Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2013 12:34:00 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- ARB Newsclips for January 2, 2013 From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov ARB Newsclips for January 2, 2013. 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 Local groups among those who sue EPA over rules on pesticide emissions. A group of community organizations has sued the Environmental Protection Agency about new rules on pesticide emissions, saying the regulations do too little to protect public health. The suit, filed under the Clean Air Act, challenges the EPA's approval of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's measures to reduce certain emissions from pesticides. Attorneys for the San Francisco-based Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment filed the suit in federal court recently. The local Wishtoyo Foundation and Ventura Coastkeeper are on the list of petitioners. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/dec/31/local-groups-among-those-who-sue-epa-over-rules/#ixzz2Gq0YU8F4 Officials declare Wednesday Spare the Air day. Bay Area air quality officials have declared Wednesday a winter Spare the Air day, meaning burning of wood and wood products is prohibited. It's the second Spare the Air day in a row, and the second of the season, which runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. The air forecast for Thursday is also poor. The 24-hour burn ban is intended to limit the introduction of soot and particulates from wood smoke into the air, where they can contribute to respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and lung disease. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130102/ARTICLES/130109957 CLIMATE CHANGE STUDY: Climate change is having significant impact on biodiversity. Plants and animals are shifting their ranges and life cycles in response to climate change, creating clashes between unfamiliar creatures or mismatches between animals and their food sources, according to a new national biodiversity report. The analysis could expand the scope of conservation efforts, which for 40 years has focused predominantly on habitat changes, local wildlife experts said. Posted. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/02/tp-study-climate-change-is-having-significant/ FUELS Location looms large in pump prices at California gas stations. Record gasoline prices in 2012 and calls for investigation of California's fuel markets have brought into focus a persistent peculiarity of the state's service station world: the wild swings in price any brand has from one location to the next. Known in the industry as zone pricing, the controversial practice was apparent one afternoon when Culver City resident Michael Denis, on a jaunt to downtown Los Angeles, stopped at a Chevron station to feed his Fiat 500 some gasoline at $4.69 a gallon. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-zone-pricing-20130102,0,7824014.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fbusiness+%28L.A.+Times+-+Business%29 Hollywood faces fracking in 'Promised Land.' The new movie "Promised Land" digs into the fierce national debate over fracking, the technique that's generated a boom in U.S. natural gas production while also stoking controversy over its possible impact on the environment and human health. Written by and starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski, the film comes at an opportune time for a big-screen exploration of the issues surrounding the shale gas revolution, with cheap natural gas transforming the nation's energy landscape and "fracking" now a household word. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/entertainment/movies/hollywood-faces-fracking-in-promised-land/article_e6daebff-4f81-5833-9dc5-90b6daa20ad7.html No fuel sheen, no sign that hull is breached. Crews aboard two aircraft flew over an oil drilling ship Tuesday that went aground in a severe Alaska storm and saw no sign that the vessel was leaking fuel or that its hull had been breached. The Royal Dutch Shell drilling rig used this summer in the Arctic was aground off a small island near Kodiak Island, where the ship, the Kulluk, appeared stable, said federal on-scene response coordinator Capt. Paul Mehler. "There is no sign of a release of any product," Mehler said during a news conference at unified command center at an Anchorage hotel. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_22294741/no-fuel-sheen-no-sign-that-hull-is VEHICLES Avis to Buy Zipcar for $500 Million. The Avis Budget Group said on Wednesday that it had agreed to acquire the car-sharing pioneer Zipcar for $500 million in cash. The deal represents a new direction for Avis in the fiercely competitive car rental market. Rivals Hertz Global and Enterprise each have hourly rental operations that compete with Zipcar. These rentals tend to have younger, more urban customers than traditional business or leisure travelers. Posted. http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/avis-to-buy-zipcar-for-500-million/ GREEN ENERGY Why greener schools can make a difference in kids' lives. As awareness about the environment continues to grow, it’s becoming more apparent that “going green” not only benefits the planet – it benefits the entire population, especially its youngest segment. When children learn in safe, comfortable, toxin-free school environments, their futures are that much brighter. "Green schools improve student test scores, lower energy bills, and promote a more ecologically sound atmosphere,” explains Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Global Green USA. “We call it the three R's of green schools: Rise in student performance levels and teacher retention; Reduction in carbon emissions and toxins; and Renewed hope in education and the future." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Why-greener-schools-can-make-a-difference-in-4161364.php#ixzz2GqBWkN4Q Paving a fast lane for desert solar. Hundreds of square miles of Southern California desert, both public and privately owned, could be targeted for renewable energy development under a comprehensive plan balancing state clean-power mandates with efforts to conserve wild habitat. State and federal officials are currently providing a sneak preview of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan that's designed to speed the development of large-scale solar, wind and geothermal plants with the least possible environmental impact. Posted. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/01/comments-sought-desert-development-plan/ Rancho Cucamonga to permit residential wind energy turbines. The city will now allow some residents to apply for a wind turbine. For now, only owners of larger properties will be allowed to get permits. The city will require towers to be placed in "large backyards" and not in front of homes, according to officials. The new systems are meant to be supplemental energy sources for households. The policy change is part of a development-code update for the city and is part of the Healthy RC initiative, which includes more sustainable energy, Mayor Dennis Michael said. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_22289036/rancho-cucamonga-permit-residential-wind-energy-turbines?source=rss#ixzz2Gq8W1TxG 'Fiscal cliff' deal includes extension to tax credit for wind industry. A one-year extension of a key tax credit for the wind industry made it into the fiscal cliff deal the U.S. Senate and House passed on Tuesday. The tax credit, which has been a major driver for wind development across the U.S. over the past two decades, is worth 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour of energy produced by new wind installations for their first 10 years of operation. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20130101/BUSINESS01/301010039/-Fiscal-cliff-deal-includes-extension-tax-credit-wind-industry?nclick_check=1 BLOGS Fixing Our Food Problem. We must figure out a way to un-invent this food system. It’s been a major contributor to climate change, spawned the obesity crisis, poisoned countless volumes of land and water, wasted energy, tortured billions of animals… I could go on. The point is that “sustainability” is not only possible but essential: only by saving the earth can we save ourselves, and vice versa. Posted. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/fixing-our-food-problem/?smid=tw-bittman&seid=auto Carbon Trading on 2013 Energy-Law Agenda. In Monday’s Wall Street Journal, we wrote about the big greenhouse-gas debate coming up in 2013 over Environmental Protection Agency plans to restrict emissions from coal-fired power plants.Some market-oriented environmentalists say the most logical solution is to let the plants emit as much CO2 as they like, so long as they pay extra for doing so or find offsets for the emissions. And that’s where the legal angle comes in: Washington’s lawyers disagree whether the EPA could engineer such a system on its own. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2013/01/02/carbon-trading-on-2013-energy-law-agenda/?KEYWORDS=air+pollution BY SUBSCIPTION ONLY Fiscal fiasco bright spot: 2013 will be a huge year for wind. You have probably heard by now that Congress has voted through a bill that will avert the absurdly named “fiscal cliff.” I’ll leave it to other blogs to get into the details. (Suzy Khimm has a nice rundown.) I’ll also leave it to others to lament the absurd way in which this country is governed. I just want to focus on one bright spot that hasn’t gotten much coverage. Part of the bill was a one-year extension of several stimulus tax credits. Among them was the production tax credit (PTC) that is so crucial to the wind industry and for which it has been fighting over the past year. Posted. http://grist.org/climate-energy/fiscal-fiasco-bright-spot-2013-will-be-a-huge-year-for-wind/ Chilling effect: How warmer winters could ruin fruit. Think of your favorite fruits and you might think of the warm climates they tend to thrive in. Florida oranges, Texas grapefruit, California strawberries — and grapes, figs, pears, and apricots. But here’s the funny thing: Most fruit trees have to chill. Literally. Unless they’re tropical, trees have what are called “chilling requirements”: They need winter temperatures to drop to within a certain range — usually just above freezing — and remain there for a set period of time. Posted. http://grist.org/food/chilling-effect-how-warmer-winters-will-ruin-fruit/ Fuel cell company ClearEdge Power to acquire UTC Power. ClearEdge Power, a manufacturer of scalable, continuous onsite power systems, recently reached agreement to acquire the UTC Power fuel cells unit from United Technologies Corp. Divesting UTC Power is another step forward in UTC’s ongoing portfolio transformation to focus on its core of aerospace and building systems. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Closing is expected early in 2013. Posted. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/01/utc-20130102.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jan 2013 09:55:30 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Consumer Products companies pay for air quality violations From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Settlement of 38 cases generates $796,200 for pollution control. CONTACT: Antonio Leaks 916-322-2990 aleaks@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO – The Air Resources Board announced that since May, it has settled 38 cases involving air quality violations primarily by companies manufacturing or selling consumer products for exceeding California’s limits for volatile organic compounds. The products ranged from footwear and leather care to air freshener liquids and general purpose degreasers. These settlements mitigated over 26 tons of excess emissions of VOCs. The amount collected went to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality projects and research to improve California’s air quality. “These products are found in almost every household. That’s why it’s important for companies who produce them to ensure they meet California’s air quality regulations and limit the level of pollution these products generate.” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. The fines totaled $796,200. The five companies paying the highest amounts were: • Rite Aid - $410,000 • Delta Brands (2 cases) - $77,000 • AutoZone - $60,000 • Domistyle - $36,000 • Innovative Brands - $23,000 The 32 other companies with fines totaling $190,200 were: Geiss, Destin & Dunn; IDQ; Pomeroy; M&F Western; Sophia’s International; Genlabs; Briggs and Stratton; BKB Automotive; Lundmark Wax; Giftcraft; Dipyque; Gerson; Aromatiques; Home Depot; Personal Care Products; Silkolene; Lifetime Brands; Certol International; Full Spektrem; Cortex; Homax; Demeter; Attwood; Heads-up Industries; Handstands; Household Essentials; Aervoe; Cost Plus; Premier Brands; Sherwin Williams; and Mavala/Lela Distributors. Volatile organic compounds are gases released from solids and liquids, contributing to ozone formation once released into the air. Ozone, an element of smog, causes respiratory health effects including: an irritation of the lungs; shortness of breath; coughing; and aggravation of asthma and other lung diseases. Volatile organic compounds can be found in a number of products such as paints, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, air fresheners, stored fuels and automotive products, and more. For more information on ARB’s consumer products regulations, see: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jan 2013 14:37:05 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Hair styling and hair spray manufacturers fined for violating air quality rules From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Settlement of 25 cases generates $457,000 for pollution control. CONTACT: Antonio Leaks 916-322-2990 aleaks@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO – The Air Resources Board announced that over the past seven months it has settled 25 air quality violation cases involving hairstyling and hairspray products, primarily for exceeding California’s limits for smog-causing pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These settlements mitigated over 36 tons of excess emissions of VOCs. “When millions of consumers statewide use products that do not comply with California’s standards, they unknowingly release significant quantities of smog-forming chemicals into the atmosphere,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “Hairspray and hair styling products are widely used products that must be regulated in order to protect public health.” The fines went to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality projects and research to improve California’s air quality. The fines totaled $457,197. The five companies paying the highest amounts were: • JPM (2 cases) - $218, 500 • Brentwood Beauty- $42,800 • Ion Products - $30,000 • Hoyu- Samy - $27,000 • Beautopia/Brocato - $26,500 The 17 other companies that were fined a total of $112,397 are: Henkal- Schwarskopf; TJ Maxx; Henry Margu; Vogue Int; TIGI Linea; Dave X Labs; SOMA/Wahl; Procter & Gamble – Farkkai; Suyen; T3 Micro; Lotta Luv; Neoteric Cosmetics; Supervalu- Albertsons (2 cases); ET Browne; Cortex; Fine Hair; Demert (2 cases). Volatile organic compounds are gases released from solids and liquids, contributing to ozone formation once released into the air. Ozone, an element of smog, causes respiratory health effects including: an irritation of the lungs; shortness of breath; coughing; and aggravation of asthma and other lung diseases. For more information on ARB’s consumer products regulations, see: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jan 2013 13:11:01 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Foster Enterprises fined $300,000 for violating California air quality laws From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=394 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/17/2013 News Release 13-03 CONTACT Karen Caesar (626) 575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Foster Enterprises fined $300,000 for violating California air quality laws SoCal court imposes first-ever penalty for not complying with refrigerated trailer rule LOS ANGELES – The San Bernardino County Superior Court has fined Foster Enterprises, an Ontario-based refrigerated transportation and cold storage business, $300,000 after an Air Resources Board investigation revealed that the company failed to upgrade older diesel engines in its refrigerated trailer fleet as required to meet current emissions standards. The case is noteworthy in that it resulted in the first court-imposed fine issued under ARB’s 2004 Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) regulation. The company owners will pay $200,000 and the balance of the fine will be stayed, as long as they comply with the terms in the judgment handed down by the San Bernardino County Superior Court, and keep their fleet updated as required. The company is not connected to Foster Farms. “All business owners should pay attention to this case,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “This company actually had to pay twice – once to comply with the law, and then again as a penalty. Had the owners complied originally, they would have saved us and themselves significant time and money, and helped to keep a level playing field for their colleagues and competitors.” Although the diesel engines powering “reefer” units on trucks and trailers are relatively small, large numbers of these engines congregate at distribution centers, truck stops and other facilities, resulting in the potential for health risks to those that live and work nearby. California’s TRU regulation, adopted in 2004, gave fleet owners several years to plan for compliance before enforcement began. Fleet owners now need to gradually replace or retrofit their reefer engines, beginning with those dating from 2002 and earlier. Most companies have invested substantial resources to follow the rules. Foster Enterprises, which is located near a school and residential area, continued to operate reefers powered by engines from the 1980s and 1990s. The majority of Foster’s TRU fleet – 32 units – were out of compliance on the first day of 2010. The ARB originally offered to settle the case for much less than the ultimate penalty. Because the company refused and continued to operate the high-polluting TRUs, ARB referred the matter to the Attorney General for prosecution. Finally, months after the deadline and in order to avoid a trial, the business owners sold their non-compliant units and leased cleaner TRU trailers, about 18 months later than their competitors. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Feb 2013 09:08:29 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board staff re-files Clean Fuels Outlet regulation From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Action restates California’s commitment to dramatic reduction of vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Contact: Dave Clegern PIO Phone: 916-322-2990 Sacramento—Air Resources Board staff today re-noticed the Clean Fuels Outlet regulation for consideration by the Board. While legislation to achieve this goal through the use of incentives is presently pending in Legislature, the measure will otherwise ensure the availability of clean alternative fuels necessary for zero emission vehicles, specifically those powered by hydrogen fuel cells. “We prefer to see an incentive based mechanism, such as that included in legislation now before the assembly and senate, ensure the supply of hydrogen for these vehicles,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “But we must achieve our air quality and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, and re-introducing the Clean Fuels Outlet regulation now simply provides a backstop in the event those measures don’t pass.” The Advanced Clean Car program, approved by the Board last January, will drive a shift from gasoline powered vehicles to those powered by electricity and hydrogen beginning in 2017. The Clean Fuels Outlet regulation is part of this program, and is intended to make sure those fuels are readily available as those vehicles enter the California market in larger numbers. The Clean Fuels Outlet regulation requires the oil industry to support hydrogen fueling stations synchronized with arrival of those new vehicles. The Advanced Clean Car program is one of a suite of greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs created under the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). The goal of AB 32 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The Advanced Clean Car program will address a large portion of emissions from the transportation sector, which is responsible for approximately 40 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state. To read the notice, please visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2013/cfo2013/cfo2013.htm To learn more about the Clean Fuels Outlet regulation, please visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/altfuels/cf-outlets/cf-outlets.htm To learn more about the Advanced Clean Car regulations, please visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/consumer_info/advanced_clean_cars/consumer_acc.htm To learn more about AB 32, please visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:57:07 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Study shows toxicity of components of California fine particle air pollution From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov New UC study released by Air Resources Board and Electric Power Research Institute. Contact: Dave Clegern PIO Phone: 916-322-2990 SACRAMENTO—The Air Resources Board and the Electric Power Research Institute have released a report by investigators at the University of California, Davis. The new study looks at the toxicity of various components of fine particle air pollution (PM2.5), including ultrafine particles. Previous research has shown that PM 2.5 is associated with asthma, heart disease and premature death. The investigators introduced particles collected from different air samples into laboratory mice and looked for indicators of respiratory and cardiovascular effects, such as markers of inflammation in lungs and blood. The samples were collected with a system that classified particles according to their chemical composition, thereby enabling researchers to associate the particles to different sources. The analysis showed different levels of toxicity for different PM samples. The samples were associated with a variety of sources, such as traffic and wood smoke. Also, ultrafine particles were more potent inducers of inflammatory markers and cell death than larger particles. The air samples used in this study were collected in Fresno, California. The research was conducted by Dr. Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Wexler developed a novel methodology using a single particle mass spectrometer and ten particle samplers to analyze and separate ambient particles. Laboratory mice were exposed to the separated particles, and their responses were monitored for signs of toxicity by Dr. Kent Pinkerton, a professor of pediatrics at the UC Davis School of Medicine. Drs. Wexler and Pinkerton will be holding a seminar to discuss this study at the CalEPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, 95812 on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. A link to the seminar description is here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/wexler5/wexler5.htm Read the study here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/06-331.pdf. For information about the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), go to: http://www.epri.com ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:00:10 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- MEDIA ADVISORY- Availability of the February 19, 2013 GHG Allowance Auction Results From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov The California Air Resources Board (ARB) held an auction of greenhouse gas allowances for use in the California cap-and-trade program on February 19, 2013. The results of that auction will be published on the ARB website at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Time on Friday, February 22, 2013 The results will be posted on ARB's website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/auction.htm Once results are posted on the ARB website, auction participants will also be notified by the Auction Administrator via email of the availability of their auction results in the Auction Platform. The auction results will be accessed by logging into the participant's account in the Auction Platform at: https://www.wci-auction.org/ If you have any questions on the February 2013 auction results, please contact the Public Information Office at (916) 322-2990. For more information on the California Cap-and-Trade Program, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:07:42 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources releases results for second cap-and-trade auction From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Cap-and-trade auction results released. ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990 CONTACT: Dave Clegern 916-322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO - Today at noon, the Air Resources Board released the results of the February 19, 2013 cap-and-trade auction of California carbon allowances. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement price for 2013 and 2015 vintages. 2013 Vintage Number offered: 12,924,822 Number sold: 12,924,822 Settlement Price: $13.62 2016 Vintage Number offered: 9,560,000 Number sold: 4,440.000 Settlement Price: $10.71 For more detailed results on the auction, including maximum and minimum bids placed, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/auction.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Mar 2013 16:26:05 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- ARB announces workshops on cleaning up emissions from farm equipment in the San Joaquin Valley From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Public input requested for new rules for mobile agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley. Contact: Karen Caesar PIO: 626-575-8286 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board has announced two workshops to discuss the development of regulations to reduce emissions from mobile agricultural equipment, such as tractors, combines and harvesters. The regulations are required to address both near-term and long-term requirements under the Clean Air Act to reduce levels of ozone and will apply to mobile agricultural equipment. The first workshop will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) located at 1990 E. Gettysburg Avenue in Fresno. (There will be alternative locations with live video feed of the workshop at the SJVAPCD offices in Modesto and Bakersfield.) The second workshop will be Friday, March 15, 2013 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Cal/EPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento. Workshop details can be found here: Agricultural Rule Workshop Information http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1303/msc1303.pdf ARB is proposing a two-step approach to the rule-making to address these agricultural sources of diesel emissions in the San Joaquin Valley. The first step addresses a near-term Clean Air Act requirement, and would implement the 2007 State Implementation Plan (SIP) to address the current 8-hour ozone standards. The near-term rulemaking, which would be submitted to the Board in late 2013, will establish the framework for accounting for the voluntary actions by the agricultural industry to reduce emissions through their participation in incentive funding programs that accelerate the use of the cleanest available technology equipment (primarily Tier 3 off-road engines in mobile agricultural equipment) in the San Joaquin Valley. Agricultural organizations working with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, ARB, United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), have signed a Statement of Principles that allows for a mechanism to be developed that will provide industry with credit for the investments made to clean up mobile agricultural equipment. ARB's action makes formal the written agreement already reached among the agencies. The second step addresses the need to develop a new SIP in the San Joaquin Valley, to be developed in 2014 and submitted to US EPA in 2015, for the new 8-hour ozone standard. That SIP will lay out a plan to meet the new ozone standard by the 2032 deadline. Strategies to be considered will include a wide range of approaches, including those that depend on the future availability of the cleanest technologies in mobile agricultural equipment. While new SIPs will also be needed for other areas of the state outside the San Joaquin Valley, additional actions for mobile agricultural equipment in those areas are not expected to be needed to meet the federal attainment deadlines. As ARB moves forward on strategies to reduce mobile agricultural equipment emissions in the San Joaquin Valley, a continued reliance on financial incentives from United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, state and local sources is critical. These monies are expected to fund near-term equipment upgrades and replacements, and longer-term approaches, such as an equipment trade-down program, to maximize the use of the cleanest advanced technologies available for mobile agricultural equipment. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2013 10:14:43 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- ARB announces workshops on cleaning up emissions from farm equipment in the San Joaquin Valley--CORRECTION From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov Public input requested for new rules for mobile agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley. The correct number for contacting ARB regarding these workshops is: Karen Caesar, 626-575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board has announced two workshops to discuss the development of regulations to reduce emissions from mobile agricultural equipment, such as tractors, combines and harvesters. The regulations are required to address both near-term and long-term requirements under the Clean Air Act to reduce levels of ozone and will apply to mobile agricultural equipment. The first workshop will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) located at 1990 E. Gettysburg Avenue in Fresno. (There will be alternative locations with live video feed of the workshop at the SJVAPCD offices in Modesto and Bakersfield.) The second workshop will be Friday, March 15, 2013 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Cal/EPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento. Workshop details can be found here: Agricultural Rule Workshop Information http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1303/msc1303.pdf ARB is proposing a two-step approach to the rule-making to address these agricultural sources of diesel emissions in the San Joaquin Valley. The first step addresses a near-term Clean Air Act requirement, and would implement the 2007 State Implementation Plan (SIP) to address the current 8-hour ozone standards. The near-term rulemaking, which would be submitted to the Board in late 2013, will establish the framework for accounting for the voluntary actions by the agricultural industry to reduce emissions through their participation in incentive funding programs that accelerate the use of the cleanest available technology equipment (primarily Tier 3 off-road engines in mobile agricultural equipment) in the San Joaquin Valley. Agricultural organizations working with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, ARB, United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), have signed a Statement of Principles that allows for a mechanism to be developed that will provide industry with credit for the investments made to clean up mobile agricultural equipment. ARB's action makes formal the written agreement already reached among the agencies. The second step addresses the need to develop a new SIP in the San Joaquin Valley, to be developed in 2014 and submitted to US EPA in 2015, for the new 8-hour ozone standard. That SIP will lay out a plan to meet the new ozone standard by the 2032 deadline. Strategies to be considered will include a wide range of approaches, including those that depend on the future availability of the cleanest technologies in mobile agricultural equipment. While new SIPs will also be needed for other areas of the state outside the San Joaquin Valley, additional actions for mobile agricultural equipment in those areas are not expected to be needed to meet the federal attainment deadlines. As ARB moves forward on strategies to reduce mobile agricultural equipment emissions in the San Joaquin Valley, a continued reliance on financial incentives from United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, state and local sources is critical. These monies are expected to fund near-term equipment upgrades and replacements, and longer-term approaches, such as an equipment trade-down program, to maximize the use of the cleanest advanced technologies available for mobile agricultural equipment. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Mar 2013 12:20:14 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board announces listing of early-action carbon offset projects From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=418 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8,2013 RELEASE 13-13 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board announces listing of early-action carbon offset projects First step in the approval process for transitioning voluntary offset credits to the Cap-and-Trade Program Sacramento—The Air Resources Board (ARB) has released the first listings for carbon offset projects with voluntary offset credits to be considered for possible use in California’s Cap-and-Trade Program. Recognizing these existing projects supports the requirements of AB 32 to ensure that early voluntary reductions receive appropriate credit and helps create an initial supply of compliance offset credits for the Cap-and-Trade Program. The Cap-and-Trade Program allows some greenhouse gas emission reductions and removal enhancements from qualified projects issued credits under ARB-approved early action registries (the American Carbon Registry and the Climate Action Reserve) to transition to compliance offset credits. These projects are only eligible to transition if they followed earlier versions of the protocols that were formally included in the Cap-and-Trade Regulation, adopted in 2011. Listing these projects is the first step in a rigorous process to determine if voluntary offsets meet the same stringent standards as offsets generated under the compliance offset protocols that are now part of the Cap-and-Trade Program. “We have determined that every single California offset credit allowed into the program represents a real ton of greenhouse gas reductions.” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “These voluntary projects will be held to the same rigorous verification standards as credits generated by the compliance offset protocols.” The early action projects played an important role in helping develop a broad-based commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. They also played an important role in the development of the existing protocols. The listing, which includes general information about the offset project, signifies that the project developer has notified ARB that it is seeking approval to transition voluntary offset credits to compliance offset credits under the Cap-and-Trade Program. After listing the project, the offset project developer is required to hire an ARB accredited third-party verifier—with no previous connection to the project—to perform a regulatory review to assure voluntary offset credits to be transitioned were correctly calculated and verified under the early action offset program. Failure to receive approval at this stage triggers a full verification of the project by an ARB accredited third-party verifier. After successful completion of verification, ARB staff will review the project documentation to ensure that the project meets the Board’s rigorous standards. If the review shows the voluntary offsets conform to the regulatory requirements, compliance offsets will be issued for the amounts and years the project developer has requested. For ARB to issue a compliance offset credit the voluntary offset credit must represent a reduction or removal enhancement that is real, additional, quantifiable, verifiable, enforceable and permanent. The listing of these 25 projects as of March 7, 2013, represents a significant step toward eventual issuance of compliance offset credits. Should all of these projects be given approval (and that remains to be determined as noted above) these projects could potentially result in up to three million offset credits made available for compliance under the cap-and-trade program. It is estimated that the review process will take several weeks before the first ARB compliance offset credits are issued. To see the list of early action offset projects applying for ARB consideration, go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/earlyaction/projects.htm For details of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program, go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm ### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Mar 2013 16:31:10 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Suzuki Motor Corporation fined $3 million for selling uncertified motorcycles From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=417 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2013 RELEASE 13-11 CONTACT: Karen Caesar (626) 575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Suzuki Motor Corporation fined $3 million for selling uncertified motorcycles Company took proactive steps to correct problem; will likely pay lesser amount SACRAMENTO- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan have agreed to a settlement of $3,020,000 to resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code related to off-highway motorcycles equipped with dual calibrated emissions systems. Dual calibrations within the emission control system allow motorcycle owners to purchase low-cost aftermarket devices that provide access to alternative engine control programming. This allows greater vehicle performance but also significantly increases smog-forming emissions. Such systems are prohibited by California law if they are undisclosed to ARB prior to the vehicles’ approval for sale and if they are easily accessible by the vehicle owner. Suzuki officials initially reported this issue to the ARB and fully cooperated with authorities to resolve the matter. This action saved limited state resources and resulted in a swifter and more complete elimination of excess emissions. As a result, this agreement provides for suspension of $1,812,000 of the total penalty provided that Suzuki does not produce vehicles with undisclosed calibrations for a period of two years and completes two vehicle emission reduction programs designed to offset the additional pollution of the dual calibrated vehicles. Funds collected under the settlement will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to support air quality research. Off-highway vehicles that do not meet California's emission requirements pose a real danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions such as shortness of breath, headaches, birth defects, cancer or damage to internal organs. ### ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. LINK TO NEWS RELEASE: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=417 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:11:40 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Yamaha fined $ 2.2 million for violating air quality rules From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=415 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2013 RELEASE 13-12 CONTACT: Karen Caesar (626) 575-6965 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Yamaha fined $ 2.2 million for violating air quality rules Company sold off-road vehicles that were not certified to meet state standards SACRAMENTO- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Yamaha Motor Corp USA and Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. of Japan have agreed to a court approved settlement of $2,205,000 to resolve allegations of the illegal importation and sale of uncertified off-highway vehicles. “Verification of a new vehicle’s ability to meet anti-smog requirements is a cornerstone of our clean air efforts," said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. "Businesses that sell vehicles before demonstrating that they effectively reduce emissions pose a danger to public health. They are also engaging in practices that are unfair to their competitors.” The court-approved agreement settles a protracted legal dispute between the ARB and Yamaha regarding the sales of certain 2007 model off-highway vehicles known as “Rhinos.” As stipulated in the settlement, both ARB and Yamaha will stop further legal actions related to the sales of these vehicles, and Yamaha has agreed that future vehicle sales will fully comply with California law. Under the terms of the agreement, $255,000 of the settlement penalty is suspended for a period of three years provided Yamaha does not import, deliver, or sell any on- or off-road vehicles prior to their receiving certification of compliance with new vehicle standards by the Air Resources Board. Funds collected under the settlement will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, created to support clean air research. ### ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. LINK TO NEWS RELEASE: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=415 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:59:16 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Higher asthma burden among minorities, low-income groups tied to increased exposure to air pollution From: jbaxter@arb.ca.gov UCLA study funded by California Air Resources Board. Contact: Melanie Turner PIO Phone: 916-322-2990 E-mail: mturner@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO – A new study finds that low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities (Latino, African-American and Asian/Pacific Islander/other) were exposed to greater levels of certain air pollutants and, in turn, suffered increases in asthma-related difficulties, from asthma attacks and daily medication use to work absences and emergency room visits. The new study was led by Dr. Ying-Ying Meng, co-director of the Chronic Disease Program at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, and funded by the Air Resources Board. Previous research has shown that children, the elderly, racial and ethnic minorities and low-income Californians suffer disproportionately from asthma burdens, such as asthma attacks and asthma-like symptoms. This latest study sought to determine whether the asthma burden disparity is due to exposure to higher levels of air pollutants, greater vulnerability, or both. Vulnerability refers to external factors, such as socioeconomic status, residential location and occupational exposure, which influence the risk of adverse health effects related to exposure to air pollution. The investigators found that certain populations had higher exposures to nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter, though they were not exposed to greater levels of ozone pollution They also found that lower-income children (living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level), including Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native children, and African-American and Asian/Pacific Islander adults and children, are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution exposures compared to high income (living at or above 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level) white children and adults of the same ages. Among lower-income asthmatic children, the odds of visiting an emergency room more than doubled for every increase in nitrogen dioxide by 10 parts per billion. Similar two-fold increases were observed relating to the odds of African American adults experiencing daily or weekly asthma symptoms and the odds of Asian/Pacific Islander adults missing two or more days of work per week. Investigators also observed: • Asthma or asthma-symptom sufferers who lived within 750 feet of roadways with high traffic density had increases in asthma-related trips to the emergency room. • Positive associations between asthma outcomes and the number of days for which air quality exceeded state or federal standards for ozone and particulate matter. • Compared to white children, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian/Pacific Islander/other children had a greater increase in the odds of experiencing daily or weekly asthma symptoms for the same increase in nitrogen dioxide. Latino children had a greater increase in the odds of using daily asthma medication for the same increase in PM10, and African-American and Asian/Pacific Islander/other children had greater increases in the odds of daily or weekly symptoms than white children for a comparable increase in PM10. In all, about 3.5 million adults and 900,000 children in California have been diagnosed with asthma. Millions more suffer from asthma-like breathing problems. The UCLA study matched health impact data from the California Health Interview Survey to existing air pollutant and traffic data. Annual pollutant averages for particulate matter, ozone and nitrogen dioxide were calculated for 54,000 Californians’ home addresses using data from nearby air monitoring stations. Some practical ways to reduce exposure to particulate matter pollution can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/pmfactsheet.pdf More information on the study can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/single-project.php?row_id=64812 ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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, 21 Mar 2013 16:25:25 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- ARB adds $6 million to help consumers buy the cleanest cars From: mturner@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=422 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-15 CONTACT Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 mturner@arb.ca.gov ARB adds $6 million to help consumers buy the cleanest cars Extra funds address growing California market for electric cars as program closes in on 20,000 rebates Sacramento — With demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and zero-emission vehicles growing at a record pace in California, the California Air Resources Board today announced that it has put an additional $6 million into the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. Along with another infusion of $4.5 million from the California Energy Commission two weeks ago, the combined $10.5 million is expected to extend the rebate program until next year’s funds are available. “This successful rebate program is helping establish California as the electric vehicle capital of the nation,” Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols said. “The program is also helping to clean the air and fight climate change by reducing our use of fossil fuels." Under the rebate program, individuals, nonprofits, government entities and businesses can get up to a $2,500 state rebate. This can be combined with an up to $7,500 clean vehicle federal tax credit and various other regional incentives. Demand is currently very strong for zero-emission and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. To date, ARB has issued more than $42 million and is closing in on the 20,000th rebate offered through its Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. Between 1,500 and 2,000 clean car rebates are now issued each month, placing California at the forefront of the nation in terms of ultra-clean car sales. Even though California is only 10 percent of the total car market, it now accounts for about 40 percent of all purchases of plug-in electric vehicles nationwide. The program is also helping to fulfill Governor Brown’s executive order of March 2012 that directs state government to support and facilitate the rapid commercialization of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), with a target of having 1.5 million ZEVs on California roadways by 2025. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is made possible by the 2007 law known as Assembly Bill 118. The bill, designed to spur development and deployment of alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies, will end in 2015. It is currently being considered by the Legislature for reauthorization to allow the successful rebate program, and other clean fuel and clean vehicle programs, to continue to benefit California. AB 118 programs are funded through motor vehicle and vessel fees. