identify Cheaper, Greener Catalyst for Biofuels Processing. Fuels that are made from non-petroleum-based biological sources could soon become greener and more affordable, as a result of the research performed at the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute that analyzes the use of a processing catalyst created from palladium metal and bacteria. Biofuels are produced from renewable materials such as… https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=24232 How global warming likely made Harvey much worse, explained by a climatologist. Here’s what the science can tell us. Did global warming make the Houston floods worse? It’s a question that a lot of people are asking after the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Renowned climatologist Michael E. Mann on Sunday provided some answers. The short version: It’s unclear if global warming… https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/8/28/16214268/houston-floods-harvey-global-warming Is Global Warming Going To Create An Urban Rat Population Explosion? Of all of the possible impacts of a warming climate, one that’s probably not considered too often is the potential for an enormous explosion in the number of urban rats throughout many parts of the world. That’s unfortunate, though, as the potential is certainly there for urban rats to become an enormous problem… https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/28/global-warming-going-create-urban-rat-population-explosion/ SF’s Muni was fined $220K by state for blowing off emissions requirements. It feels like Muni is under a cloud of late. One of its own making. This week Mission Local revealed that the agency’s new diesel-electric hybrid buses are operating without a pollution control program that has been par for the municipal transit course since the 1980s. http://blog.sfgate.com/inthemission/2017/08/25/sfs-muni-was-fined-220k-by-state-for-blowing-off-emissions-requirements/ CLEANING THE AIR, ONE VEHICLE AT A TIME. Environmental stewardship drives Opus Inspection to create technology for a cleaner, safer world. Auto industry vet Sandra McCulloch believes in the power of processes. “Some of the things you learn in the auto industry are the importance of robust processes, strong problem solving, the need for continuous improvement… http://thebossmagazine.com/opus-inspection/ Why We Need to Kick Our Foolish Ethanol Addiction. Corn-producing states love the federal mandate to add it to motor fuels, but it no longer makes sense — if it ever did. Bad news arrives slowly to some U.S. political circles. The failure of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program to achieve its policy goals over the past decade is one of the slowest awakenings in recent memory. http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-renewable-fuel-standard-ethanol-mandate.html Substitution of gasoline for ethanol in dual-fuel vehicles increases level of polluting nanoparticles. When ethanol prices at the pump rise for whatever reason, it becomes economically advantageous for drivers of dual-fuel vehicles to fill up with gasoline. However, the health of the entire population pays a high price: substitution of gasoline for ethanol leads to a 30% increase in the atmospheric concentration of ultrafine particulate matter… https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170828/Substitution-of-gasoline-for-ethanol-in-dual-fuel-vehicles-increases-level-of-polluting-nanoparticles.aspx . ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 13:48:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 29, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB BUSINESS The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider updates to ARB’s Enforcement Policy. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 The draft Enforcement Policy may also be obtained from ARB’s website at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/policy2017.htm ____________________________________ The Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ______________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in a public workshop to begin discussing concepts for minimizing community health impacts from seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. Workshops will be held at the locations and dates shown below. Both workshops will follow the same format and present the same material. SACRAMENTO (also webcast) Wednesday, September 6, 2017, (1:00 – 3:00 pm) California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California 95814 For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm ______________________________ Northern California Truck Owners and Operators -- You’re invited to attend a One-Stop Truck event in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, August 30. At this event, you’ll be able to get help with all of your CARB compliance questions, get up-to-date info on truck rules, learn about financial incentives to help purchase new trucks, visit with vendors, and check out the latest clean trucks. Here's what you will find at this One-Stop event: • One-on-one compliance assistance (Asistencia en español disponible) • Enforcement inspection demo • Truck and bus and off-road regulation overview • New technology options for compliance • Funding options for on-road trucks • CHP Inspection update • Industry vendors & local agency booths • Clean vehicle/technology displays For more information and to sign up to attend, please visit our One Stop Truck Event webpage: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/onestop.htm or call the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735 ______________________________ AIR POLLUTION How should Los Angeles and Long Beach ports clean the air? The mayors of Los Angeles and Long Beach have promised to get to near zero emissions at the nation’s busiest port complex – but just how to achieve that ambitious goal is still being debated. Now the public will get a chance to weigh in. On Wednesday, port officials will hold one of the few public meetings before a rare joint meeting of the two commissions that run the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports. A vote on the final draft of a $14 billion clean air plan will take place in November. http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170828/NEWS/170829509 Grid Study Resurrects Debate Over Utility Air Pollution Permits. The Energy Department’s electric grid study is reviving debate over possible changes to Clean Air Act permitting requirements, underscoring industry arguments that the regulations limit coal-fired power plants’ ability to improve efficiency. The grid study commissioned by Energy Secretary Rick Perry, released Aug. 23, makes a number of suggestions to boost baseload power, including changes to wholesale energy markets to better value the reliability and resiliency that supporters argue coal and nuclear provide. https://www.bna.com/grid-study-resurrects-n73014463779/ Air Quality Worsens Throughout The Region. Growing fires -- fueled by hotter, dryer weather -- have led to deteriorating air quality through much of the region. Many communities have air readings in the Unhealthy range. Here are some representative Air Quality Index readings from around the region, as of Monday morning ... http://ijpr.org/post/air-quality-worsens-throughout-region#stream/0 CLIMATE CHANGE Governments face 'wave of legal action' over climate change inaction as natural disasters worsen, activists warn. A "wave of legal action" over climate change has already begun and cases will become more likely to succeed as the scientists get better at attributing extreme weather events to global warming, activists have warned. Writing in the journal Nature Geoscience, lawyers from ClientEarth in London and Earth & Water Law in Washington DC said events previously regarded as “acts of God” could increasingly land humans with a bill for damages. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-sue-governments-companies-legal-action-warning-natural-disasters-clientearth-a7917106.html How Hurricane Harvey is tied to the California heat wave. A high-pressure system is lingering over California and the western region, causing extreme heat. This system is expected to continue through the week, bringing record-breaking temperatures with it. This high-pressure system is also keeping Tropical Storm Harvey from moving inland. As long as the system remains, Harvey will continue its downpour of rain, making it one of the nation’s most powerful storms. http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/29/how-hurricane-harvey-is-tied-to-the-california-heat-wave/ Southampton Town Officials Close To Getting State Climate Certification. Southampton Town may soon get special state certification for its environmental efforts, opening the doorway for future grant funding. New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Certification Program helps local governments reduce their carbon footprint through a recognition rating system. Southampton Town is already registered as a “climate-smart community” under the program but has yet to become certified—a status that only 15 municipalities in the state have achieved, including East Hampton Town last year. http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/General-Interest-Southampton/531531/Southampton-Town-Officials-Close-To-Getting-State-Climate-Certification VEHICLES California looks to boost electric-car rebate program. California would spend up to $3 billion under a bill to widely expand its fledgling consumer rebate program for zero-emission vehicles. The state has already spent nearly $450 million in subsidies, but the Los Angeles Times reported that so far, the rebates haven't boosted sales much. In 2016, of the just over 2 million cars sold in the state, only 75,000 were pure-electric and plug-in hybrid cars. To date, out of 26 million cars and light trucks registered in California, just 315,000 are electric or plug-in hybrids. http://www.kcra.com/article/california-looks-to-boost-electric-car-rebate-program/12108618 Renault-Nissan and Dongfeng partner to build electric cars for China. Another major automaker is setting up a dedicated joint venture to build EVs for the growing demand in China, joining Ford and Volkswagen: This time, it’s Nissan-Renault, which will work with China’s Dongfeng Motor, an automaker it partnered with last year to open its first factory in China. Automakers from outside China basically need a local dancing partner in order to make and sell vehicles in the country, without incurring huge import taxes that would basically render their operations unsustainable. https://techcrunch.com/2017/08/29/renault-nissan-and-dongfeng-partner-to-build-electric-cars-for-china/?ncid=mobilenavtrend GREEN ENERGY Can California get 100 percent of its electricity from renewables? The City Council threw its weight Monday behind legislation that would require California to deliver 100 percent of its electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources by 2045. The ambitious goal is the focus of Senate Pro Tem Kevin De Leon’s bill introduced in May. The bill passed the state Senate, but needs approval from the Assembly and Gov. Jerry Brown. http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170828/NEWS/170829497 Thousands give up control of home thermostats during a heat wave. During this week’s heat wave, utilities will urge residents to ease up on the air conditioning. But in a growing number of Southern California homes, smart thermostats are changing the temperatures automatically. The energy-saving tactic is made possible by the growing popularity of so-called smart thermostats, home temperature control devices that are connected to WiFi. That makes it possible to control home heating and cooling systems from afar. http://www.scpr.org/news/2017/08/28/75111/thousands-give-up-control-of-home-thermostats-duri/ OPINIONS Spending cap-and-trade funds: Give priority to most vulnerable. Now that it’s reconvened, the state Legislature faces critical decisions about where and how to spend over $1 billion raised by the state’s cap-and-trade program to fight climate change. Those decisions will affect the lives, health and jobs of millions of Californians, and will have an outsized impact on those facing pollution and poverty. http://capitolweekly.net/cap-and-trade-spending-vulnerable-priority/ Global Warming Didn’t Cause Hurricane Harvey. Here’s What Did. The rain is still falling, and lives are still very much at risk in Houston. It’s early to be talking about the role of climate change in the awful events unfolding in Texas. But at this moment—when the world is watching and the U.S. president and majority party in Congress are in deep denial about the reality of global warming—we think it is appropriate to restate what current science tells us. http://fortune.com/2017/08/29/hurricane-harvey-global-warming/ If Donald Trump won't tackle climate change, then Chicago will. While the Trump administration is dropping the mantle of leadership on climate change, American cities from coast to coast are picking it up. From small towns to metropolises and from the coasts to the heartland, Republican and Democratic mayors are united in common cause to curb emissions, shrink our carbon footprints and fight for a greener future. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/29/if-donald-trump-wont-tackle-climate-change-then-chicago-will Electric cars aren't perfect but are a good option. Kudos to Herman Ackerman (“Electric vehicle owners still getting a free ride,” Aug. 26) for reminding us about subsidy and tax issues related to road repairs. Ackerman is correct that electric vehicle owners are getting subsidies that reduce the cost of their vehicles and will be charged only a token $100 per year in lieu of gas taxes. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/sd-electric-cars-tesla-utak-letters-20170828-story.html BLOGS Port of Long Beach (California) Accomplishes Significant Air Pollution Reductions. Through its Clean Air Action Plan, the Port of Long Beach in California has managed to greatly reduce local air pollution levels, according to the most recent annual Emissions Inventory. Altogether, the Port of Long Beach has managed to reduce local diesel particulate matter air pollution by 88%, and nitrogen oxide air pollution by 56%. Local greenhouse gas emissions were also reduced by 22% — all compared to 2005 levels. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/29/port-long-beach-california-accomplishes-significant-air-pollution-reductions/ Why Are Electric Cars and Public Charging Like Hot Dogs and Buns? Despite the world being full of technological advancement, we still have ways to improve. Electric cars, as an example, are nowhere as easy to charge as taking a gasoline-powered car to a gas station for a fill. What occurs in minutes for one, might take nearly an hour (or longer) for the other. The real problem comes when figuring out how to deal with the sudden influx of new electric cars and not enough chargers. So what needs to come first, the chicken or the egg? http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/13873/why-are-electric-cars-and-public-charging-like-hot-dogs-and-buns Bloomberg: Electric Cars Are Everywhere Except Here, Now. Today, EVs make up only fraction of total car sales worldwide (about ~777,000 out of 92 million registrations in 2016), but more and more markets are exceeding 1% market share, and we are now entering the 2nd generation of the modern-day plug-in vehicle – more mainstream offerings, which are more affordable, with longer ranges (the Tesla Model 3, Chevrolet Bolt EV/Opel Ampera-e, Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 and upcoming Nissan LEAF in September to name just a few). http://insideevs.com/electric-cars-are-everywhere-except-here/ Harvey adds new urgency to climate change debate. Climate scientists looking to assign blame for Hurricane Harvey say that climate change is not likely to be a direct cause of the devastating storm. But global warming has undoubtedly played a role in the storm and its historic precipitation, since warmer seas fuel higher-volume storms, scientists say. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/348317-scientists-global-warming-drove-up-harvey-rainfall-totals ====================================================================== 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 Aug 2017 15:39:45 -0700 Subject: arbcombo -- California Air Resources Board will be transitioning to GovDelivery to communicate with our public and stakeholders. From: tclarksj@arb.ca.gov Hello Subscriber, This message is to let you know that starting August 30, 2017, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will begin the transition to a new way of contacting you by email or text. We will be using the GovDelivery Communications Cloud Platform from Granicus. This new system will allow us to add links and images to the notifications we send you, as well as allow you to change your preferences on receiving our emails. To make sure you continue to receive bulletins from CARB, please make sure you mark carb@public.govdelivery.com under your “safe sender” preferences (i.e. “whitelist” it). We look forward to keeping in touch with you using our enhanced communications strategy. 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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 Alert website at www.flexalert.org . ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2017 13:40:06 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for August 31 and September 1, 2017 From: pbrown@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. AIR POLLUTION Study: Light Rail Commuters Exposed to Lowest Pollution Levels The mode of travel you take on your daily work commute can make a big difference in your exposure to air pollution, a new study finds. https://scvnews.com/2017/08/31/study-light-rail-commuters-exposed-to-lowest-pollution-levels/ UK citizens are taking air pollution monitoring into their own hands A growing number of citizens are monitoring local air quality because of fears official figures are not capturing “dangerous” levels of pollution. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/01/uk-citizens-are-taking-air-pollution-monitoring-into-their-own-hands Air Pollution Economic Impact Model Lacks Clarity: EPA Advisers The EPA’s model for evaluating the broad economic costs and benefits of air pollution regulations isn’t clear enough to help the general public, members of the agency’s Science Advisory Board said Aug. 29. https://www.bna.com/air-pollution-economic-n73014463827/ Port of Long Beach (California) Accomplishes Significant Air Pollution Reductions Through its Clean Air Action Plan, the Port of Long Beach in California has managed to greatly reduce local air pollution levels, according to the most recent annual Emissions Inventory. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/29/port-long-beach-california-accomplishes-significant-air-pollution-reductions/ Tokyo to Paris: could city waterways ease air pollution? Once bustling thoroughfares for boats of all kinds, to some entrepreneurs the rivers in major cities are a source of untapped potential. They envisage passenger vessels expanding beyond sightseeing trips and becoming a daily means of travel for residents. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/aug/31/tokyo-paris-city-waterways-rivers-solve-congestion-air-pollution Wildfire threats Smoke from wildfires is an important source of air pollution, posing a substantial risk to human health due to high emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In many locations, the frequency and extent of wildfires — and thereby PM2.5 emissions — is anticipated to increase with human-induced warming … http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/v7/n9/full/nclimate3383.html?foxtrotcallback=true Air officials warn spikes in summer air pollution related to wildfires Don't be surprised if you smell smoke from distant wildfires this weekend. And if you do, air officials say you should probably go indoors. Smoke from the Pier Fire burning in Tulare County, the Railroad and South Fork fires burning in both Madera and Mariposa… http://www.bakersfield.com/news/air-officials-warn-spikes-in-summer-air-pollution-related-to/article_4935b3b8-8de4-11e7-ac17-8b4bd05d9d20.html China’s Environment Ministry Says Some Local Governments Aren’t Taking Air Pollution Reduction Goals Seriously The Ministry of Environmental Protection in China released a statement earlier today revealing that some local governments haven’t been taking efforts to reduce air pollution seriously enough. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/08/31/chinas-environment-ministry-says-local-governments-arent-taking-air-pollution-reduction-goals-seriously/ Northstate public health departments issue warnings about unsafe air quality The Shasta County Air Quality Management District, the Glenn County Air Pollution Control District, and the Tehama County Air Pollution Control District are warning residents in all three counties of unsafe air quality because of wildfire smoke. http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/northstate/northstate-public-health-departments-issue-warnings-about-unsafe-air-quality/615060873 http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/shasta/smoky-thursday-did-not-dampen-everyones-plans-in-the-northstate/615267446 Air quality warning with Ponderosa Fire The Butte County Air Quality Management District Air Pollution Control Officer and the Butte County Public Health Officer are issuing this Air Quality Advisory to notify the public of poor air quality conditions in Butte County due to smoke from the Ponderosa Fire http://www.gridleyherald.com/news/20170901/air-quality-warning-with-ponderosa-fire 110 degrees in September? Northern California faces smoke and record heat Record-breaking heat combined with smoke from numerous wildfires burning across the region will make the air dangerous to breathe and push California’s electrical grid to its limits Friday and Saturday http://www.sacbee.com/news/weather/article170582967.html CLIMATE CHANGE What do we know about the relationship between climate change and Hurricane Harvey? Hurricane Harvey has dumped more water on the United States than any other weather event in history, and its costs are expected to be huge. The unprecedented storm has inevitably posed the question: What impact has climate change had on producing Hurricane Harvey? We took a look at what scientists had to say. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/aug/31/what-do-we-know-about-relationship-between-climate/ Related: Sanders: It's 'pretty dumb' not to ask about climate change after Harvey Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders said Thursday that the unprecedented rainfall and resulting flooding from Hurricane Harvey should spark a discussion about climate change. http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/31/politics/bernie-sanders-climate-change-harvey-cnn-tv/index.html Hot Spots in a Freezing Ocean Offer Lessons in Climate Change Climate change will dramatically alter life in the oceans, scientists say, but there’s so much still to learn about marine ecosystems that it’s hard to know exactly how. On Thursday, researchers with the British Antarctic Survey offered a glimpse of that future with the results of an unusual study years in the making. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/31/science/climate-change-antarctic-ocean.html How forests balance the books in a changing climate Climate change poses a unique set of threats to the world’s forests. Forests are vital for ecosystems, water and nutrient cycles, and carbon management, so dying trees are a worrying prospect. And increased temperatures and droughts certainly have the potential to kill trees. https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/09/with-climate-change-some-forests-will-win-and-some-will-lose/ Pope, Orthodox leader make climate change appeal to 'heal wounded creation' Pope Francis and Orthodox Christian leader Patriarch Bartholomew called on Friday for a collective response from world leaders to climate change, saying the planet was deteriorating and vulnerable people were the first to be affected. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-climatechange/pope-orthodox-leader-make-climate-change-appeal-to-heal-wounded-creation-idUSKCN1BC43O Report: NY school board members support teaching climate change Seventy percent of school board members statewide support teaching the subject of climate change in public schools, according to a new survey.But the state School Boards Association warned that what children are currently being taught on the subject might be too dependent on a teacher's own views. http://www.timesunion.com/7day-state/article/Report-NY-school-board-members-support-teaching-12164361.php Car scrappage schemes 2017 – Ford, VW, BMW, Hyundai, Vauxhall and Mercedes diesel trade-in deals explained CAR manufacturers are taking matters into their own hands and offering scrappage schemes to encourage diesel motor owners to swap for a cleaner vehicle. If you own an older car you can cash in on one of the discounts offered by several companies – here’s all you need to know. https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/4363047/car-scrappage-schemes-2017-ford-vw-bmw-hyundai-vauxhall-mercedes-diesel/ VW VW plots return to relevance in U.S. following diesel scandal Volkswagen is rolling out its plan for reselling most of the cars involved in the German automaker's diesel emissions cheating scandal. Volkswagen brand head Herbert Diess told reporters after a board meeting at Volkswagen's lone U.S. plant in Tennessee … http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-volkswagen-emissions-scandal-20170901-story.html http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/01/vw-plots-return-to-relevance-in-us-following-diesel-scandal/ https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-09-01/vw-plots-return-to-relevance-in-us-following-diesel-scandal Phones for VW Lawyer, Emissions Tester Were Lost or Wiped Clean Volkswagen AG’s top U.S. lawyer and the leader of its emissions-testing lab in California are among the employees whose mobile devices were either lost or erased as the company’s diesel cheating scandal emerged, according to court records made public on Thursday. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-31/phones-for-vw-lawyer-emissions-tester-were-lost-or-wiped-clean Volkswagen offers UK drivers up to £7,000 to scrap diesel cars Volkswagen will pay British drivers up to £7,000 to scrap older diesel cars and switch to newer models as the German carmaker follows rivals in moving to calm political pressure over air pollution and boost sales of other vehicles. https://www.ft.com/content/7fa6cd04-8e68-11e7-a352-e46f43c5825d German court rejects compensation for VW diesel owners A German court in Braunschweig, Germany, said on Thursday it had rejected a case seeking compensation for German owners of diesel Volkswagen passenger cars. The case was brought by consumer rights group myRight and U.S. law firm Hausfeld. https://www.autoblog.com/2017/08/31/german-court-rejects-compensation-vw-volkswagen-diesel-own/ CA should use VW mitigation funds for cleaner diesel trucks to cut NOx: diesel lobbying group California is set to receive a lump sum of funds from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust following its diesel emission scandal. With $423 million at the state's discretion, groups are lobbying hard to ensure the funds are used to have an immediate and positive impact on the environment and air quality. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112415_ca-should-use-vw-mitigation-funds-for-cleaner-diesel-trucks-to-cut-nox-diesel-lobbying-group Colorado has a plan for spending $68.7 million from the VW settlement The state of Colorado has come up with a plan for spending the $68.7 million it’s set to receive as part of Volkswagen’s settlement of its emissions cheating scandal. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/30/colorado-vw-settlement-spending/ FUELS Purdue study shows biodiesel benefits undervalued for years A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent. http://biodieselmagazine.com/articles/2516132/purdue-study-shows-biodiesel-benefits-undervalued-for-years VEHICLES and MOTORCYCLES Funding for $3-billion electric car rebate bill is up in the air The California state Legislature will decide Friday whether to go forward with a $3-billion plan to increase electric vehicle rebates far beyond the current rate of $2,500 per car, even as the source of funding remains in question. http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-ev-rebate-bill-20170830-story.html Electric cars may get a charge from Sacramento “By means of electricity, the world of matter has become a great nerve, vibrating thousands of miles in a breathless point of time?” –19th century author Nathanial Hawthorne “Stick with redheads, my boy, they’re full of electricity!” – 20th century roustabout W.C. Fields http://www.sonomanews.com/opinion/7367993-181/jason-walsh-electric-cars-may 2018 BMW S1000RR Will Not Have Changes Shows CARB Filings A revamped S1000RR was snapped several times undergoing tests, suggesting huge upgrades. Sorry to burst the bubble, but as per latest filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the emission figures of the new BMW S1000RR are the same as the 2017 model. Yes, you guessed it right, no updates with the engine. Read more at: https://www.drivespark.com/two-wheelers/2017/no-new-bmw-s1000rr-for-2018-023505.html CLEAN ENERGY Sonoma, Marin clean energy suppliers add solar, biogas Sonoma Clean Power is adding solar power to its wind and geothermal stable of energy sources, and MCE (Marin Clean Energy) will be ushering in a landfill gas-to-energy plant late in September. SCP broke ground on Thursday on its first solar facility that will generate 2 megawatts of solar energy facility-- enough electricity to power 600 homes. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/sonomacounty/7367468-181/sonoma-marin-clean-energy-suppliers?artslide=0 MISCELLANEOUS Harvey Wasn’t Just Bad Weather. It Was Bad City Planning Houston has been wet since birth. In the 1840s, the German explorer Ferdinand von Roemer described the Brazos River prairie just outside the young town as an “endless swamp” that mired the wheels of his wagons. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-08-31/a-hard-rain-and-a-hard-lesson-for-houston Research: Climate impacts of land use are underestimated When it comes to tackling climate change, the focus often falls on reducing the use of fossil fuels and developing sustainable energy sources. But a new Cornell-led study shows that deforestation and subsequent use of lands for agriculture or pasture, especially in tropical regions, contribute more to climate change than previously thought. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/07/research-climate-impacts-land-use-are-underestimated OPINIONS What would it take to persuade you to buy an electric car? Even with up to $10,000 in federal and state incentives, only 4% of car buyers in California chose electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles last year. That’s a huge problem in a state with rising greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, and with a goal to more than quadruple the number of zero-emissions vehicles on the road by 2025. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-electric-car-rebates-201708901-story.html Harvey has your eyes this week, but climate change needs your action There is immediate human drama playing out in the Gulf Coast. Most of us can relate to the tragedies and struggles of people in that area of the country, and we feel for them. http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/harvey-has-your-eyes-this-week-but-climate-change-needs-your-emaction-em/ Climate change juiced Hurricane Harvey Even as floodwaters raged this week in Texas and Louisiana, so did the debate over the possible link between Hurricane Harvey and man-made climate change. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/08/30/climate-change-juiced-hurricane-harvey-editorials-debates/105130334/ BLOGS Climate Change Is About To Make Gentrification Even Worse The national tragedy that is Hurricane Harvey brings attention to the often overlooked but very human cost of climate change that increasingly affects the lives of many Americans -- climate gentrification. https://impact.vice.com/en_us/article/7xxqea/climate-change-is-about-to-make-gentrification-even-worse Understanding San Diego’s Path to 100% Renewable Energy Two years ago, San Diego took the national spotlight for its commitment to source 100% renewable energy by 2035. The city is now poised to make decisions that chart the path towards this bold goal. http://energycenter.org/blog/understanding-san-diegos-path-100-renewable-energy ====================================================================== 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 Sep 2017 13:25:00 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for September 5, 2017 From: dchelini@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. CARB Business: Staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) invites you to participate in a webinar on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 to discuss the South Coast Incentive Measure. The webinar will be conducted by CARB staff to discuss the concept of an incentive measure for on-road heavy-duty vehicles operating in the South Coast Air Basin. The webinar will be casted from this link: https://global.gotowebinar.com/join/6641329892664621570/910670298 The webpage and hearing notice is available at this link: https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/imp2016sip/imp2016sip.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff invites you to participate in the Refinery Investment Credit Pilot Program (RICPP) workshop to discuss potential amendments to the RICPP under LCFS to make credit calculations simpler and workable for a wide-range of refinery investment projects. The RICPP is designed to encourage GHG reduction projects at refineries. The RICPP provides credits for GHG reductions at refineries. The workshop will be held at the following time and location: Date: Thursday, September 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor Address: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building 1001 "I" Street Sacramento, California 95814 Staff presentation and a staff discussion paper will be posted before the workshop here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in community meetings to discuss concepts to control pollution from large freight facilities including seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. CARB staff are co-hosting the following meetings to talk with residents living in communities near seaports, railyards, warehouses, and distribution centers about regulatory actions already underway and the development of new concepts to reduce the air pollution and health impacts from freight. Community Meetings will be held at the locations and dates shown below. The meetings will begin with a brief welcome and overview of the issues at hand, then convene with multiple breakout sessions where participants can gather in smaller groups to discuss their views and raise questions with CARB staff. SAN JOAQUIN Monday, September 18, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) David Head Center 10300 San Diego Street, Lamont, CA 93241 LONG BEACH Tuesday, September 19, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Long Beach Main Library 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822 INLAND EMPIRE Wednesday, September 20, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336 OAKLAND Monday, September 25, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) West Oakland Senior Center 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland, CA 94607 SAN DIEGO Location and date TBD For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm. ______________________________________________________________________ AIR POLLUTION Study: Light Rail Commuters Exposed to Lowest Pollution Levels The mode of travel you take on your daily work commute can make a big difference in your exposure to air pollution, a new study finds. The study, “Commuter exposure to PM2.5, BC, and UFP in six common transport micro-environments in Sacramento, California,” conducted by researchers at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), was published recently in Atmospheric Environment, a prestigious scientific journal in the field of air pollution. https://scvnews.com/2017/08/31/study-light-rail-commuters-exposed-to-lowest-pollution-levels/ Map shows which SF neighborhoods are hit hardest by air pollution Black dust cakes the poplar trees in South Park, the San Francisco waterfront neighborhood at the western end of the Bay Bridge. The soot piles up on stairwells and speckles window blinds. It stains the surfaces of magnolia branches. It covers the leaves that fall into nearby Alice Street Community Gardens, where low-income seniors tend vegetable plots. http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Map-shows-which-SF-neighborhoods-are-hit-hardest-12172473.php Federal judge orders EPA to act on Delaware air pollution A federal judge on Friday ordered The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take action within 90 days on a Delaware plan to reduce ozone-causing air pollution. The order came as Judge Phyllis Hamilton denied EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s motion for relief from a consent decree, which had mandated the EPA either approve or reject Delaware’s plan to use “reasonably available technologies to control major sources” of ozone pollution by Sept. 29. http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2017/09/04/judge-orders-epa-delaware/631101001/ Air Quality Alert Issued Due To California Fires Smoke from wildfires in the southern Sierra has prompted an air quality alert that remains in effect until Tuesday, September 5 at 11 a.m. Tuolumne, Mariposa and San Joaquin Valley air pollution control districts issued the alert Monday. Affected counties include Mariposa, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern. http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/09/04/fire-air-quality-california/ VIDEO: How you can help reduce air pollution Smog, haze, pollution -- it's bad for you, your family and the Bay Area. Watch the video above for some ways on how you can help spare the air every day. http://abc7news.com/weather/video-how-you-can-help-reduce-air-pollution/2376369/ CLIMATE CHANGE State Attorney Generals Attack Trump’s EPA Over Clean Power Plan Advice As promised, the left-leaning states are carrying through with their promises to bring about carbon reductions not just in their jurisdictions but also nationally. To that end, the attorney generals in such states as California, Illinois and New York have written EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt letters stating that his advice to states that wish to delay their implementation of the Clean Power Plan is both ill-advised and terribly conflicted. https://www.environmentalleader.com/2017/09/state-attorney-generals-attack-trumps-epa-clean-power-plan-advice/ California Today: Is This What Climate Change Looks Like? It was a wild weather weekend in California. In Los Angeles, firefighters battled a blaze that swept through 11 square miles in the Verdugo Mountains. It burned four homes, forced hundreds of residents to flee and prompted an emergency declaration from the governor. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/us/california-today-is-this-what-climate-change-looks-like.html Those 3% of scientific papers that deny climate change? A review found them all flawed It’s often said that of all the published scientific research on climate change, 97% of the papers conclude that global warming is real, problematic for the planet, and has been exacerbated by human activity. But what about those 3% of papers that reach contrary conclusions? Some skeptics have suggested that the authors of studies indicating that climate change is not real, not harmful, or not man-made are bravely standing up for the truth, like maverick thinkers of the past. (Galileo is often invoked, though his fellow scientists mostly agreed with his conclusions—it was church leaders who tried to suppress them.) https://qz.com/1069298/the-3-of-scientific-papers-that-deny-climate-change-are-all-flawed/ Climate Action Won’t Happen Unless the Private and Public Sectors Work Together, Fast The cost of electric vehicles (EVs) will fall to match those running on combustion engines by 2022, a key trigger that will mean by 2035 half of all passenger vehicles sold globally will be electric, according to the head of a top energy consultancy. But this expected exponential rise in cleaner vehicles, coupled with booming renewable energy production, will not be enough to meet the Paris Agreementgoal of limiting climate warming, Ditlev Engel, chief executive of DNV GL's energy consulting business, told Reuters in an interview. http://fortune.com/2017/09/04/climate-action-private-public/ Electric cars and renewables not enough to meet Paris climate goal: consultant The cost of electric vehicles (EVs) will fall to match those running on combustion engines by 2022, a key trigger that will mean by 2035 half of all passenger vehicles sold globally will be electric, according to the head of a top energy consultancy. But this expected exponential rise in cleaner vehicles, coupled with booming renewable energy production, will not be enough to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting climate warming, Ditlev Engel, chief executive of DNV GL’s energy consulting business, told Reuters in an interview. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-energy-outlook-dnvgl/electric-cars-and-renewables-not-enough-to-meet-paris-climate-goal-consultant-idUSKCN1BF2HM DIESEL EMISSIONS Germany’s Merkel, Vulnerable on Diesel Emissions, Moves to Address Issue Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany has been hailed as the “climate chancellor” for her efforts to help the country shift toward renewable energy. But she has faced criticism from consumers angered by her refusal to come down harder on German automakers over a widening diesel emissions scandal. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/04/business/germany-merkel-diesel.html VEHICLES and MOTORCYCLES Diesel cars will never be fully replaced by electric vehicles, says man who exposed VW emissions scandal What is the market leader in equipment for measuring car emissions to do if the vehicles of the future don’t spew exhaust? Japan’s Horiba, whose gear was central in exposing Volkswagen’s diesel-cheating scandal, believes that day will never come. Electric vehicles won’t ever make up more than a third of cars worldwide, says chief executive Atsushi Horiba, because it’s just not feasible to build the scale of infrastructure to enable battery-powered cars. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diesel-cars-never-extinct-electric-vehicles-volkswagen-emissions-scandal-atsushi-horiba-vw-a7930031.html Toyota chairman: Battery technology must evolve before widespread electric vehicle adoption Despite the buzz around electric vehicles, the chairman of Japanese car maker Toyota is skeptical that consumers will embrace such cars immediately, given current limitations in battery technology. The remarks by Takeshi Uchiyamada, told to CNBC in an exclusive interview, mark a departure from the sentiment of several players in an industry that's trying to shift quickly to more "green" technology. Volvo, for instance, says that all new models launched from 2019 will be fully electric or hybrids. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/05/toyota-chairman-uchiyamada-electric-vehicles-will-come-but-no-rapid-shift.html So You Want To Buy An Electric Car? It Requires Some Planning Over the last few years, many of my colleagues have asked me questions about cars. Recently at NPR West in Culver City, Calif., we got two electric chargers. When my colleague Melissa Kuypers said she wanted an electric car, I thought: perfect guinea pig for a little test. "I drive by myself 13 miles each way. I don't care about performance. I sit in a lot of traffic," says Kuypers, the mother of a toddler. Her family also has another car that can serve as primary vehicle. And since NPR recently installed an electric charging station, Melissa would have a place to charge a car. http://www.npr.org/2017/09/04/545593956/so-you-want-to-buy-an-electric-car-it-requires-some-planning CLEAN ENERGY How States Will Hit 100 Percent Clean Energy California Democratic leaders want their state to commit to a future of 100 percent renewable electricity, a goal approved so far by only one U.S. state—Hawaii. Top officials in both places hope their policies will serve as a model for others as the Trump administration rejects actions on climate change. California and Hawaii offer very different models for committing their power sectors to clean electricity. They differ on everything from mandate deadlines to what's considered renewable. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-states-will-hit-100-percent-clean-energy/ Renewables helping secure electricity but undersupply risk in short term, report says Australia’s Energy Market Operator says the introduction of more renewable energy is helping secure Australia’s electricity grid but that “new approaches” will be needed to avoid blackouts in coming years. The report comes as the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, confirms the government is seeking to extend the life of Australia’s oldest coal power plant, Liddell, and is in talks with owners AGL. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/05/renewables-helping-secure-electricity-but-undersupply-risk-in-short-term-report-says Report: Oil fading as an energy source because of electric vehicles The global demand for oil will peak within the next five years, driven largely by the increased market presence of electric vehicles, a top energy consultancy said. DNV GL, a Norwegian company providing risk management advice, said in an energy transition outlook that global demand for energy in general will level off by 2030 and then move lower as efficiency improves. For oil, demand peaks in 2022 because of the rise in the use of electric vehicles, though energy trends might not be enough to stave off the impacts of climate change. https://www.upi.com/Report-Oil-fading-as-an-energy-source-because-of-electric-vehicles/7181504607007/ Santa Fe joins the movement of US cities committing to 100% renewable energy Last week, Santa Fe’s City Council adopted Mayor Javier Gonzales’ resolution to develop a feasibility study on how the city can meet the 100 percent renewable electricity goal by 2025. The City Council directed City Manager Brian Snyde to manage the development of the report, and he will be responsible to present the findings in ninety days. http://www.climateactionprogramme.org/news/santa-fe-joins-the-movement-of-us-cities-committing-to-100-renewable-energy Egyptian renewable energy projects get $210 million boost The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced as much as $210 million in debt financing in order to "tap" the renewable energy potential of Egypt. In a statement on Tuesday, the Beijing headquartered AIIB said the project would comprise 11 solar power plants with an "aggregate" capacity of 490 megawatts and would help the country to meet its pledges under the Paris Climate Agreement. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/05/egypt-renewable-energy-projects-get-210-million-boost.html Germany Needs to Halve Coal-Fired Capacity by 2030-Deputy Economy MinisterGermany would have to shut 25 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity, equivalent to about half its current total, by 2030 to meet carbon-cutting targets agreed under the Paris climate deal, Deputy Economy Minister Rainer Baake said on Tuesday. Baake told an energy conference in Munich that the measures would have to be worked out by the incoming government after this month's general election. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/09/05/business/05reuters-germany-energy-emissions.html MISCELLANEOUS Hawthorne Cat to Host California Air Resources Board Training Course Hawthorne Cat, the exclusive Cat® equipment dealer in San Diego, the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Region, will host a training course sponsored by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The free course will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at the Hawthorne Cat Corporate Training Center located at 16945 Camino San Bernardo, San Diego, CA from 8:30 am – 11:30 am. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/09/prweb14653233.htm BLOGS Look Around: The Costs of Not Acting on Climate Are Adding Up Fast As Houston begins a recovery from Hurricane Harvey that is likely to last several years and cost many billions of dollars, the threat of extreme weather events around the country and the globe are illustrating the impact of climate change—and the damage being done by right-wing politicians including President Donald Trump who have refused to heed repeated warnings from scientists and other experts. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/09/04/look-around-costs-not-acting-climate-are-adding-fast Can business save the world from climate change? "We are still in." On June 5, with these four words a group of U.S. businesses and investors with a combined annual revenue of $1.4 trillion sent a powerful message to the world: U.S. President Donald Trump may have withdrawn from the Paris agreement on climate change four days earlier, but corporate America was not following suit. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/can-business-save-world-climate-change 5 Ways to Take 100% Renewable Energy From Dream to Mainstream At the Intersolar conference in San Francisco this year, I opened a presentation on new solar and storage business models by highlighting recent milestones for the industry: The United States now has an impressive 44.7 gigawatts of operating solar systems, solar became the No. 1 source of new electricity in 2016, and in April 2017, for the first time ever, solar energy generation out-produced nuclear. I invited the audience to pat themselves on the back. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/5-ways-100-renewable-energy-dream-mainstream ====================================================================== 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 Sep 2017 17:36:44 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for September 6, 2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB Business: Staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) invites you to participate in a webinar on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 to discuss the South Coast Incentive Measure. The webinar will be conducted by CARB staff to discuss the concept of an incentive measure for on-road heavy-duty vehicles operating in the South Coast Air Basin. The webinar will be casted from this link: https://global.gotowebinar.com/join/6641329892664621570/910670298 The webpage and hearing notice is available at this link: https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/imp2016sip/imp2016sip.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff invites you to participate in the Refinery Investment Credit Pilot Program (RICPP) workshop to discuss potential amendments to the RICPP under LCFS to make credit calculations simpler and workable for a wide-range of refinery investment projects. The RICPP is designed to encourage GHG reduction projects at refineries. The RICPP provides credits for GHG reductions at refineries. The workshop will be held at the following time and location: Date: Thursday, September 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor Address: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building 1001 "I" Street Sacramento, California 95814 Staff presentation and a staff discussion paper will be posted before the workshop here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in community meetings to discuss concepts to control pollution from large freight facilities including seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. CARB staff are co-hosting the following meetings to talk with residents living in communities near seaports, railyards, warehouses, and distribution centers about regulatory actions already underway and the development of new concepts to reduce the air pollution and health impacts from freight. Community Meetings will be held at the locations and dates shown below. The meetings will begin with a brief welcome and overview of the issues at hand, then convene with multiple breakout sessions where participants can gather in smaller groups to discuss their views and raise questions with CARB staff. SAN JOAQUIN Monday, September 18, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) David Head Center 10300 San Diego Street, Lamont, CA 93241 LONG BEACH Tuesday, September 19, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Long Beach Main Library 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822 INLAND EMPIRE Wednesday, September 20, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336 OAKLAND Monday, September 25, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) West Oakland Senior Center 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland, CA 94607 SAN DIEGO Location and date TBD For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm. ______________________________________________________________________ AIR POLLUTION Merkel doubles funding to help German cities fight air pollution Angela Merkel has pledged a further €500m to help German cities fight air pollution caused by diesel cars, as a scandal strangling the automobile industry threatened to engulf politicians at the height of an election campaign. https://www.euractiv.com/section/air-pollution/news/merkel-doubles-funding-to-help-german-cities-fight-air-pollution/ CLIMATE CHANGE Irma, Harvey reveal ‘massive national security risks’. Even as emergency management officials in Texas scramble to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, they acknowledge that they were unprepared for the scope and strength of the storm, which was made more severe by the effects of climate change. The widespread destruction in Houston shows that the changing climate is a direct threat to our citizens' security right here at home. Hurricane Irma gaining strength in the Caribbean and threatening Florida and Puerto Rico is further worrying officials and emergency responders. It's clear that we need to think bigger and act now. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/05/irma-harvey-reveal-massive-national-security-risks-commentary.html Record-Strength Hurricane Points Toward Florida. Hurricane Irma has a high-profile target in its potentially deadly path as it races toward the Florida coastline: President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. Irma is the second-strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, and the National Hurricane Center is warning that its projected track toward a U.S. landfall on Sunday is “potentially catastrophic.” As of 5 a.m. today, the storm was bearing down on the Leeward Islands and is expected to engulf the northern Virgin Islands later today. It could skim Puerto Rico this afternoon or tonight, passing just north of the island. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/record-strength-hurricane-points-toward-florida/ First Harvey, Then Irma and Jose. Why? It’s the Season. First came Hurricane Harvey, which barreled into Texas on Aug. 25. Now Irma, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, is battering the Caribbean and has Florida in its sights. Jose, currently a tropical storm, trails behind in the mid-Atlantic. And early Wednesday, a coalescing weather system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico became tropical storm Katia — the fourth named storm in two weeks. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/climate/storms-harvey-irma-jose.html Trump's NASA pick wants men on moon, has expressed climate change skepticism. President Donald Trump recently announced his pick for NASA administrator: Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., a former pilot whose goals for our solar system include installing humans on the moon and cleaning up space junk. He also has expressed skepticism about human-caused climate change. NASA has lacked a permanent administrator since January. The previous one, former astronaut and retired Marine Corps aviator Charles Bolden, resigned the day that Trump took office. NASA's associate administrator, Robert Lightfoot Jr., stepped in as the temporary head of the agency. Lightfoot holds the record for longest tenure as an acting NASA administrator. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-nasa-climate-skeptic-20170905-story.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jim-bridenstine-trump-nasa-pick-climate-change_us_59ae5ea8e4b0b5e531007b3a Harvey caused a chemical plant explosion. Is that the next face of climate change? Among Hurricane Harvey’s devastating effects were environmental accidents. In Crosby, Tex., for example, a chemical plant lost electrical power, leading to a massive fire. While media reports have understandably focused on the flooding, these accidents reveal a new consequence of climate change — some of which will prompt fierce political fights over who should pay for the cleanup. With Hurricane Irma barreling down on Florida, more such fights seem likely. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/09/06/harvey-caused-a-chemical-plant-explosion-is-that-the-next-face-of-climate-change/?utm_term=.2127bdb08d63 Panel on climate change opens session in Montreal to map out future reports. Against the backdrop of extreme weather worldwide, a United Nations body that vets climate change science began meeting in Montreal on Wednesday to shape its next set of reports to help guide policy-makers. The 46th session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change runs until Sunday and on the agenda are various reports in the works, including the outline for a sixth assessment report due out in 2022. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/09/06/panel-on-climate-change-opens-session-in-montreal-to-map-out-future-reports.html 'We're trying to go all in': Chocolate giant Mars pledges $1 billion to fight climate change. The chocolate giant Mars is promising to spend close to $1 billion over the next few years fighting climate change. The $35 billion food giant behind brands like M&Ms, Skittles, and Twix on Wednesday launched its "Sustainability in a Generation" plan, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of its business and supply chain by more than 60% by 2050. http://www.businessinsider.com/mars-climate-change-investment-global-warming-sustainability-plan-greenhouse-gas-2017-9?r=US&IR=T A meteorologist says climate change will make it more expensive to fly – and it's all because of turbulence. Climate change could make flying more expensive in the future and it's all down to increased turbulence, according to Paul Williams, a Professor of Atmospheric Science in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. He said: "Invisible turbulence in the atmosphere is generated by what atmospheric scientists call a wind shear. It means that the higher up you go, the stronger winds blow. http://www.businessinsider.com/meteorologist-climate-change-flying-expensive-technology-science-environment-aviation-planes-2017-9 Climate change could wipe out a third of parasite species, study finds. Climate change could wipe out a third of all parasite species on Earth, according to the most comprehensive analysis to date. Tapeworms, roundworms, ticks, lice and fleas are feared for the diseases they cause or carry, but scientists warn that they also play a vital role in ecosystems. Major extinctions among parasites could lead to unpredictable invasions of surviving parasites into new areas, affecting wildlife and humans and making a “significant contribution” to the sixth mass extinction already under way on Earth. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/06/climate-change-could-wipe-out-a-third-of-parasite-species-study-finds To guard against climate change, Los Angeles is painting its streets white. Labor Day weekend delivered record-breaking temperatures to California as a heat wave swept the state, fanning the flames of the largest wildfire Los Angeles has seen in decades. The unusually warm weather bears the mark of climate change, which is fueling record heat around the globe. While politicians elsewhere waffle on climate change, officials in Los Angeles are tackling the problem head on with a radical plan to lower the temperature of the city. Mayor Eric Garcetti intends to cut the average temperature in LA by 3 degrees F over the next two decades. As part of that effort, LA streets are getting a new coat of paint. http://www.popsci.com/la-is-painting-its-streets-white-to-keep-city-cool VW Lower Saxony Premier Candidate Calls for Outsider as Next Volkswagen Boss Someone from outside the auto industry should succeed Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller, the man expected to lead the German state which is the carmaker's second-biggest shareholder told Reuters on Wednesday. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/09/06/business/06reuters-volkswagen-emissions-ceo.html DIESEL EMISSIONS CA legislators propose $1 billion to remove dirtiest diesel trucks. The state of California has officially launched its legislative push for stricter heavy-duty truck and bus emission regulations. Following calls for the state to use its recently-extended carbon cap-and-trade program to fund updates to fleets of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles, four state senators have stepped forward with an official proposal. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112492_ca-legislators-propose-1-billion-to-remove-dirtiest-diesel-trucks VEHICLES and MOTORCYCLES Diesel cars will never be fully replaced by electric vehicles, says man who exposed VW emissions scandal What is the market leader in equipment for measuring car emissions to do if the vehicles of the future don’t spew exhaust? Japan’s Horiba, whose gear was central in exposing Volkswagen’s diesel-cheating scandal, believes that day will never come. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diesel-cars-never-extinct-electric-vehicles-volkswagen-emissions-scandal-atsushi-horiba-vw-a7930031.html FUELS Trump administration, states headed for showdown over fuel rules. The Trump administration and major U.S. states appear to be headed for a showdown over landmark rules aimed at doubling the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in the United States. At an Environmental Protection Agency public hearing on Wednesday on the fuel rules in Washington, California air resources board official Annette Hebert warned that the state could withdraw from a nationwide vehicle emissions program if the EPA weakens the regulations or ignores the technical record. New York state also urged the administration not to weaken the rules. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-autos-epa/trump-administration-states-headed-for-showdown-over-fuel-rules-idUSKCN1BH28I http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press-release/fuel-efficiency-benefits-hearing#.WbCSV8iGN7w CLEAN ENERGY How States Will Hit 100 Percent Clean Energy California Democratic leaders want their state to commit to a future of 100 percent renewable electricity, a goal approved so far by only one U.S. state—Hawaii. Top officials in both places hope their policies will serve as a model for others as the Trump administration rejects actions on climate change. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-states-will-hit-100-percent-clean-energy/ MISCELLANEOUS Maine Center to Study Climate Change Impact on Cod, Haddock. The federal government is giving a Maine science center more than $1 million to investigate the impacts of climate change on important commercial fish species such as cod and haddock. Gulf of Maine Research Institute says it's getting $1.1 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Portland-based center says researchers will also try to learn more about how fisheries management can be improved in the era of climate change. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/maine/articles/2017-09-06/maine-center-to-study-impact-of-climate-change-on-cod-sole OPINION Can ‘cli-fi’ actually make a difference? A climate scientist’s perspective. Climate change - or global warming - is a term we are all familiar with. The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the consumption of fossil fuels by human activity was predicted in the 19th century. It can be seen in the increase in global temperature from the industrial revolution onwards, and has been a central political issue for decades. Climate scientists who moonlight as communicators tend to bombard their audiences with facts and figures - to convince them how rapidly our planet is warming - and scientific evidence demonstrating why we are to blame. http://theconversation.com/can-cli-fi-actually-make-a-difference-a-climate-scientists-perspective-83033 Climate, Power, Money and Sorrow: Lessons Of Hurricane Harvey I get a lot of "climate" hate mail. Whenever I write a piece on global warming, someone will email to call me a "lie-bra-tard," or something similar, and tell me I should be in jail. Sometimes I try to engage these folks and see if they might be interested in how the science of climate change works and what it has to tell us. http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2017/09/06/548658019/climate-power-money-and-sorrow-lessons-of-hurricane-harvey BLOGS They come hat in hand for California’s ‘green’ money. It should come as no surprise that when the California Legislature recently began the process of divvying up proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions, a cavalcade of local officials, community activists and lobbyists rushed to Sacramento, with hands out. Billions of dollars burning a hole in the state’s pocket has that effect on people, and the competition is fierce. Appeals from advocates to fund pet projects were spread over two days in late August, in windowless rooms before sometimes distracted officials. The requests are for cash for electric vehicles, to create green spaces, even for machines to cut pollution from cow manure. https://calmatters.org/articles/come-hat-hand-californias-green-money/ ====================================================================== 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 Sep 2017 15:59:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for September 7 & 8,2017 From: pbrown@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. CARB Business: Staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) invites you to participate in a webinar on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 to discuss the South Coast Incentive Measure. The webinar will be conducted by CARB staff to discuss the concept of an incentive measure for on-road heavy-duty vehicles operating in the South Coast Air Basin. The webinar will be casted from this link: https://global.gotowebinar.com/join/6641329892664621570/910670298 The webpage and hearing notice is available at this link: https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/imp2016sip/imp2016sip.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff invites you to participate in the Refinery Investment Credit Pilot Program (RICPP) workshop to discuss potential amendments to the RICPP under LCFS to make credit calculations simpler and workable for a wide-range of refinery investment projects. The RICPP is designed to encourage GHG reduction projects at refineries. The RICPP provides credits for GHG reductions at refineries. The workshop will be held at the following time and location: Date: Thursday, September 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Coastal Hearing Room, Second Floor Address: Cal/EPA Headquarters Building 1001 "I" Street Sacramento, California 95814 Staff presentation and a staff discussion paper will be posted before the workshop here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/lcfs_meetings/lcfs_meetings.htm The California Air Resources Board (CARB) invites you to participate in community meetings to discuss concepts to control pollution from large freight facilities including seaports, railyards, and warehouses/distribution centers. CARB staff are co-hosting the following meetings to talk with residents living in communities near seaports, railyards, warehouses, and distribution centers about regulatory actions already underway and the development of new concepts to reduce the air pollution and health impacts from freight. Community Meetings will be held at the locations and dates shown below. The meetings will begin with a brief welcome and overview of the issues at hand, then convene with multiple breakout sessions where participants can gather in smaller groups to discuss their views and raise questions with CARB staff. SAN JOAQUIN Monday, September 18, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) David Head Center 10300 San Diego Street, Lamont, CA 93241 LONG BEACH Tuesday, September 19, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Long Beach Main Library 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822 INLAND EMPIRE Wednesday, September 20, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336 OAKLAND Monday, September 25, 2017, (6:00 – 8:00 pm) West Oakland Senior Center 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland, CA 94607 SAN DIEGO Location and date TBD For more information on this workshop, please see the meeting notice at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/sfti/FreightFacility.htm. ______________________________________________________________________ AIR POLLUTION Dutch judge orders government to do more on air pollution A Dutch judge on Thursday ordered the government to do more to rein in air pollution, a victory for activists who filed a civil case seeking measures to ensure cleaner air. According to a written summary of the decision, the civil judge in The Hague ordered the government to draw up a plan to ensure that Dutch air quality meets European Union standards "in the shortest possible time." A Cheap, Accurate Machine-Learning Microscope Could Help Cut Air Pollution Researchers from UCLA have created a mobile device called c-Air that measures air quality in a cost-effective way. The device uses a mobile microscope connected to a smartphone and a machine-learning algorithm to analyze and determine the size and concentration of pollutants it detects in the air. https://futurism.com/a-cheap-accurate-machine-learning-microscope-could-help-cut-air-pollution/ Experts: Much of Harvey-Related Air Pollution was Preventable Huge releases of hazardous air pollutants during Hurricane Harvey could’ve been prevented if companies had simply shut down their plants ahead of time or used more advanced emission controls, experts say. https://www.texasobserver.org/early-shut-downs-upgrades-could-have-avoided-millions-of-pounds-of-pollutants-released-during-harvey/ Air pollution takes a toll on solar energy Air pollution is a drag for renewable energy. Dust and other sky-darkening air pollutants slash solar energy production by 17 to 25 percent across parts of India, China and the Arabian Peninsula, a new study estimates. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/air-pollution-takes-toll-solar-energy The air in your home is more polluted than you think. Here's how to test and clean it. Most people don't think much about indoor air quality, but they should. It can be a matter of sickness or health – or at least comfort or discomfort. "I think people are interested, but on the other hand, they don’t do these little tasks to keep their own air clean," said Mary Farrell, a senior editor at Consumer Reports, which has conducted testing of air purification systems. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2017/09/07/indoor-air-quality-test-and-clean-home/525934001/?cookies=&from=global First measurements of iodine in the Arctic reveal questions about air pollution. New measurements of molecular iodine in the Arctic show that even a tiny amount of the element can deplete ozone in the lower atmosphere. This is surprising because iodine is so scarce in the Arctic snowpack compared to its close relatives and known ozone-killers, chlorine and bromine. Less than one part per trillion of iodine is enough to have a significant effect on ozone concentration in the lower atmosphere, according to a study published Sept. 5 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://phys.org/news/2017-09-iodine-arctic-reveal-air-pollution.html Dutch judge orders government to do more on air pollution. A Dutch judge on Thursday ordered the government to do more to rein in air pollution, a victory for activists who filed a civil case seeking measures to ensure cleaner air. According to a written summary of the decision, the civil judge in The Hague ordered the government to draw up a plan to ensure that Dutch air quality meets European Union standards "in the shortest possible time." The ruling also banned the government from taking any measures that could lead to new breaches of air quality guidelines. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_NETHERLANDS_CLEAN_AIR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/dutch-judge-orders-government-air-pollution-49677772 CAP & TRADE Quebec proposes carbon caps through 2030 The Quebec-California carbon market, which began 2017 on shaky ground, appears ready to close it with solid gains and an eye focussed on a clear future. Quebec has just released its proposed annual caps for regulated industries for the period 2021 to 2030... http://www.ecolog.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?aid=1004037098&PC=EN&issue=09082017 CLIMATE CHANGE EIA urges CARB to fund refrigerant incentives The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a Washington, D.C.-based NGO, is pushing California to fund a low-GWP refrigerant incentives program that was proposed but not adopted last year. http://www.r744.com/articles/7829/eia_urges_carb_to_fund_refrigerant_incentives Hurricanes Are Sweeping The Atlantic. What's The Role Of Climate Change? Hurricane Irma is hovering somewhere between being the most- and second-most powerful hurricane recorded in the Atlantic. It follows Harvey, which dumped trillions of gallons of water on South Texas. And now, Hurricane Jose is falling into step behind Irma, and gathering strength. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/08/549280066/hurricanes-are-sweeping-the-atlantic-whats-the-role-of-climate-change France's Macron calls for efforts to tackle climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official visit to Greece on Thursday with a call for concerted efforts to tackle climate change, after Hurricane Irma slammed into the northern Caribbean with deadly force. Irma, the strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record, has affected French, British and Dutch Caribbean territories. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_GREECE_FRANCE_MACRON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Related articles: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/frances-macron-calls-efforts-tackle-climate-change-49676951 What caused Hurricane Irma? Did climate change cause this Category 5 tropical storm? Hurricane Irma, like Hurricane Harvey, was not caused by climate change. But the horrifying destruction it has sent across the Atlantic might have been. Scientists say that asking whether global warming was the reason for the extreme weather is the wrong question. Instead, we should be focusing on how global warming has helped turn the hurricanes into even more destructive forces than they ever would have been before. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/irma-climate-change-what-cause-hurricane-global-warming-caribbean-florida-a7933721.html Big Oil must pay for climate change. Now we can calculate how much. As communities in coastal Texas and Louisiana confront the damage wrought by Hurricane Harvey, Irma, fueled by abnormally warm waters, is barreling into the Caribbean and threatening Puerto Rico and Florida. We know that the costs of both hurricanes will be enormous and that climate change will have made them far larger than they would have been otherwise. How much larger? Careful studies will take time but the evidence that climate change is warming ocean waters, increasing both sea level and the risk of extreme precipitation in these regions is well established. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/07/big-oil-must-pay-for-climate-change-here-is-how-to-calculate-how-much The Energy 202: Why climate change deniers mistrust hurricane forecasts too. This week, one of the most popular radio hosts in the country issued a dire warning about Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm barreling its way through Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Though it could diverge from its predicted path, modeling from meteorologists say the storm will most likely crash into South Florida over the weekend. The ominous warning from conservative fire starter Rush Limbaugh was this: Don't trust those meteorologists. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2017/09/07/the-energy-202-why-climate-change-deniers-mistrust-hurricane-forecasts-too/59b032be30fb04264c2a1d13/?utm_term=.66f693cf55c7 Senate bucks Trump on some climate funding. Senate appropriators will consider a State Department and Foreign Operations spending bill today that would not fund the United Nations' Green Climate Fund, but that appears to leave the door open for other climate-related aid and diplomatic work. The fiscal 2018 bill, which receives a full committee markup today, would allow the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development to move ahead with projects that would have been covered under the now-defunct Global Climate Change Initiative in the Obama years. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/09/07/stories/1060059943 Trevor Noah Says ISIS Could Trick Deniers Into Acknowledging Climate Change. By now, Trevor Noah said, it seems obvious that climate change is causing the catastrophic hurricanes that continue to sweep across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. Fed up with those who deny artificial climate change, he hatched a plan to change their minds. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/arts/television/trevor-noah-climate-change-irma.html PG&E Awards $200,000 in Grants to Support Local Climate Change Resilience Planning. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced the first two recipients of its Better Together Resilient Communities grants – a program created to support local initiatives to build greater climate resilience throughout Northern and Central California. PG&E will award $100,000 each to the University of California, Merced, and the Karuk Tribe of California for projects designed to help communities prevent and prepare for increasing wildfire risk through building healthy and resilient forests and watersheds. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006561/en/PGE-Awards-200000-Grants-Support-Local-Climate DIESEL EMISSIONS CA legislators propose $1 billion to remove dirtiest diesel trucks. The state of California has officially launched its legislative push for stricter heavy-duty truck and bus emission regulations. Following calls for the state to use its recently-extended carbon cap-and-trade program to fund updates to fleets of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles, four state senators have stepped forward with an official proposal. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1112492_ca-legislators-propose-1-billion-to-remove-dirtiest-diesel-trucks SoCal School District Latest to Adopt Electric Buses. Colton Unified School District east of Los Angeles is joining a growing number of student transporters in testing ZEVs as it prepares to employ two Type-C, all-electric school buses from Creative Bus Sales and Starcraft into route service this month. The Starcraft eQuest XL school buses displayed this summer at industry conferences such as the STN EXPO feature all-electric powertrains from Motiv Power Systems, who also provide the electric system for the Trans Tech SSTe Type-A school bus. http://www.stnonline.com/news/latest-news/item/8903-socal-school-district-latest-to-adopt-electric-buses VEHICLES and MOTORCYCLES How Electric Vehicles Are Changing The Auto Landscape. As automakers gather at the Frankfurt Auto Show next Thursday, an unprecedented transformation of the $1.8 trillion auto industry is already underway, whether it has been fully embraced by the industry or not. In addition to the new models and concept cars that will be on display at the show, the proverbial elephant will also be in the room, or convention hall, as you like. At Frankfurt this year, the impending threat of electric vehicles (EVs) to the internal combustion engine (ICE) will be on everyone’s mind. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackperkowski/2017/09/07/how-electric-vehicles-are-changing-the-auto-landscape/#73e866d46f19 BMW joins Jaguar in boosting electric car models. The German luxury carmaker said that by 2025 it plans 12 all-electric models, and 13 hybrid versions. BMW's first electric Mini will be released in 2019. BMW's announcement follows an earlier one from Jaguar Land Rover. JLR said every vehicle line launched from 2020 will have an all-electric or hybrid version, the first of which would be the Jaguar I-Pace, to go on sale in 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41179332 The most beautiful car ever made has gone electric. Car buffs debate everything and usually agree on nothing. But on one matter there is consensus: The Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car ever crafted by human hands on Earth. The elegant, sporty Jag was produced for a surprisingly long time, from 1961 to 1975. Seeing one in the flesh is as showstopping now as it was when Lyndon Johnson was president. No less an authority than Enzo Ferrari pronounced it the best-looking vehicle of all time. http://www.businessinsider.com/jaguar-reveals-electric-e-type-zero-2017-9 An infrastructure for charging electric vehicles takes shape. A NEW phrase, “range anxiety”—the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of power before it reaches a charging-point—entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013. At the time a Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling EV, could travel only 120km between charges. A car with a full tank of fuel will travel 650-800km between refills. A motorist relying on batteries has to find a public charger, a rare sight in 2013, or plug in at home to cover the same distance. Range anxiety has not gone away as EVs have advanced. But the problem now feels much more soluble. https://www.economist.com/news/business/21728671-reliable-network-should-not-prove-insurmountable-roadblock-infrastructure-charging Goldman: How to play the electric vehicle boom. Goldman Sachs predicts electric vehicles will have dramatic implications on the auto industry supply chain during the coming decades. "After more than 100 years, it seems that an auto industry dominated by internal combustion engines is nearing an end," analyst Kota Yuzawa wrote in a note to clients Wednesday entitled "Electric Vehicle Boom: ICE-ing the Combustion Engine." https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/06/goldman-how-to-play-the-electric-vehicle-boom.html Nissan Leaf electric car goes further with one-pedal driving. The new Leaf can travel about 50% further on a single charge than its predecessor, according to the firm. But it still falls short of the ranges offered by other recent electric cars from Tesla and General Motors. Other updates include a new one-pedal driving system, auto-parking tech and a more modern design. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-41170144 FUELS Consequences of drought stress on biofuels. Plant-derived sustainable fuel sources could contribute to near-term U.S. energy security and independence. However, weather conditions could greatly affect crop yields. In this study, researchers examined the effect of weather on biofuel production by comparing switchgrass and corn stover harvested after a year of major drought and after 2 years of normal precipitation. They found that the plants produced more sugar, but the sugar changed during pretreatment and produced toxic compounds rather than the desired fuels. https://phys.org/news/2017-09-consequences-drought-stress-biofuels.html Is This Country About To Revive Biofuels? Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo researchers found the use of ethanol in vehicles reduces pollution by significantly lowering the number of nanoparticles emitted. Levels of ultrafine particulate matter in São Paulo City, Brazil, increased by up to 30 percent at times when ethanol prices rose and its consumption fell. http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Is-This-Country-About-To-Revive-Biofuels.html Renewable Fuel Standard Ready for an Overhaul? Last week, a coalition of environmental groups led by Mighty Earth urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce production mandates for food crop-based biofuels. In recent the years, the EPA has called for incremental boosts in annual biofuel production, including 1.928 trillion gallons this year. The coalition voiced its concerns as the EPA announced the conclusion of a comment period inviting feedback from the business community and the general public. The EPA has proposed a modest 40 million gallon decrease in volume for bio-based transport fuel for 2018. http://www.triplepundit.com/2017/09/renewable-fuel-standard-ready-overhaul/ CLEAN ENERGY Dan Kammen on renewable energy, kids and cars and, yes, I-M-P-E-A-C-H Kammen, who is a professor and chair of the Energy and Resources Group and a professor in the Goldman School of Public Policy at Berkeley, recently talked with Vox.com about his resignation, his not-so-hidden message — and, especially, the state of renewable energy in the United States. http://news.berkeley.edu/story_jump/dan-kammen-on-renewable-energy-kids-and-cars-and-yes-i-m-p-e-a-c-h/ Germany To Help India With Grid Integration Of Renewable Energy India will receive help from one of the leading renewable energy generators in the world for integration of the large number of renewable energy projects the former expects to install over the coming years. https://cleantechnica.com/2017/09/08/germany-help-india-grid-integration-renewable-energy/ Frentz Pushing For Renewable Energy Mandate Now that Minnesota has already reached its goal of 25% renewable energy, some lawmakers want to push it even further. A bipartisan group of legislators want to challenge the energy industry even more, by upping energy creation from 50% renewable sources. http://www.keyc.com/story/36317241/frentz-pushing-for-renewable-energy-mandate http://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/4324521-50-percent-renewable-energy-2030-minnesota-proponents-say Related: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/clean-energy-sector-jobs-illinois-and-missouri-are-rising#stream/0 Wind turbine manufacturers are dipping toes into energy storage projects. Danish company Vestas Wind Systems is one of the biggest makers of wind turbines in the world, recently surpassing GE’s market share in the US. But as the wind industry becomes more competitive, Vestas appears to be looking for ways to solidify its lead by offering something different. Now, the company says it’s looking into building wind turbines with battery storage onsite. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/09/wind-turbine-manufacturers-are-dipping-toes-into-energy-storage-projects/ MISCELLANEOUS Your solar panels could power the neighborhood during a blackout. A new set of algorithms could make it possible for renewable energy-generating homes to not only access their power reserves during outages, but share their resources with their neighbours -- a move which could play a significant role in disaster relief efforts. https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/06/your-solar-panels-could-power-the-neighborhood-during-a-blackout/ OPINION Christine Todd Whitman: How Not to Run the E.P.A. I have been worried about how the Environmental Protection Agency would be run ever since President Trump appointed Scott Pruitt, the former attorney general of Oklahoma, to oversee it. The past few months have confirmed my fears. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/opinion/how-not-to-run-the-epa.html?_r=0 With climate change upon us, where’s the safest place in California to live? Last week, as Los Angeles burned, San Francisco baked, Houston reeled amid biblical flooding and the Florida Keys braced for Hurricane Irma, David W. Titley picked up his phone on the other side of the country and cut to the chase. “Forty north,” the Penn State University meteorology professor of practice told me, almost before I’d asked the question. “I’d basically look at being north of that.” http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article171601007.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, 14 Sep 2017 14:47:34 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for September 14, 2017. From: gmassey@arb.ca.gov CARB Newsclips for September 14, 2017. 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 BUSINESS The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider updates to CARB’s Enforcement Policy. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency California Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 The draft Enforcement Policy may also be obtained from CARB’s website at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/policy2017.htm ____________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency California Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ________________________________________________________ CAP AND TRADE Hearing on cap-and-trade spending deal gets testy. Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders may have reached a deal on spending $1.5 billion in cap-and-trade revenue, but some Democrats still have concerns. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) wondered during a budget hearing on Wednesday how much of the appropriations "were designed to meet certain expectations" of different interest groups… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cap-and-trade-funding-1505321233-htmlstory.html AIR POLLUTION Air Pollution From Industry Plagues Houston In Harvey's Wake. On the first sunny day in Houston after about 50 inches of rain, residents in the east Houston community of Manchester emerged from their homes and gave thanks that their neighborhood had been spared in the floods. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/09/14/550472740/air-pollution-from-industry-plagues-houston-in-harveys-wake Bay Area air regulators cite Russian diplomats for mysterious smoke over now-shuttered consular office. Russian diplomats were cited this week for violating Bay Area burning restrictions after smoke was seen billowing from their consular office in San Francisco, a day before it was closed under federal order. Regulators with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District do not know what diplomats were burning that produced the thick, black smoke… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-smoke-russian-consulate-san-francisco-20170913-story.html Pruitt endorses bid to ease regs for some industries. U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is offering broad-brush support for a legislative package that would undercut existing air quality requirements for a select few industries. The four bills — which got a hearing yesterday from the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment — would carve out exemptions or extend compliance deadlines from… https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/2017/09/14/stories/1060060627 CLIMATE CHANGE Monster Storms Change Coastlines, Not Minds on Climate Change. Back-to-back hurricanes fueled by warm Atlantic waters may have altered the coasts of Texas and Florida, but there’s no indication they are shifting the politics of climate change. “We cannot ignore that carbon emissions are causing our ocean temperatures to get warmer, which is fueling more powerful hurricanes,"… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-14/monster-storms-change-coastlines-not-minds-on-climate-change New York City to Require Big Buildings to Cut Carbon Emissions. New York City will require large buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the city’s goal of cutting total emissions 80 percent by 2050. Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling on owners to reduce their use of fossil fuels and boost energy-efficiency… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-14/new-york-city-to-require-big-buildings-to-cut-carbon-emissions Some good news about global warming for once — plants are speeding up their use of carbon. As carbon dioxide continues to build in the atmosphere — thanks to the burning of fossil fuels — scientists are busy figuring out how life on earth is adapting to its effects. And now, new research reinforces the idea that the world’s plant life is adjusting in a subtle, but deeply significant, way. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/09/14/some-good-news-about-global-warming-for-once-plants-are-speeding-up-their-use-of-carbon/?utm_term=.aca2ab7b20a0 McCain resumes his quest for climate change action. The senator bucks his party on climate change, after years of silence. On Sunday, Sen. John McCain said it’s time to sit down again and figure out some “common-sense solutions” to climate change. The Arizona Republican made his cautious remarks on CNN when asked why others in his party act as if climate change is not real. http://www.hcn.org/articles/sen-john-mccain-resumes-his-quest-for-action-on-climate-change Exxon's Records Refusal Rejected on Appeal in Climate Probe. Exxon Mobil Corp. can’t refuse to turn over accounting records sought by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who is probing whether investors were misled about the possible impact of climate change on the company’s business, the state’s top court ruled. http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/exxons-records-refusal-rejected-on-appeal-in-climate-probe/ar-AArPWqM Island leaders say Irma devastation shows costs of warming. The monster hurricane that ripped through the Caribbean last weekend is stirring up old divisions about compensation for poor countries that bear the brunt of climate-driven damage. Hurricane Irma struck the region as a Category 5 storm, killing at least 37 people and decimating small islands like St. Martin, Barbuda, and Turks and Caicos. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/09/14/stories/1060060649 DIESEL ACTIVITIES Renewable diesel use in California moves to fast track. Renewable diesel sounds like a contradiction in terms. But planners for the Capitol Corridor trains, which run between the Bay Area and the Sacramento region, see it as a way to slash climate-warming emissions. “It’s pretty exciting for our industry,” said Jim Allison, manager of planning for the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority. http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Renewable-diesel-use-in-California-moves-to-fast-12195892.php FUELS Computing more efficient biofuel production. A new computational method to rapidly screen the effects of point mutations in bacteria has the potential to make biofuel production more efficient. The conversion of fibrous plant waste such as corn stalks and wood shavings into fermentable simple sugars is a basic requirement of biofuel production, but the process is far from simple. Bacteria must break down tough leaves, stems and other cellulosic matter resistant to degradation to turn them into usable fuel. http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12879/computing_more_efficient_biofuel_production/ Methane leak bill passes, seeks renewables, storage, efficiency. Clean energy and power storage won boosts yesterday in a bill passed by California's Legislature, one triggered by the massive methane leak at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage site. S.B. 801 from state Sen. Henry Stern (D) orders the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to maximize energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/09/14/stories/1060060643 VEHICLES As German Election Looms, Politicians Face Voters’ Wrath for Ties to Carmakers. Sometimes it is hard to tell where the German government ends and the auto industry begins. Daimler and Volkswagen’s top lobbyists were once close aides to Chancellor Angela Merkel. The foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, used to sit on Volkswagen’s supervisory board. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/13/business/germany-diesel-election.html Would you buy an electric car if you could use the carpool lane alone? How can California convince more drivers to go electric? Perhaps by letting them take the carpool lane. Assembly Bill 544, which was sent to the governor’s desk on Wednesday, would extend through 2025 a decal program that allows low-emission cars into high-occupancy vehicle lanes, even when the driver is riding solo. It passed the Assembly on a 51-10 vote. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article173208651.html#storylink=cpy GREEN ENERGY California clean energy proposals face demise as opposition fails to yield. California has grown accustomed to setting benchmark after benchmark on environmental policies, but ambitious efforts to spread renewable energy around the state and the region could grind to a halt this week. One proposal, Senate Bill 100 from Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), would phase out fossil fuels for… http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-clean-energy-stall-20170914-story.html California’s clean-energy bill is in trouble. A major clean-energy bill championed by California’s Senate leader is languishing in the state Assembly and may not get a vote in the final days of this year’s legislative session. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León’s SB 100, a commitment to generating 100 percent of the state’s electricity from clean-energy sources by the end of 2045… http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/13/californias-clean-energy-bill-is-in-trouble/ . World's largest brewer to buy wind farm's electricity. Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Budweiser and the world's largest brewer, has agreed to purchase electricity from a wind farm in Oklahoma. The brewer struck the deal with Enel Green Power, which is constructing the 298-megawatt Thunder Ranch wind farm in the northern part of the state. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/09/14/stories/1060060685 MISCELLANEOUS Smoking pot or tobacco at California beaches could soon be illegal under bills headed to Gov. Brown. California parks and beaches would be off-limits to those smoking tobacco or marijuana, or using electronic cigarettes, under legislation sent to Gov. Jerry Brown by state lawmakers Wednesday. The Legislature approved similar bills by “… http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-smoking-including-pot-would-be-barred-1505343548-htmlstory.html OPINIONS GOP denies climate change, America pays the price. The frequency, intensity and duration of weather-related events is in fact rising. To deny what's already occurred is the highest form of ignorance. Let’s check in with two of America’s foremost experts on climate change. It’s a hoax, President Trump has said, invented by the Chinese. It’s a plot by the media and retailers to gin up fear… https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/09/14/trump-limbaugh-scott-pruitt-deny-climate-change-america-pays-price-paul-brandus-column/663405001/ Climate change hurts our low-income communities. There are few places as close to the roots of climate change as my hometown, Richmond, Calif. Trapped next to the Chevron Refinery, I see plumes of pollution streaming into the air each time I look out my window. In fact, it wasn’t until college that I realized that the city’s alarm-system, tested routinely every month, was unique to my upbringing. http://www.sfexaminer.com/climate-change-hurts-low-income-communities/ Scott Pruitt criticizes Obama as 'environmental savior,' moves EPA away from climate change. Few Trump administration agency chiefs have moved as decisively to implement an agenda as Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and he's quite clear about what he wants to do. He calls it a "back to the basics" agenda… http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/scott-pruitt-criticizes-obama-as-environmental-savior-moves-epa-away-from-climate-change/article/2634253 Clean energy crucial for California. Look around lately and it’s hard to ignore evidence of chaos fueled by our changing climate. >From the barrage of hurricanes in the Atlantic to the raging wildfires and heat waves throughout the West, climate change is here already and it refuses to be ignored. In the last week, everyone from Miami’s Republican mayor to Pope Francis has affirmed the need for swift action. http://capitolweekly.net/clean-energy-california/ Invest cap-and-trade funds in Gold Line light-rail extension: Guest commentary. California lawmakers should support the recent request made by state Senators Anthony Portantino and Connie Leyva and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez to utilize cap-and-trade program funds to complete the Foothill Gold Line light-rail project from Glendora to Montclair. It would a wise investment with guaranteed dividends. http://www.sgvtribune.com/opinion/20170914/invest-cap-and-trade-funds-in-gold-line-light-rail-extension-guest-commentary Democratic priorities collide, as legislators side with unions over high-tech companies that are driving California’s economy. In a Meet the Press interview in March, Gov. Jerry Brown blasted the Trump administration’s threat to cut off funds to California if it becomes a “sanctuary state” for illegal immigrants. “We’re the innovation capital, high-tech, agriculture, $40 to $50 billion industry. https://spectator.org/unions-threaten-states-one-economic-bright-spot/ Clean Energy Leads to Clean Air for California. The Los Angeles region is home to some of the worst air quality in the country. During the long, hot days of summer, Angelenos face continued unhealthy air days. It’s not just a problem for our region. Ninety percent of Californians live in areas that experience poor air quality at some point during the year. That cannot continue. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report 2017 showed that California cities are among the most polluted in the country. http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2017/09/clean-energy-leads-clean-air-california/ BLOGS Ethanol to Gasoline Switch Raises Nanoparticles in Air. Using ethanol instead of gasoline as a car fuel can reduce emissions of ultrafine particles by a third, which benefits human health and the environment, according to a new study. The research, carried out in Sao Paulo, Brazil, found that environmental concentrations of particles with a diameter of 7-100 nanometers (nm) increase by 30 per cent when higher prices of ethanol forces… http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52503 Harvey and Irma aren’t natural disasters. They’re climate change disasters. If you’re like me, you can’t stop yourself from watching the weather these days. And if you’re like me, you can’t help but think: Holy shit, it’s here. Back-to-back hurricane catastrophes have plunged the United States into a state of national crisis. We’ve already seen one worst-case scenario in Texas:… http://www.salon.com/2017/09/14/harvey-and-irma-arent-natural-disasters-they-are-climate-change-disasters_partner/ If Halting Climate Change Means Slowing The Economy, So Be It. If GDP goes down while other measures of well-being increase, what have we truly lost? What does climate change have to do with economic growth? Canada's prime minister and premiers signed a deal in December to "grow our economy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate." http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/david-suzuki/if-halting-climate-change-means-slowing-the-economy-so-be-it_a_23206631/ California Is Going To Use Cap And Trade Revenue To Fund Clean Buses, Trucks, And Cars. California Governor Jerry Brown is serious about climate change. He is the picking up the slack that President Trump left behind when he got out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Brown is hosting his own climate change summit in California in 2017, and several political leaders and environmentalists… http://norcal.news/news/24023-california-going-use-cap-and-trade-revenue-fund-clean-buses-trucks-and-cars County Reduces Emissions Equal to Removing 6.500 Cars From Roads. County staff, residents and businesses have made strides reducing global warming pollution, as called for in the County’s Energy and Climate Action Plan. Working together, the County and community have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30,605 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent. https://www.edhat.com/news/county-reduces-emissions-equal-to-removing-6500-cars-from-roads California to Take Up Crucial Clean Energy Reform in January. California’s legislature made significant clean energy progress in 2017, but one box will remain unchecked as it moves to September recess—enhancement and integration of the Western electric grid. By not authorizing changes in how the grid is managed, this session, lawmakers are delaying a prime opportunity to reduce utility bills… https://www.nrdc.org/experts/ralph-cavanagh/california-take-crucial-clean-energy-reform-january ====================================================================== 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 Sep 2017 17:22:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- CARB Newsclips for September 15, 2017 From: tclarksj@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 CARB BUSINESS Attention stakeholders. Staff of the California Air Resources Board will hold a joint workshop with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in Bakersfield to discuss strategies for meeting PM2.5 air quality standards in the San Joaquin Valley. This will be the third in a series of workshops conducted by CARB staff to assess opportunities for reductions from stationary and mobile sources as part of a comprehensive PM2.5 attainment strategy. For more information, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/sjvpm25/annualsjvpm25.htm _____________________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public meeting at the time and place noted below to consider updates to CARB’s Enforcement Policy. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency California Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 The draft Enforcement Policy may also be obtained from CARB’s website at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/policy2017.htm ____________________________________ The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters. DATE: September 28, 2017 TIME: 9:00 A.M. LOCATION: California Environmental Protection Agency California Air Resources Board Byron Sher Auditorium 1001 I Street Sacramento, California 95814 Electronic submittal: http://www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php ________________________________________________________ AIR POLLUTION CLIMATE CHANGE Some good news about global warming for once — plants are speeding up their use of carbon. As carbon dioxide continues to build in the atmosphere — thanks to the burning of fossil fuels — scientists are busy figuring out how life on earth is adapting to its effects. And now, new research reinforces the idea that the world’s plant life is adjusting in a subtle, but deeply significant, way. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/09/14/some-good-news-about-global-warming-for-once-plants-are-speeding-up-their-use-of-carbon/?utm_term=.326e0b603e4c Scripps: 5% Chance of ‘Catastrophic’ Global Warming by Century’s End. A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography finds a 5 percent chance that rapid global warming will be “catastrophic” or worse for the human race. The study led by Veerabhadran “Ram” Ramanathan, a distinguished professor of climate and atmospheric sciences… https://timesofsandiego.com/tech/2017/09/15/scripps-5-chance-of-catastrophic-global-warming-by-centurys-end/ There's a 5% chance warming is 'existential' risk — report. Deadly climate change could threaten most of the world's human population by the end of this century without efforts well beyond those captured in the Paris Agreement. That's the finding of a pair of related reports released yesterday by an international group of climate science and policy luminaries who warned that the window… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060777 Driving force: are electric cars crowding out traditional engines? As Frankfurt motor show puts battery vehicles centre stage, the tide could be turning against combustion engines. When Angela Merkel addressed the Frankfurt motor show, it was not to a backdrop of revving engines but an exhibition of noiseless electric Golfs, South Korean hybrids and Japanese fuel-cell cars. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/15/electric-cars-frankfurt-motor-show-bmw-mercedes-benz-renault Can resilience planning be disentangled from climate politics? After hurricane Harvey hit Texas ‒ and in the lead-up to hurricane Irma ‒ Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, made clear his feelings about discussing climate change in the context of the storms. Such discussions about the role climate change might have played were “insensitive”… https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2017/0915/Can-resilience-planning-be-disentangled-from-climate-politics Trump officials eying replacement for key Obama climate rule. The Trump administration is planning to pursue a less ambitious, more industry-friendly climate change rule for coal-fired power plants as it works to scrap the one written under former President Obama. Multiple sources familiar with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans say that as soon as next month… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/350759-trump-officials-eying-replacement-for-key-obama-climate-rule California Leads The Way In Growth Of Climate Change Lawsuits. Lawsuits will help drive how climate change policy evolves in the years to come. More of those lawsuits are originating in California than any other state, according to a new study out of George Washington University. Not only is there a growing number of climate-change related lawsuits, but roughly 25 percent of those cases nationally are filed in California. http://www.capradio.org/102242 When planning for disasters, don't mention climate. Many emergency managers try not to talk about climate change as they plan for disasters to avoid getting entangled in a political storm. In the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, there's been sharp debate about the role of rising temperatures on flooding, surge and the storm intensity. https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060779 Glaciers due for massive melt by 2100. Even if the world keeps global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, one-third of the ice in Asia's glaciers will vanish by the end of the century, according to a new paper. And if the world makes no effort to curb global warming, nearly two-thirds of that ice could disappear… https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060775 FUELS Canada Gas Set to Strike Back Against U.S. Shale as Glut Eases. Canadian natural gas, locked in a fierce battle for market share with U.S. shale, may stage a modest recovery as output from some longtime producers wanes and pipeline maintenance ends. While Canadian gas will almost always trade for less than U.S. gas -- due mostly to the cost of moving the fuel to markets in Texas and the American Midwest… https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-14/canada-gas-set-to-strike-back-against-u-s-shale-as-glut-eases EPA demands Valero records on Houston refinery emissions release. The enforcement division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is demanding Valero Energy's records and maintenance history related to a storage tank roof failure after Hurricane Harvey that released cancer-causing benzene and other volatile compounds into the air. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/epa-demands-valero-records-on-houston-refinery-emissions-release/ar-AArZdtQ Mayor's plan pushes major emissions cuts for buildings. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) yesterday announced a plan to cap fossil fuel use in large buildings, saying the city needs to crack down on energy efficiency laggards. Under the plan, large buildings have until 2030 to get under fossil fuel caps mandated by the city. https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060759 Natural gas, oil loom large in fuel mix for decades — EIA. Fossil fuels will continue to dominate the world energy mix as far as the eye can see, according to federal energy analysts, making up 77 percent of energy use in 2040, while renewables, despite growing faster than any other fuel source during the coming years, will represent just 17… https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060763 GREEN ENERGY Advocates want Md. utilities to use renewable sources for half their energy by 2030. Environmental advocates are pushing for Maryland to require state utilities to buy half of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar, a target four other states and the District already have signed into law. Del. C. William Frick (D-Montgomery), who sits on the House Economic Matters Committee… https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-groups-launch-campaign-for-50-percent-renewable-energy/2017/09/13/a5a80fb6-987e-11e7-87fc-c3f7ee4035c9_story.html?utm_term=.05bdfca8e1c0 Assemblyman Chris Holden refuses to advance clean energy legislation despite push from environmentalists. Environmentalists are stepping up the pressure on Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), urging him to advance Senate Bill 100 on clean energy. The legislation, which would put the state on a path to phasing out fossil fuels for generating electricity by 2045, has been held in Holden's committee. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-despite-push-from-environmentalists-1505425541-htmlstory.html http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/14/legislative-logjam-californias-clean-energy-bill-stuck-in-committee/ California Lawmakers Debate 100 Percent Clean Energy Mandate. California lawmakers must decide by the end of the day Friday whether to approve the most ambitious clean energy goal in the country: 100 percent clean energy by 2045. The state wouldn't be the first. Hawaii already has its own 100 percent goal. http://www.npr.org/2017/09/14/551046066/california-lawmakers-to-vote-on-100-percent-clean-energy-mandate Solar industry mum as trade groups praise grid study. Energy trade groups praised the Department of Energy yesterday for its staff report on grid reliability, but one industry group was conspicuously absent. A letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which praised the grid study's focus on fuel diversity, was signed by the trade groups for nuclear, oil, mining, gas, hydropower and wind. Missing: solar. https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/09/15/stories/1060060837 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE People of color still exposed to more air pollution. Although people of color were more consistently exposed to air pollution, the study did uncover that average exposure to nitrogen dioxide decreased across all races and income levels. The study estimates that up to 5,000 heart disease related deaths could have been prevented if people of color experienced the same nitrogen dioxide levels as whites in 2010. http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/52537 http://www.opb.org/news/article/people-of-color-air-pollution/ OPINIONS Congress and Climate Change. Re “It’s Not Too Late to Learn From Our Mistakes,” by Nicholas Kristof (column, Sept. 3): The answer to why Congress doesn’t act on climate change is simple political hydraulics. The Supreme Court let unlimited money into politics. The fossil fuel industry has unlimited money and, according to the International Monetary Fund, a multi-hundred-billion-dollar subsidy to protect. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/15/opinion/congress-climate-change.html Editorial: SB 49 passage vital to defend environmental protections. California has the opportunity to continue to lead the way on protecting the environment, no matter what comes out of Washington D.C. Many of the laws established to protect the air, land and water have been adopted by other states and even become national policy. This state has worked in tandem with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as the federal http://www.montereyherald.com/article/NF/20170914/LOCAL1/170919874 Harvey and Irma sent a clear message about climate change | Editorial. If the devastation to Texas and Florida by two historic hurricanes won’t get President Trump’s pollution-enabling head of the Environmental Protection Agency to acknowledge climate change, perhaps nothing will. But the rest of the nation can’t wait for him to grasp reality. It’s time to act because hurricanes Harvey and Irma took… http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/harvey-and-irma-to-u-s-fight-climate-change-trump-pruitt-global-warming-epa-congress-20170915.html Yes, climate change made Harvey and Irma worse. The right time to talk climate change is now. It might seem premature when people in the Caribbean, Florida and Texas are still mucking out their flooded homes. And no, changes in our planet's atmosphere did not cause Hurricanes Harvey or Irma. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/36376684/yes-climate-change-made-harvey-and-irma-worse Leske: Climate change must be addressed. Editor: Somehow, we in Wyoming, due to our economic dependence upon the fossil fuel industry, feel compelled to totally dismiss the 97 percent of scientists who say that global climate change exists -- and that it is human caused. (Going back prior to the industrial revolution, there were not the climactic changes that we see now -- with exceptions for volcanic activity, etc.). http://trib.com/opinion/letters/leske-climate-change-must-be-addressed/article_19c56ddd-5458-5b12-84ca-2b56b972a8da.html Nicolas Loris: Harvey and Irma can't be blamed on climate change. In the era of fake news, misinformation tends to spread quickly - especially during a time of crisis. The deceptions that have sprung up in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma show that it's high time to separate fact from fiction. When Harvey hit landfall, a picture of a shark allegedly on a highway in Houston went viral, fooling at least one reporter. http://santamariatimes.com/opinion/columnists/nicolas-loris-harvey-and-irma-can-t-be-blamed-on/article_db7bce21-2ce7-50e9-8760-2dc8b91410d9.html Global warming alarmists shouldn't exploit hurricanes. The outcry over global warming crowds out and obscures the real issues with hurricanes that should be considered by elected officials at all levels. The notion that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma should cause President Trump to reconsider withdrawing from the Paris climate treaty… https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/09/13/dont-exploit-hurricanes-editorials-debates/105583844/ Is climate change causing more severe weather? Right now, mentioning the very words “climate change” could get you fired in Washington. EPA Director Scott Pruitt argued, “Now is not the time to talk about climate change,” while liberal comedian Bill Maher noted how many climate change deniers were fleeing the storm. http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article173403001.html#storylink=cpy Climate change prevention efforts will save money and more. Editor, Regarding Samantha Weigel’s article “San Mateo seeks new protections from floods” in the Sept. 5 edition of the Daily Journal, I’m glad that the San Mateo City Council is being proactive in planning for future sea level rise. The three hottest years ever recorded were the last three years, and 2017 is on track to beat those. http://www.smdailyjournal.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/climate-change-prevention-efforts-will-save-money-and-more/article_f7767a14-99b7-11e7-8ec0-035336694e41.html Veggies and grains are becoming more like junk food, thanks to rising carbon emissions. There’s been a long decline in the nutrition of our crops, often attributed to people breeding plants for higher yields rather than health benefits. But, as is often the case, climate change is making it worse. An altered atmosphere means altered food, because plants suck up CO2 from the air and turn it into sugars… http://www.businessinsider.com/vegetables-grains-crops-climate-change-effects-carbon-emissions-2017-9 BLOGS Failing to adapt to climate change likely to cost at least five times more. Cost of not adapting to climate change would be at least five times higher. Coastal cities deal with the constant fear that sea levels will continue to rise in coming years due to climate change. In the case of Santos, home of Latin American's biggest harbor… https://phys.org/news/2017-09-climate.html#jCp Truck and Bus Legislation to Watch in California. Today’s the last day of the California legislative session. It gets hectic in Sacramento this time of year, but here are two bills I’m paying attention to that could help reduce air pollution and global warming emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. As a reminder, heavy-duty vehicles make up just 7 percent of vehicles in California but disproportionately contribute to global warming emissions… http://blog.ucsusa.org/jimmy-odea/truck-and-bus-legislation-to-watch-in-california The great nutrient collapse. The atmosphere is literally changing the food we eat, for the worse. And almost nobody is paying attention. Irakli Loladze is a mathematician by training, but he was in a biology lab when he encountered the puzzle that would change his life. It was in 1998, and Loladze was studying for his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/09/13/food-nutrients-carbon-dioxide-000511 California May Direct $1.5B to Expand Alternative Transport Fuel, Including NatGas. A legislative agreement has been reached to direct up to $1.5 billion of revenue from California's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions allowance to expand the use of alternative transportation fuels, including natural gas, according to reports. http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/111750-california-may-direct-15b-to-expand-alternative-transport-fuel-including-natgas Invest cap-and-trade funds in Gold Line light-rail extension: Guest commentary. California lawmakers should support the recent request made by state Senators Anthony Portantino and Connie Leyva and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez to utilize cap-and-trade program funds to complete the Foothill Gold Line light-rail project from Glendora to Montclair. http://m.topix.com/county/san-bernardino-ca/2017/09/invest-cap-and-trade-funds-in-gold-line-light-rail-extension-guest-commentary U.S. real estate lobbyists turn blind eye to rising sea level threats to waterfront properties. Some are teaming up with climate-change skeptics and small government advocates to block public release of sea-level rise predictions and ensure that coastal planning is not based on them. All along the coast of the southeast United States, the real estate industry confronts a hurricane. https://www.thestar.com/business/real_estate/2017/09/15/us-real-estate-lobbyists-turn-blind-eye-to-rising-sea-level-threats-to-waterfront-properties.html GRACE mission making plans for final science data collection. With one of its twin satellites almost out of fuel after more than 15 years of chasing each other around our planet to measure Earth's ever-changing gravity field, the operations team for the U.S./German Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission is making plans for an anticipated final science collection. https://phys.org/news/2017-09-grace-mission-science.html#jCp Barrasso touts carbon capture. Carbon capture technology has the possibility of changing the future of America’s energy production. On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, held a hearing to discuss the power of this technology and to propose the federal government’s support. http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/legislature/barrasso-touts-carbon-capture/article_14ab1b29-15bf-51fa-9cb0-e47d28fd5b56.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. ======================================================================