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is funded by the Air Resources Board and administered statewide by the California Center for Sustainable Energy. For more information on the program and which cars and models qualify for rebates see: http://www.energycenter.org/CVRP ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:21:27 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- CARB Chairman applauds USEPAs proposed new clean car, fuel rule From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=423 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE 13-16 March 29, 2013 CONTACT: Stanley Young Director of Communications (916) 956-9409 syoung@arb.ca.gov CARB Chairman applauds USEPA’s proposed new clean car, fuel rule California Air Resources Board Mary D. Nichols issued the following statement today on USEPA’s announcement of its proposed rule for cleaner cars and fuels: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/tier3.htm "Working together, EPA and California are making sure that the new clean engines our regulations require will have fuels that help maintain their performance and reap public health improvements throughout the country." The proposed rule by USEPA sets in place a single national program of tough new standards for clean cars and fuels closely aligning with California requirements starting in 2017. California’s clean fuel requirements, in place since the 1990s, have delivered emission reductions equivalent to removing 3.5 million vehicles from the state’s road and highways. California’s fuel rules alone have reduced smog-forming emissions from motor vehicles by 15 percent, reduced potential cancer risk from vehicle emissions by 40 percent, and slashed benzene emissions in half. In addition, California’s tailpipe and fuel standards, along with rules on other sources, have delivered a 50 percent reduction in measured sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the state since the 1990s. Air monitoring data show all of California is now in compliance with the federal air quality requirements for sulfur dioxide. Currently gasoline in California contains 8 to 9 parts per million of sulfur. #### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Apr 2013 15:17:06 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- ARB announces appointment of new Executive Officer From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=424 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5, 2013 RELEASE 13-17 CONTACT: Stanley Young (916) 322-1309 ARB announces appointment of new Executive Officer Richard Corey brings strong managerial experience, track record of innovation SACRAMENTO—The California Air Resources Board today announced that it has appointed Richard Corey to be the Board’s new Executive Officer. “Richard brings 28 years of professional experience to this position, including an impressive track record of strong managerial accomplishments within ARB,“ said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “He is also is an innovator in the world of air quality and has a proven record of working productively with diverse sets of stakeholders. Time and again, he has demonstrated the ability to consider divergent viewpoints and arrive at creative solutions.” Prior to his appointment as Executive Officer Corey served as Deputy Executive Officer overseeing the Stationary Source Division where he was responsible for a broad range of programs including fuels, incentives, air toxics, and climate change. He also oversaw the Agency’s administrative and information technology groups. Most recently in the area of climate change programs Corey oversaw the establishment of the second largest carbon market in the world, supervising the development and implementation of California’s pioneering cap and trade regulation, including the first two successful auctions of carbon allowances. Corey has been responsible for implementing a wide variety of programs at ARB including the low carbon fuel standard, and measures and incentives to reduce emissions from a variety of goods movement sources. These include port trucking, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling operations, maritime operations, and rail-related goods movement. In addition, he played leadership roles in key programs that have significantly reduced emissions and contributed to improving public health including the development and implementation of the cleaner- burning gasoline regulations, measures to reduce emissions from stationary and portable diesel engines, and several strategies to reduce emissions of toxic air contaminants from a wide variety of sources. Corey oversaw the development of a system within the clean vehicle regulations (AB 1493, Pavley) that incentivized more efficient low greenhouse gas emitting automotive refrigeration systems. His groundbreaking work in this new program demonstrated that opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles go well beyond the tailpipe. Corey has worked on establishing and implementing the Board’s air toxics program as well as efforts to verify low emission distributed generation technologies, along with managing the program to reduce ozone-forming emissions from a broad spectrum of consumer products. In addition, he led the effort to develop the Board’s strategy for reducing emissions of the most potent greenhouse gases from large refrigeration systems. Corey, currently the acting Executive Officer, takes over from James Goldstene who was recently appointed by the Governor as undersecretary at the California State and Consumer Services Agency. Corey, 53, is married with two grown children. He has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Toxicology as well as an MBA from the University of California, Davis. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Apr 2013 13:07:12 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board sets date for linking cap-and-trade program with Québec From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following release from the Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=430 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-18 CONTACT DAVE CLEGERN (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board sets date for linking cap-and-trade program with Québec Linking with Québec marks historic step for California Sacramento—California's cap and trade program marked a major milestone today when the Air Resources Board voted to approve a date of January 1, 2014 to officially link California’s cap-and-trade program with that of the Canadian Province of Québec. “The Board's action today broadens the environmental impact of California’s cap-and-trade program and helps fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gases,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “California retains absolute control over its own program, and the larger carbon market overall provides additional options for California businesses.” California and Québec have worked together over the past four years to develop their respective cap-and-trade programs to provide for potential linkage. That joint effort and experience help ensure that the two programs will complement one another and provide covered facilities in both jurisdictions with the benefits of a larger program. The linkage agreement also provides an opportunity to closely monitor and fine tune these first two programs, setting the stage for similar arrangements with other jurisdictions that are committed to reducing greenhouse gases. Governor Brown recently supported the Board's action when he formally indicated that the Québec program is as stringent as California’s, a finding required by legislation passed last year. The Governor's decision to move forward was supported by a legal analysis of the linkage with Québec by Attorney General Kamala Harris. In his letter the Governor also noted that now, “CARB and the Québec Ministry of Environment will test and evaluate their auction platforms and trading systems to ensure that they are fully compatible and ready to be implemented, and that linkage can be accomplished without disruption to California’s program.” How it works: • Each jurisdiction will accept the other’s carbon allowances and approved offsets for compliance under their respective cap-and-trade program • The two jurisdictions will share the Compliance Instrument Tracking System Service for tracking allowances and approved offsets • California and Québec will share the online auction platform • Jurisdictions will share market monitoring services and information • Both will be supported by WCI, Inc. for basic administrative functions • Both will maintain control over their respective programs Benefits to California: • Expands environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions reduction effort • Larger pool of available allowances and approved offsets • Provides additional opportunities for investment in the carbon market • Provides a template for possible future linkage with other programs. Next Steps: Air Resources Board staff will work closely with their Québec counterparts between now and the implementation date to complete harmonization of program technology, processes and procedures in preparation for the first linked cap-and-trade auction. No date is yet set for the first California- Québec joint auction. ### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Apr 2013 12:01:16 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- State and local district air quality officials to define best practices for enhanced monitoring of refinery accidents From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=432 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 26TH, 2013 RELEASE 13-20 CONTACT Stanley Young, Director of Communications (916) 322-2990 (916) 956-9409 cell syoung@arb.ca.gov State and local district air quality officials to define best practices for enhanced monitoring of refinery accidents SACRAMENTO – Executives of the state’s major local air districts where refineries are located are working with the California Air Resources Board on a collaborative approach to assess the status of air pollution monitoring around California’s major oil refineries. The first step in the evaluation is to assess the best practices and procedures used by local air districts and emergency response officials throughout the State. The next step will be developing joint recommendations and guidance for key areas such as air monitoring instrumentation, modeling of air releases and related air quality forecasting, emergency response communications, and training. “Most of California’s major oil refineries are adjacent to densely populated urban areas,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Bringing together agencies that can help gather, interpret and communicate air quality information during a catastrophic event is essential to improving our ability to respond.” The ongoing collaborative effort among South Coast, Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and San Luis Obispo air districts, and the ARB, could include future enhanced public access to related air quality and emissions data throughout the state. The overall effort is being coordinated by the Governor’s Office and an interagency task force to improve safety at California’s refineries. Members of the task force are also coordinating their efforts with city and country offices as well as representatives of the refineries as part of the evaluation process. The effort was prompted by the fire at the Chevron USA refinery in Richmond last August. During such fires, shelter-in-place decisions are designed to be health-protective when air quality data cannot be obtained. Officials hope to identify methods to provide better air quality information to County Public Health Directors whose offices are responsible for issuing shelter-in-place orders. Executives from the South Coast, Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley air districts, along with ARB’s Office of Emergency Response, presented an update on responding to refinery incidents and the development of a state framework for refinery monitoring at the April 25, 2013 Board meeting. The related presentations are available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/books/2013/042513/13-5-6pres.pdf “The Bay Area Air district is working with other air districts throughout the state sharing our lessons learned and recommendations developed as part of our after-action report,” said Jack Broadbent, Executive Officer of the Bay Area Air District. “We are confident that working with other agencies we will be able to develop improved methods for sharing real-time information with first responders and the public.” A document describing the assessment and key recommendations — essentially the roadmap for developing the improved approach to air quality monitoring at refineries — is currently in the final stages of completion. It is being jointly prepared by ARB in collaboration with the local air districts and is expected to be made available to the public in the next month. “The South Coast Air Quality Management District imposes strict rules and permitting requirements on the eight refineries in our region,” said Barry Wallerstein, SCAQMD’s Executive Officer. “We’re pleased to contribute our expertise in collaboration with the State and other local districts to define best practices during refinery fires and accidents.” “San Joaquin Valley refineries are very small and located in less densely populated areas. However, through this process we want to examine the adequacy of our existing measures that are extensive and look for opportunities to enhance our resources to better monitor emissions and notify the public,” said Seyed Sadredin, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer. “We are pleased to work collaboratively with the Governor’s Office, the Air Resources Board and other emergency response agencies to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively and keep the public accurately informed in the event of an air quality emergency,” said Larry Allen, Executive Director with the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District. “While SLO County is rural in nature, and less populated than the metropolitan regions of the state, emergency preparedness and public access to information are top priorities for our local community.” ARB also announced creation of a new publicly accessible website for refinery air monitoring information. The new website will provide in one location information on air emissions and air quality from the local air district’s current monitoring network for all the state’s major refineries, including 24/7 air quality data from a number of newly established air monitors in the vicinity of the Richmond refinery. Periodic updates on the statewide emergency air monitoring capabilities assessment will be posted on the new webpage at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/carefinery/crseam/crseam.htm ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Apr 2013 12:42:43 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- State and local district air quality officials to define best practices for enhanced monitoring of refinery accidents From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=432 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 26TH, 2013 RELEASE 13-20 CONTACT: Stanley Young (916) 322-2990 (916) 956-9409 cell syoung@arb.ca.gov State and local district air quality officials to define best practices for enhanced monitoring of refinery accidents SACRAMENTO – Executives of the state’s major local air districts where refineries are located are working with the California Air Resources Board on a collaborative approach to assess the status of air pollution monitoring around California’s major oil refineries. The first step in the evaluation is to assess the best practices and procedures used by local air districts and emergency response officials throughout the State. The next step will be developing joint recommendations and guidance for key areas such as air monitoring instrumentation, modeling of air releases and related air quality forecasting, emergency response communications, and training. “Most of California’s major oil refineries are adjacent to densely populated urban areas,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Bringing together agencies that can help gather, interpret and communicate air quality information during a catastrophic event is essential to improving our ability to respond.” The ongoing collaborative effort among South Coast, Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and San Luis Obispo air districts, and the ARB, could include future enhanced public access to related air quality and emissions data throughout the state. The overall effort is being coordinated by the Governor’s Office and an interagency task force to improve safety at California’s refineries. Members of the task force are also coordinating their efforts with city and country offices as well as representatives of the refineries as part of the evaluation process. The effort was prompted by the fire at the Chevron USA refinery in Richmond last August. During such fires, shelter-in-place decisions are designed to be health-protective when air quality data cannot be obtained. Officials hope to identify methods to provide better air quality information to County Public Health Directors whose offices are responsible for issuing shelter-in-place orders. Executives from the South Coast, Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley air districts, along with ARB’s Office of Emergency Response, presented an update on responding to refinery incidents and the development of a state framework for refinery monitoring at the April 25, 2013 Board meeting. The related presentations are available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/books/2013/042513/13-5-6pres.pdf “The Bay Area Air district is working with other air districts throughout the state sharing our lessons learned and recommendations developed as part of our after-action report,” said Jack Broadbent, Executive Officer of the Bay Area Air District. “We are confident that working with other agencies we will be able to develop improved methods for sharing real-time information with first responders and the public.” A document describing the assessment and key recommendations — essentially the roadmap for developing the improved approach to air quality monitoring at refineries — is currently in the final stages of completion. It is being jointly prepared by ARB in collaboration with the local air districts and is expected to be made available to the public in the next month. “The South Coast Air Quality Management District imposes strict rules and permitting requirements on the eight refineries in our region,” said Barry Wallerstein, SCAQMD’s executive officer. “We’re pleased to contribute our expertise in collaboration with the State and other local districts to define best practices during refinery fires and accidents.” “San Joaquin Valley refineries are very small and located in less densely populated areas. However, through this process we want to examine the adequacy of our existing measures that are extensive and look for opportunities to enhance our resources to better monitor emissions and notify the public,” said Seyed Sadredin, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer. “We are pleased to work collaboratively with the Governor’s Office, the Air Resources Board and other emergency response agencies to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively and keep the public accurately informed in the event of an air quality emergency,” said Larry Allen, Executive Director with the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District. “While SLO County is rural in nature, and less populated than the metropolitan regions of the state, emergency preparedness and public access to information are top priorities for our local community.” ARB also announced creation of a new publicly accessible website for refinery air monitoring information. The new website will provide in one location information on air emissions and air quality from the local air district’s current monitoring network for all the state’s major refineries, including 24/7 air quality data from a number of newly established air monitors in the vicinity of the Richmond refinery. Periodic updates on the statewide emergency air monitoring capabilities assessment will be posted on the new webpage at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/carefinery/crseam/crseam_test_v4.htm ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 May 2013 13:17:42 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Two new members appointed to the Air Resources Board From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=433 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2013 RELEASE 13-21 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Two new members appointed to the Air Resources Board Sacramento — Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed two new members to the California Air Resources Board: John Gioia to represent the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and Judith Mitchell to represent the South Coast Air Quality Management District. John Gioia Gioia, 55, of Richmond has served on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors since 1999. He served as board chairman in 2002, 2006 and 2010. He is first vice president of the California State Association of Counties and chairman of the Bay Area Joint Policy Committee. Gioia is a member of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, and served as chairman of the board in 2012. He also is a member of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Previously, Gioia was principal at the Law Offices of John Gioia from 1986 to 1998, and legal researcher at John Nimmons & Associates Inc., Energy Law Consultants, from 1984 to 1986. Gioia served as an elected member of the East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors from 1989 to 1998. He earned a juris doctor degree from University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Judith Mitchell Governor Brown also appointed attorney and Rolling Hills Estates City Councilwoman Mitchell, 71, of Rolling Hills Estates to the Air Resources Board. Mitchell has been a principal at Judith M. Mitchell Attorney at Law since 2001, and a member of the Rolling Hills Estates City Council since 1999. She serves on the governing board for the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the regional council of the Southern California Association of Governments. Earlier, she was partner and senior litigation associate at Huang P.C., Lawyers from 1985 to 2001 and associate at the Law Offices of Russell Iungerich from 1979 to 1983. Mitchell serve as president of the League of California Cities in 2009 and is past chair of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Mitchell earned a juris doctor degree from Loyola Law School and a master of arts degree in German literature from the University of California, Los Angeles. Both Gioia and Mitchell, appointed to the board on Tuesday, are filling vacant posts. The positions require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. For more information on board members go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/members.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 May 2013 15:01:25 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- ARB settles air quality case with Mex-Cal Trucklines for $300K From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=434 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE 13-22 May 10, 2013 CONTACT: John Swanton (626) 575-6965 jswanton@arb.ca.gov ARB settles air quality case with Mex-Cal Trucklines for $300K Monies will go to support air quality research Sacramento - The California Air Resources Board has fined Mex-Cal Truckline Inc. of Otay Mesa $300,000 for violating state air pollution laws by dispatching non-compliant vehicles that serve regulated intermodal rail yards in 2011 and 2012. “In the not too distant past, the short-haul trucks that picked up cargo from our busy ports and rail yards were among the oldest and dirtiest on the roads,” said ARB’s Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “But thanks to the Drayage Truck Regulation adopted by the ARB in 2007, these vehicles must be upgraded according to a strict timetable. This company learned an expensive lesson and we are hopeful that they will never have to pay us another fine.” Under the terms of the settlement, Mex-Cal will pay its fine to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality research. Mex-Cal Truckline provides regional trucking services and intermodal trucking service from Mexico to California. The company has been cited previously for violations of the state’s Periodic Smoke Inspection Program which requires annual emissions testing. ARB referred that case to the Attorney General’s office and a court judgment and injunction against Mex-Cal was issued in 2008. Mex-Cal has cooperated fully with ARB during this latest investigation. As required by ARB’s Drayage Regulation all 1994 – 2004 engine model year Class 8 (33,001 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or greater) drayage trucks were required to have a diesel soot filter as of January 1, 2012. In addition, they must meet 2007 engine-emissions standards as of January 1, 2014. All 2007 – 2009 models are compliant through 2022; 2010 and newer model-year trucks are fully compliant. (Requirements for the lighter Class 7 trucks vary slightly.) Drayage truck owners are encouraged to visit here for additional information: Drayage Truck Information here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/porttruck/porttruck.htm Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 May 2013 15:48:49 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Sears fined $285,000 for offering uncertified gas-powered stand-up scooters for sale in California From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=435 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE 13-23 May 10, 2013 CONTACT: John Swanton (626) 575-6965 jswanton@arb.ca.gov Sears fined $285,000 for offering uncertified gas-powered stand-up scooters for sale in California SACRAMENTO- The California Air Resources Board today announced that Sears Holdings Management Corporation has agreed to a settlement of $285,200 to resolve air quality violations by offering for sale uncertified small off-road engines. In November 2011, ARB discovered that the Sears “Black Friday” advertisements in California offered Motovox brand ‘stand-up’ scooters for sale. These scooters were, at the time, powered by uncertified engines that were not legal for sale, delivery, or distribution to California under the state’s air quality laws. Sears disclosed to ARB that 713 units were delivered for sale in California and the company’s management took immediate action to remove all units before any units had been sold. In announcing this settlement, ARB compliance Chief James Ryden said that ARB “recognized the prompt actions taken by Sears management to prevent the sale of these high polluting vehicles in California,” but went on to add that “ this situation serves as an important reminder that compliance with our state’s pollution standards begins long before the products reach the sales floor. Had the ‘door-buster’ advertisement not come to the attention of our investigators, it is likely that these scooters would have all been sold on the busiest shopping day of the year, leaving little chance to remove these vehicles-- and their excess emissions-- from California.” Sears officials have fully cooperated with ARB in the resolution of this matter. Funds collected under the settlement will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to help reduce air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. Products utilizing engines that do not meet California's emission requirements pose a real danger to California residents. They produce high amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can exacerbate respiratory ailments and cause other health conditions such as shortness of breath, headaches, birth defects, cancer and damage to internal organs. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 May 2013 12:39:41 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources releases results of third cap-and-trade auction From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=436 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-24 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources releases results of third cap-and-trade auction SACRAMENTO—Today at noon, the Air Resources Board released the results of the May 16, 2013 cap-and-trade auction of California carbon allowances. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement price for 2013 and 2016 vintages. 2013 Vintage Number offered: 14,522,048 Number sold: 14,522,048 Settlement Price: $14.00 per allowance 2016 Vintage Number offered: 9,560,000 Number sold: 7,515,000 Settlement Price: $10.71 per allowance For more detailed results on the auction, including maximum and minimum bids placed, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/may-2013/results.pdf ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 15:11:15 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Pier 1 Imports Inc. and its manufacturer Scent Shop Inc. pay $138,000 fine From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=437 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE 13-25 May 31, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 Melanie.Turner@arb.ca.gov Pier 1 Imports Inc. and its manufacturer Scent Shop Inc. pay $138,000 fine Companies violate Air Resources Board air quality regulations for consumer products SACRAMENTO — Housewares retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. and perfume maker Scent Shop Inc. have paid a penalty of $138,000 for violating consumer products regulations that protect air quality, the California Air Resources Board announced today. Pier 1 Imports and Scent Shop agreed to pay the penalty as part of a settlement to resolve allegations by the Air Resources Board that a liquid air freshener sold at Pier 1 retail outlets in California violated the state’s consumer products regulations. The products — known as ‘reed diffusers’ — were manufactured by Scent Shop, a Garland, Texas-based company, and sold under the Pier 1 brand name between 2009 and 2011. Testing revealed that the products exceeded an 18 percent by weight volatile organic compound (VOC) limit set under Air Resources Board regulations for liquid air fresheners. Such compounds are regulated by the Air Resources Board because they react with other pollutants under sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a key ingredient in smog. “Many common household products, such as air fresheners and cosmetics, contain compounds that contribute to unhealthy smog. It’s important that retailers only stock and sell products that adhere to ARB regulations limiting the amount of these compounds,” said James Ryden, ARB’s Enforcement Division Chief. In addition to the reed diffuser air fresheners manufactured by Scent Shop, other air fresheners and a fabric protectant manufactured abroad and imported by Pier 1 also were found to be out of compliance with air quality regulations. The imported products were also sold under the Pier 1 brand name. In all, the Air Resources Board estimated that direct sales of the non-compliant products to consumers in California by Pier 1 resulted in 7 tons of excess emissions of the smog-forming compounds. As part of the settlement, Pier 1 agreed it would not sell, supply or offer for sale for use in California any consumer product in violation of the state’s consumer products regulations as part of an effort to reduce air pollution and smog. Consumer products — chemically formulated products such as detergents, garden products and cosmetics — are a significant source of VOCs. ARB investigators regularly purchase samples of regulated consumer products from stores across the state. They then inspect them for compliance with registration and dating requirements and send the products to the laboratory for testing. For more information about the Consumer Products Program, go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 15:16:09 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Finish Line pays $157,000 to Air Resources Board for air quality violations From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=438 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE 13-26 May 31, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 Melanie.Turner@arb.ca.gov Finish Line pays $157,000 to Air Resources Board for air quality violations Bicycle chain lubricants and products not in compliance with ARB regulations SACRAMENTO — Finish Line Technologies Inc., a leading manufacturer of bicycle chain lubricants and other bicycle maintenance products, has agreed to pay a penalty of $157,000 for violating consumer products regulations that protect air quality, the Air Resources Board announced today. The Hauppauge, N.Y.-based company agreed to pay the penalty as part of an April 15 negotiated settlement agreement to resolve allegations by the Air Resources Board that multiple products manufactured by Finish Line exceeded state limits for volatile organic compounds. These compounds are regulated by the Air Resources Board because they react with other pollutants under sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a main ingredient in smog. As a result of direct sales to consumers, the products in question contributed an estimated 12.3 tons of excess volatile organic compounds to California’s air. During routine inspections at retail outlets in California in 2009 and 2010, enforcement division staff purchased multiple products made by Finish Line, which makes a number of bicycle maintenance products, from bicycle chain lubricants to drivetrain degreasers. The products were tested by ARB’s laboratory and found to have exceeded the limits for volatile organic compounds for their respective product categories. The Air Resources Board alleged that seven Finish Line products in all, including Finish Line Citrus Degreaser and White Lighting Clean Streak, did not comply with the state’s consumer products regulations. Finish Line cooperated with the investigation and quickly reformulated its products to comply with the regulation. As part of the settlement, Finish Line also agreed not to sell, supply or offer for sale for use in California, any consumer products in violation of ARB consumer products regulations. For more information about the Consumer Products Program, go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 15:35:49 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Edie Chang chosen as new ARB Deputy Executive Officer From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=439 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-27 June 4, 2013 CONTACT: Malanie Turner (916) 322-2990 Melanie.Turner@arb.ca.gov Edie Chang chosen as new ARB Deputy Executive Officer Chang brings 20 years of experience at ARB; will oversee climate change programs, stationary source division, administration and information services SACRAMENTO — Edie Chang has been named Deputy Executive Officer, ARB Executive Officer Richard Corey has announced. As Deputy, Chang will oversee the Stationary Source Division, Administrative Services Division and the Office of Information Services. A 20-year veteran of ARB, Chang replaces Corey, who was recently appointed to the Board’s top job of Executive Officer. Chang has played an important role in a number of high-priority air quality and climate change programs. Most recently, in her role as assistant chief of the Stationary Source Division, Chang was responsible for the development and implementation of California’s pioneering plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She was also involved at every stage of development of the 2008 Scoping Plan itself, and the subsequent implementation of California’s greenhouse gas cap-and-trade regulation. “Edie has distinguished herself as a creative thinker with exceptional communication and organization skills. She has a strong track record of working with different teams and a wide range of stakeholders to successfully take on the Board’s most challenging projects,” said Corey. “Her education, experience and leadership make her ideally suited for this new role.” Prior to overseeing ARB’s climate change program, Chang managed the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment diesel incentive program. She made substantial contributions on the early development of the zero-emission vehicle program, and policies related to incentives and the role they play in securing early emission reductions. She also worked with local air districts on air quality planning to support State Implementation Plans. In her new role, Chang will oversee implementation of the Board’s stationary source and fuels and climate change programs, including the cap-and-trade program, air toxics program, low carbon fuel standard, strategies to reduce emissions from freight transport, and development of the 2013 update to the climate change Scoping Plan. Chang holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Irvine, respectively. # # # (A photograph of Edie Chang is available upon request.) ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 15:02:57 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Vance & Hines fined $500,000 for sales of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in California From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=440 ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE 13-28 June 5, 2013 CONTACT: John Swanton (626) 575-6965 jswanton@arb.ca.gov Vance & Hines fined $500,000 for sales of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in California SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Vance & Hines Performance LLC has been fined $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in California. In late 2012, an ARB investigation discovered that Vance & Hines sold, advertised and offered for sale motorcycle exhaust systems that replaced original emissions-critical components, such as catalytic converters. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions. At the time of the investigation, ARB found that Vance & Hines had not taken advantage of an industry-requested regulation adopted in early 2009. The regulation allows aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers to legally sell their products once they undergo an engineering evaluation to ensure they are durable and meet applicable emission standards. Parts successfully completing this process receive an Executive Order exemption that allows their sale and installation on pollution-controlled motorcycles. Vance & Hines fully cooperated with ARB in the investigation and has implemented a compliance plan for its aftermarket exhaust systems. Vance & Hines is actively working with ARB to ensure that all of its exhaust systems do not reduce the effectiveness of the factory installed emissions control systems and that they have the required Executive Order exemptions prior to being offered for sale in California. Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. Modified vehicles that no longer meet California's emission requirements pose a real danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 11:01:52 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- $44,000 in fines paid by Yamaha Motor Corporation From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=441 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-29 June 7, 2013 CONTACT: Antonio Leaks (916) 322-2990 aleaks@arb.ca.gov $44,000 in fines paid by Yamaha Motor Corporation Motor company self-disclosed violations SACRAMENTO – The Air Resources Board announced that Yamaha Motor Corporation, a manufacturer of motorized vehicles and equipment, was fined $44,625 to settle clean air violations. Yamaha revealed to ARB that it unintentionally imported and sold 23 portable generators in California that were not in compliance with emission standards for small off-road engines. In addition, the company also disclosed that 96 all-terrain vehicles sold in California were unintentionally mislabeled. An investigation by ARB revealed that those labels listed incorrect manufacture dates and model year designations for several engine families and models. “We commend Yamaha’s efforts in taking responsibility for their actions,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Companies are becoming more aware of the impact they have on the environment, and are taking the necessary steps to comply with air quality laws, including the need to accurately label engines.” The settlement will be paid directly to the Air Pollution Control Fund. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 11:04:18 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Akrapovic America fined $88,000 for offering illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems in California From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=442 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-30 June 7, 2013 CONTACT: John Swanton (626) 575-6965 jswanton@arb.ca.gov Akrapovic America fined $88,000 for offering illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems in California SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Akrapovic America LLC, was fined $88,000 for air quality violations related to the sale of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in California. ARB investigators discovered that Akrapovic America sold, advertised and offered for sale motorcycle exhaust systems that replaced original emissions critical components, such as catalytic converters. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions. At the time of the investigation, ARB found that Akrapovic America had not taken advantage of an industry-requested regulation adopted in early 2009 that allows aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers to legally sell their products once they undergo an engineering evaluation to ensure that they are as durable as the emissions critical parts they replace, and meet the applicable emission standards. Parts successfully completing this process receive an Executive Order exemption that allows their sale and installation on pollution controlled motorcycles. In announcing the settlement, ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden notes that “California law provides a ready pathway for manufacturers to offer legal performance modifications for motorcycles as long as they still meet emissions requirements, but they must take advantage of this process prior to offering these products for sale in our state.” He went on to add that “we take seriously the sales of any products that may reduce the effectiveness of the emissions reduction system.” Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. Modified motorcycles that no longer meet California's emission requirements pose a significant health threat to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 11:06:52 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Piaggio fined $175,000 for offering uncertified and other non-compliant motorcycles for sale in California From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=443 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-31 June 7, 2013 CONTACT: John Swanton (626) 575-6965 jswanton@arb.ca.gov Piaggio fined $175,000 for offering uncertified and other non-compliant motorcycles for sale in California SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board announced that Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. was fined $175,000 for violations of air quality laws regarding the required certification requirements for their Aprilia brand of motorcycles. ARB investigators discovered a number of Aprilia brand motorcycles offered for sale in California without first receiving the official certification of compliance with the state’s emissions standards. In addition, it was also determined that various Aprilia models had been manufactured with easily adjustable calibrations that were not disclosed to the ARB during the certification process. Variable or adjustable calibrations within the emission control system allow motorcycle dealers and owners to change how the engine runs. This may result in enhanced vehicle performance but could also significantly increase smog-forming emissions. Such adjustable calibrations are prohibited by California law if they are not disclosed to ARB prior to the vehicle’s approval for sale. They are also prohibited if the emission control systems make it possible for vehicle owners or dealerships to make adjustments outside the certified configuration. In announcing the settlement, ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden notes that “manufacturers not only have a basic responsibility to ensure that their vehicles meet California requirements prior to sale, but that they also take reasonable steps to ensure that dealers or owners will not be able to quickly defeat emissions controls installed on their products.” He went on to add that “building in a ready pathway to eliminate smog reducing measures is not acceptable in California certified vehicles.” Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. fully cooperated with authorities in the investigation and resolution of this violation. Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. Motorcycles that do not meet California's emission requirements or that are modified after their sale pose significant health threat to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions such as shortness of breath, headaches, birth defects, cancer or damage to internal organs. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 09:52:40 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Californias efforts to clean up diesel engines have helped reduce impact of climate change on state, study finds From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=444 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-32 June 13, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 Melanie.Turner@arb.ca.gov California’s efforts to clean up diesel engines have helped reduce impact of climate change on state, study finds Clean diesel programs slashed black carbon, a powerful short-term contributor to global warming SACRAMENTO - Reductions in emissions of black carbon since the late 1980s, mostly from diesel engines as a result of air quality programs, have resulted in a measurable reduction of concentrations of global warming pollutants in the atmosphere, according to a first-of-its-kind study examining the impact of black carbon on California’s climate. The study, funded by the California Air Resources Board and led by Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, estimates that reductions in black carbon as a result of clean air regulations were equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in California by 21 million metric tons annually or taking more than 4 million cars off California roads every year. “We know that California’s programs to reduce emissions from diesel engines have helped clean up the air and protect public health,” said ARB chairman Mary D. Nichols. “This report makes it clear that our efforts to clean up the trucks and buses on our roads and highways also help us in the fight against climate change.” Black carbon — tiny soot particles released into the atmosphere by burning fuels — has been linked to adverse health and environmental impacts through decades of scientific research. It is also one of the major short-lived contributors to climate change. The major sources of black carbon in California are diesel-burning mobile sources, residential wood burning in fireplaces and heaters, agricultural burning and wildfires. The 3-year-study, titled “Black Carbon and Regional Climate of California,” was conducted by UC San Diego and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It is the first comprehensive regional assessment of the climate impact of black carbon on California. In conducting the study, scientists used computer models and air pollution data collected by aircraft, satellite and ground monitors. The study’s results support a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests it is possible to immediately slow the pace of climate change regionally by reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, like black carbon. According to co-author Dr. Tom Kirchstetter of LBNL, black carbon levels have decreased by about 90 percent over a 45-year period, beginning with the establishment of CARB in 1967, mostly as a result of state regulations for diesel engine emissions. Researchers found the state’s efforts to reduce diesel emissions to have lessened the impact of global warming on California, supporting earlier theoretical computer modeling by Dr. Mark Jacobson of Stanford University that reducing black carbon from diesel combustion is a potent ‘climate cooler.’ The reductions occurred during a time when diesel fuel consumption increased by about a factor of five, attesting to the effectiveness of CARB regulations requiring cleaner fuels and vehicle technology. The study took a conservative approach in examining the impact black carbon has on the Golden State. Researchers considered emissions only from diesel-powered trucks and buses, and off-road diesel equipment and vehicles to estimate the equivalent reduction of carbon dioxide. When all sources of black carbon emissions from diesel fuel combustion are considered, including farming and construction equipment, trains and ships, the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions can be as high as 50 million metric tons per year over the past 20 years. That’s roughly equal to a 13-percent reduction in the total annual carbon dioxide emissions in California. As ARB’s current efforts to clean up trucks and buses move forward, resulting in the continued cleanup and turnover of older heavy-duty diesel vehicles, California should continue to see declines in particulate matter emissions. Advanced engine emissions control systems and filters are expected to dramatically reduce emissions from all new diesel engines. Current diesel truck engines, for example, are over 90 percent cleaner than models from years when they were unregulated. “If California’s efforts in reducing black carbon can be replicated globally, we can slow down global warming in the coming decades by about 15 percent, in addition to protecting people’s lives,” Ramanathan said. “It is a win-win solution if we also mitigate carbon dioxide emissions simultaneously.” Black carbon has the effect of warming the atmosphere because it is effective at absorbing sunlight. However, it is emitted together with a range of other particle pollutants, including organic carbon, sulfur and other chemicals, some of which have a cooling effect, typically by reflecting sunlight. Reducing diesel emissions can therefore lead to a reduction of both warming and cooling particles. The report, however, is the first to confirm, based on both observations and computer modeling, that the warming effect of black carbon dominates, overwhelming any cooling effect of other pollutants. This confirms the positive impact reducing diesel emissions has on fighting climate change. Other findings include: • The study found evidence to link brown carbon — a form of organic carbon aerosols — to warming. Therefore, a commonly held view that organic particles from wildfires primarily reflect sunlight, and cause cooling, was not supported by the study. • A finding that black carbon particles increased the number of drops of water in clouds, while decreasing the size of those drops, a condition that can reduce or delay rain. Editor’s note: A copy of the report can be found here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/single-project.php?row_id=64841 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 11:34:55 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- California and Shenzhen, China, Sign Agreement to Cooperate on Fighting Climate Change From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=445 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-33 June 18, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov California and Shenzhen, China, sign agreement to cooperate on fighting climate change Memorandum of Understanding signed at the launch of Shenzhen’s cap and trade program — China’s first carbon trading system SHENZHEN, CHINA – Moving to further strengthen California’s ties with China, California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols and Director of the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission Xu Anliang signed a memorandum of understanding today in Shenzhen that will expand cooperation at the subnational level to tackle global climate change. The agreement builds on the significant diplomatic and business exchanges between California and China over the past year and a half, including the Governor’s Trade and Investment Mission to China in April - which featured a visit to Shenzhen http://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18001 and Governor Brown’s meetings with President Xi Jinping earlier this month http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18086 and last February http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17423 . Under today’s agreement, California and Shenzhen have agreed to work together to share policy design and early experiences from their climate trading programs, in order to build strong, stable and growing markets for clean energy technology and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Chairman Nichols was invited by the Mayor of Shenzhen to participate in the inauguration today of China’s first Emissions Trading System (ETS). The event, which represents an important milestone in China’s efforts to combat climate change, included a national conference attended by China's national leaders on climate change, including Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Minister Xie Zhenhua. Leaders of the seven provinces and cities hosting China's first ETS pilots also attended this conference, together representing over 200 million Chinese residents. “Congratulations to Shenzhen for taking this important step forward today,” said Nichols at the inauguration ceremony. “We are pleased to work with you in the effort to combat global climate change. The actions of states, provinces and cities are creating a foundation that national and international action can spring from. We are blazing the trail.“ The collaboration will focus on building effective systems for data gathering, emissions verification, market monitoring, compliance and enforcement. Additionally, California and Shenzhen agree to monitor and share the best available climate and pollution-related science and research. The goal is to use the data to identify and evaluate additional policies, including performance standards, and to support low-carbon economic growth and reduce toxic air pollution. During the Governor’s visit to Shenzhen in April, he discussed joint action on climate change with Shenzhen Party Secretary Wang Rong and toured Shenzhen-based electric vehicle and battery technology company, BYD. The Governor also signed the first agreements ever between a subnational entity and China’s Ministries of Commerce http://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17988 and Environmental Protection http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17989 during the trip. While in China Chairman Nichols will also meet with representatives of the national government to discuss follow-up actions to Governor Brown's April trip to China and his recent meeting with President Xi. Areas of discussion will include next steps to share information on the most successful approaches that have been developed to control climate change and air pollution. The speech by Mary Nichols is available at: http://arb.ca.gov/board/bio/marys_speeches/mnichols_shenzhen_a4.pdf A Chinese translation is also available at: http://arb.ca.gov/board/bio/marys_speeches/mnichols_shenzhen_a4_chinese.pdf The Memorandum of Understanding is available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/2013/shenzhen_and_ca_mou.pdf ### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 15:28:00 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board Steps Up Border Area Enforcement From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=446 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-34 June 19, 2013 CONTACT: Karen Caesar (626) 575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board Steps Up Border Area Enforcement Trucks serving ports and rail yards must be compliant with all regulations; targets include ‘dray-off’ activities and dispatching illegal trucks SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board has stepped up enforcement of its diesel truck regulations to ensure that only vehicles compliant with California’s stringent anti-pollution laws travel across the US border into the state. All trucks transporting cargo originating from, or going to, a regulated port or rail yard in California must be compliant drayage trucks. Among other violations ARB staff is looking for at the border are "dray-offs." A dray-off occurs when a compliant truck exchanges cargo with a noncompliant truck on or off port property. “Starting last fall, ARB staff has been regularly visiting the border towns of Otay Mesa and Calexico to educate truckers and business owners in English and Spanish about how to comply with our regulations and what happens when you don’t,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “We have been working diligently to send a strong, consistent message that the benefits of compliance far outweigh the risks of ignoring or procrastinating when it comes to cleaning up your vehicles or participating in illegal dray-off.” Drayage trucks that engage in dray-offs are circumventing regulatory requirements, adversely impacting the air quality of the surrounding communities. The illegal activity also provides an unfair advantage over those who have spent money to comply. Truckers may receive stiff penalties for participating in dray-off. In addition, motor carriers and transport companies that dispatch trucks involved in dray-offs can face fines, too. In 2012, ARB conducted 3,650 inspections on 1,938 trucks in Otay Mesa, Calexico and Tecate to check compliance with a variety of rules including excessive idling, correct engine labeling, smoke emissions and tampering, and use of verified emissions reductions equipment for compliance with ARB regulations. A total of 261 citations were issued. “Working with the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, visiting trade shows and conducting well-attended workshops and classes have been instrumental in reaching the local trucking industry,” said Ryden. “We are pleased that they have embraced this issue and are eager to help us get our message out.” Despite decades of progress in cleaning up the air, California still has the poorest air quality in the nation, which has led to passage of progressive regulations to fight the problem. One of these is the Drayage Truck Regulation that focuses on diesel-fueled trucks that transport marine or rail cargo and containers. These trucks must be registered with ARB and be upgraded or replaced according to a specific timetable. The Truck and Bus Regulation also requires heavy duty diesel trucks to be cleaned up. Information about how to comply can be found by visiting ARB’s informational Truck Stop website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm or a Summary of Requirements for diesel truck and equipment owners found here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/multirule.pdf Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 16:24:38 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Thermo King pays $213,200 penalty for violating state air pollution laws From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=456 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-35 June 24, 2013 CONTACT: Karen Caesar 626-575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Thermo King pays $213,200 penalty for violating state air pollution laws Company sold diesel particulate filters after conditional verification expired SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board has fined Minneapolis-based Thermo King Corporation $213,200 for violating terms of the conditional verification granted to its Thermo King eDPF (diesel particulate filter). These filters are used to reduce emissions from the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) which allow heavy duty trucks to use air conditioning, heat and other functions without the need for engine idling. “Conditional verifications provide manufacturers with flexibility in complying with California’s emissions reduction requirements but they expire after a specific time period,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Full verification is granted only after manufacturers complete required durability testing and meet all terms of the conditional verification.” On June 24, 2008, the Thermo King particulate filter was conditionally verified for use on APUs for a period not to exceed three years. The Air Resources Board staff learned that the company continued to sell the filters after the verification expired in 2011. To settle the case, Thermo King Corporation agreed to pay $213,200 to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which supports air quality improvement efforts and research. The company also agreed to comply with the ARB verification procedure, and to sell filters in the future only with ARB’s written approval. Customers who installed Thermo King particulate filters will not be penalized. Instead, the warranty for their filters was extended to 3000 hours. Thermo King was ultimately awarded full verification of their particulate filters in August 2012. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jun 2013 12:32:36 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Three cities win awards for efforts by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=468 ----------------------- Three cities win awards for efforts by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Davis, Chula Vista, Tracy winners in first-ever CoolCalifornia Challenge to reduce cities’ carbon footprints Release #:13-38 Date:06/27/2013 ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990 CONTACT: Melanie Turner 916-322-2825 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Antonio Leaks 916-322-2990 antonio.leaks@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO - Three cities were honored today at an award ceremony before the California Air Resources Board, wrapping up a year-long CoolCalifornia Challenge in which thousands of households in cities across the state competed for the biggest citywide carbon footprint reduction. Known for its longtime commitment to environmental sustainability, the city of Davis was crowned the state’s “Coolest California City” by the Air Resources Board out of eight cities that began the competition. Chula Vista and Tracy, which came in second and third respectively, were named “Cool California Cities.” All eight participating cities used novel and creative approaches to engage households to take simple everyday actions to reduce their carbon footprint, and accurately measure the combined greenhouse gas reductions for each municipality. ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols presented the mayors or representatives of all three finalist cities with a special award at the board meeting. “Engaging households and civic groups is an essential part of the state’s ability to achieve the long-term climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving us away from our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Nichols. “The CoolCalifornia Challenge helps us learn how cities can motivate individuals and households to voluntarily reduce their carbon footprint, and do it in a way that can be entertaining, fun and fulfilling.” In all, the ARB-sponsored CoolCalifornia Challenge enrolled close to 3,000 participants in the cities of Davis, Chula Vista, Tracy, Sacramento, San Jose, Citrus Heights, Pleasanton and Pittsburg. Chula Vista had the most people involved, with nearly 700 households participating. Together, the 1,000 most engaged households used 50 percent less energy than similar households and cut their energy use another 7 percent during the competition, equivalent to more than 220 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Like all of the cities participating in the first such year-long challenge, Davis successfully engaged hundreds of residents to track and reduce their energy use and miles driven — to collectively reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Davis has set a goal to engage 75 percent of its households in voluntary greenhouse gas reduction activities by 2015. Nearly 450 Davis households signed up for the contest. The city came out on top by earning the most points. While individuals and teams alike helped rack up the city’s overall points, two Davis Community Church teams, among the city’s top teams, contributed a combined 14 percent of the total points. “Climate Change will be defeated by a constellation of individual actions. As the government closest to citizens, cities must play an active role in spurring these actions. The CoolCalifornia Challenge brought Davis together like never before, and has set the stage for our continuing work to have 75 percent of all households engage in aggressive carbon reduction actions — from efficiency, to renewables, to active and electric-drive transportation. In partnership with the state, Davis will reach its goal of citywide carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza. Participants earned points for reducing their household energy use and tailpipe emissions — by bicycling instead of driving or hanging laundry to dry instead of using a dryer, for example. They also earned bonus points for beating their own personal benchmarks each month. Cities engaged households in the competition with city-sponsored block parties, at weekly farmers’ markets and through special events like the Cool Davis festival, which spurred ideas for reducing household greenhouse gas emissions with information, entertainment and family activities. A CoolCalifornia.org website, developed through a partnership of ARB, nonprofit Next 10 and UC Berkeley, provided online tools to support the voluntary efforts by local governments and households. Individuals tracked their driving habits and home energy use with easy-to-use online software developed by the University of California, Berkeley for the site. Points earned counted toward a city’s total, and also earned participants raffle tickets toward local prizes. While the winning city gains bragging rights and recognition, ARB takes away valuable information about how to get individuals to voluntarily make changes to curb their carbon footprints and foster sustainability and green economic development. Because voluntary actions are included as elements in California’s climate plan, ARB has developed a variety of tools and resources to support these non-regulatory efforts. The Challenge is part of an ARB-funded research project by the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Lab at UC Berkeley. The study will help inform future efforts to promote and quantify carbon footprint reductions and help establish best practices for citizen engagement. Challenge participants will be invited to again celebrate their accomplishments at an event set for Sept. 5 on the west steps of the State Capitol. Organizers plan to kick off a second CoolCalifornia Challenge at the celebration. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jul 2013 10:30:28 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board Fines Nine Companies Under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=469 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-39 July 12, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board fines nine companies under greenhouse gas reporting rule Violations for late or inadequate reporting SACRAMENTO - Nine companies have been fined by the California Air Resources Board for violations of the state’s Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting rule. That rule requires facilities, including those covered by California’s cap-and-trade regulation, to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually. “Accurate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions is the foundation of our efforts to reduce carbon pollution from the state’s energy and industrial sectors,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “We will continue to vigorously enforce the mandatory reporting rule to ensure that every company follows all its requirements.” California’s Mandatory Reporting Rule, adopted by ARB in 2007, requires facilities that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually to report their emissions. About 600 facilities have been reporting their greenhouse gas emissions to the Air Resources Board since 2008. Industrial facilities must report each April, and utilities must do so each June. Those reports are then checked for accuracy and verified by ARB-trained independent third parties with oversight by ARB staff. The final reports are published on ARB’s website each fall. The rule ensures that California has the most rigorous and stringently verified greenhouse gas reporting process in the world. The reporting compliance rate for 2012 was 97 percent. Nine companies have been fined for failure to supply complete information by the appropriate deadlines for either the reporting or verification stages. In addition to paying these fines, the violators must provide the Air Resources Board with plans for complete and accurate data collection and reporting in the future. The companies fined are: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation $120,000 DG Fairhaven Power, LLC $55,000 Vintage Production California, LLC $35,000 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. $20,000 Veneco, Inc. $20,000 Cemex Construction Materials, LLC $15,000 Lehigh Southwest Cement Co. $10,000 Lhoist North America of Arizona, Inc. $10,000 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jul 2013 11:17:12 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources CORRECTION RE: Board Fines Nine Companies Under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please note this version of the following news release from the California Air Resources Board includes the full list of all nine companies fined: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=469 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-39 July 12, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board fines nine companies under greenhouse gas reporting rule Violations for late or inadequate reporting SACRAMENTO - Nine companies have been fined by the California Air Resources Board for violations of the state’s Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting rule. That rule requires facilities, including those covered by California’s cap-and-trade regulation, to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually. “Accurate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions is the foundation of our efforts to reduce carbon pollution from the state’s energy and industrial sectors,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “We will continue to vigorously enforce the mandatory reporting rule to ensure that every company follows all its requirements.” California’s Mandatory Reporting Rule, adopted by ARB in 2007, requires facilities that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually to report their emissions. About 600 facilities have been reporting their greenhouse gas emissions to the Air Resources Board since 2008. Industrial facilities must report each April, and utilities must do so each June. Those reports are then checked for accuracy and verified by ARB-trained independent third parties with oversight by ARB staff. The final reports are published on ARB’s website each fall. The rule ensures that California has the most rigorous and stringently verified greenhouse gas reporting process in the world. The reporting compliance rate for 2012 was 97 percent. Nine companies have been fined for failure to supply complete information by the appropriate deadlines for either the reporting or verification stages. In addition to paying these fines, the violators must provide the Air Resources Board with plans for complete and accurate data collection and reporting in the future. The companies fined are: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation $120,000 DG Fairhaven Power, LLC $55,000 Vintage Production California, LLC $35,000 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. $20,000 Veneco, Inc. $20,000 Cemex Construction Materials, LLC $15,000 Lehigh Southwest Cement Co. $10,000 Lhoist North America of Arizona, Inc. $10,000 Tidelands Production Co. $10,000 The settlement agreements are available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/casesett.htm Emissions reported by facility under the Mandatory Reporting Rule can be viewed here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/reported_data/ghg-reports.htm Locate facilities emitting greenhouse gas in your area, and compare to other facilities through interactive Google Earth map here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/ei/tools/ghgfacilities/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 12:08:41 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Chevron fined $422,500 for selling non-compliant gasoline and diesel to the California market From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following release from the California Air Resources Board Office of Communications:. Chevron fined $422,500 for selling non-compliant gasoline and diesel to the California market Sacramento — Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has paid $422,500 in penalties for supplying gasoline and diesel fuel in violation of California regulations designed to protect air quality. Chevron agreed to pay the penalties as part of three separate settlements it reached with the California Air Resources Board. In all, 15.9 million gallons of fuel were in violation of state regulations. In two cases, Chevron disclosed the violations. In the third, ARB enforcement staff discovered the violation as a result of routine fuel sampling. Details of each of the three cases are as follows: • Chevron paid $205,000 for supplying more than 385,000 gallons of gasoline in violation of California reformulated gasoline regulations between mid-June 2009 and Aug. 1, 2009. Dispensed from Chevron terminals in Sacramento and San Jose, the fuel did not contain adequate amounts of ethanol. • Chevron paid $192,500 for supplying more than 15.5 million gallons of gasoline in violation of California reformulated gasoline regulations. Analysis of gasoline samples indicated olefin levels exceeded certain required specifications. Higher levels of olefin mean more smog will be formed from tailpipe emissions since hydrocarbons, including olefin, react with sunlight and other pollutants to form smog. Chevron was notified by ARB of the violation, and took immediate steps to find and rectify the cause to prevent future occurrences. • Chevron paid $25,000 in penalties for supplying and selling more than 36,000 gallons of diesel fuel in August 2009 that did not meet a required minimum cetane number. (The cetane number indicates the combustion quality of a diesel fuel, and how likely it is to create excess hydrocarbon emissions. When the cetane number is too low, unburned hydrocarbons, which lead to smog, tend to increase.) “With 28 million cars and trucks on California roadways, it is important for the producers and importers of fuel to adhere to the state’s gasoline and diesel regulations in order for California to protect public health and meets its air quality goals,” said Jim Ryden, chief of ARB’s enforcement division. In California, motor vehicles are the main source of smog-forming pollution and diesel exhaust accounts for 70 percent of Californians’ daily exposure to air toxics. Mobile sources account for nearly 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in California and more than half of the emissions which contribute to ozone, the main ingredient in smog, and particulate matter, tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and increase the risk of health problems. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Jul 2013 11:55:27 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- California Air Resources Board Signs Agreement with Australian Climate Agency From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=473 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-42 July 30, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov California Air Resources Board signs agreement with Australian climate agency Memorandum of Understanding focuses on clean energy technology and market integrity SACRAMENTO - Today California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols and Chair of the Australian Clean Energy Regulator, Chloe Munro, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to guide collaboration between the agencies in addressing the global issue of climate change. The agreement establishes a framework for a working relationship that will mutually benefit each agency in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "This agreement continues our productive relationship with the Clean Energy Regulator to improve our respective programs," said Chairman Nichols. "It is another step forward in California’s efforts to establish relationships with other programs to continue sharing information and best practices to fight the global danger of climate change." "It is important for Australian agencies to develop strong relationships with our counterparts overseas as we work towards a global market. I believe this agreement will demonstrate the benefits of regulators working together to reinforce the effective operation of our programs," said Chair Munro. Under the agreement, the Clean Energy Regulator and the Air Resources Board will share information to develop complementary and effective market-based programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support and build on the capacity of the international carbon market. The Australian Clean Energy Regulator and the Air Resources Board have been sharing practical lessons over the past year on methods for setting carbon prices. The new memorandum focuses on investing in clean energy generation and related technologies and improving market integrity to deepen collaboration between the two agencies. That Memorandum of Understanding can be found here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/2013/mou_cer_arb_073013.pdf ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Aug 2013 13:16:13 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Tucker Rocky and Bikers Choice fined $500,000 for sales of illegal aftermarket motorcycle parts in California From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=474 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-43 August 2, 2013 CONTACT: Karen Caesar 626-575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Tucker Rocky and Biker’s Choice fined $500,000 for sales of illegal aftermarket motorcycle parts in California SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Ed Tucker Distributor, Inc. has been fined $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket “emissions critical” parts in California. An ARB investigation discovered that two Tucker companies, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker’s Choice, sold, advertised and offered for sale aftermarket parts that replaced original emissions-critical components, such as catalytic converters, on highway motorcycles. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions. ARB investigators found that between 2009 and 2013, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker’s Choice failed to take advantage of an industry-requested regulation that provided aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers, distributors, and retailers a way to legally sell their products. This regulation allows modifications to emissions control systems once they undergo an engineering evaluation to ensure they are durable and continue to meet applicable emission standards. Parts successfully completing this process receive an Executive Order exemption that allows their sale and installation on pollution-controlled motorcycles. In announcing the settlement, ARB enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that “Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker’s Choice promptly and fully cooperated with ARB during the investigation, and have implemented a compliance plan to inform their dealers and customers about the types of motorcycle exhaust systems that are legal for sale in the State. We encourage other distributors in the industry to institute similar practices.” Modified vehicles that no longer meet California's emission requirements pose a real health danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions.Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Aug 2013 12:04:44 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Beauty product distributor fined $213,000 for selling hair-styling products that violate air quality regulations From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=479 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-45 August 12, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Beauty product distributor fined $213,000 for selling hair-styling products that violate air quality regulations SACRAMENTO - Midway Importing Inc., a nationwide distributor and marketer of Hispanic health and beauty care brands, has paid a penalty of $213,000 for violating consumer products regulations that protect air quality, the Air Resources Board announced today. The Houston, Texas-based company agreed to pay the fine after the Air Resources Board determined that multiple hair gel products that were sold and/or supplied by Midway Importing exceeded state limits for volatile organic compounds. These compounds are regulated by the Air Resources Board because they react with other pollutants under sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a main ingredient in smog. As a result of direct sales to consumers, the products in question contributed an estimated 23.9 tons of excess VOC emissions to California's air. During routine inspections at retail outlets in California in 2010, Enforcement Division staff purchased Moco de Gorila Gel Estilo Galan hair gel, also known as Gorilla Snot, manufactured by Nattura Laboratorios of Mexico. The product was tested by ARB's Monitoring and Laboratory Division and found to have exceeded the VOC limit for hair styling products. Further investigation revealed that other similar hair gel products were imported into the U.S. and distributed into California by Midway Importing. As part of the settlement, Midway agreed not to sell, supply or offer for sale for use in California, any consumer products in violation of ARB consumer products regulations. For more information about the Consumer Products Program, go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Aug 2013 16:36:26 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- California Air Resources Board now accepting applications for CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program. From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov California Air Resources Board now accepting applications for CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program. Release #:13-46 Date:8/12/2013 ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990 CONTACT: Melanie Turner 916-322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov California Air Resources Board now accepting applications for CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program ARB to recognize green business efforts, sustainable practices SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board is accepting applications now through Nov. 1 for its fourth CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards Program which recognizes small businesses that integrate environmental stewardship and sustainability into their business practices. California small businesses that reduce energy use, conserve water and minimize their greenhouse gas emissions are demonstrating climate leadership and can compete for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award. “Whether they are law offices, restaurants or manufacturers, small businesses across the state are taking actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions,” ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols said. “These small business leaders are demonstrating that making smart climate-friendly choices is good for the environment and for their bottom line.” Small businesses that meet the requirements can apply online for an award between Aug. 12, 2013, and Nov. 1, 2013, at: http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-awards-program. Winners will be recognized by ARB in a statewide press release, at a public ceremony in Sacramento in February 2014 and profiled on the CoolCalifornia.org website. Awards will be given to small businesses in two categories: • CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award: Awarded to small businesses that have taken significant actions in 2012-2013 to reduce their climate impacts, demonstrated measurable greenhouse gas reductions and documented benefits from the actions they have taken (e.g., cost savings, return on investment, etc.) by using tools such as the CoolCalifornia small business carbon calculator. • CoolCalifornia Climate Leader Award: Awarded to small businesses that were proactive in reducing their environmental impacts and can describe in detail the specific actions taken in 2012-2013 to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Last year ARB recognized 16 small businesses that took a variety of actions to save money while reducing their environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. These included installing compact fluorescent lights and energy efficient equipment or solar panels; supporting carpooling, bicycling and alternative fuel vehicles; purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products and low volatile organic compound paints and carpet, and incentivizing climate-friendly behavior. For information on past winners, see http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-awards-program. ARB is currently seeking sponsors for the awards program. If you wish to be a sponsor and be recognized at the award ceremony, contact Judy Nottoli at jnottoli@arb.ca.gov or (916) 322-7429 for information on sponsorship opportunities. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Aug 2013 16:55:39 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Shippers fined $440K for violating fuel regulation From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Shippers fined $440K for violating fuel regulation. Release #:13-47 Date:8/12/2013 ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990 CONTACT: Karen Caesar 626-575-6728 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov Shippers fined $440K for violating fuel regulation Ocean-going vessels must use cleaner diesel within Regulated California Waters SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board has fined three international shipping companies a combined $440,250 for failure to switch from dirty “bunker” fuel to cleaner, low-sulfur marine distillate fuel upon entering Regulated California Waters, as required by state law. “Ships en route to California ports emit thousands of tons of diesel exhaust each year,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Our regulation requiring ocean-going vessels to switch to cleaner fuel within 24 nautical miles of our shoreline protects all California residents, especially those in port communities, from this air pollution.” An ARB investigation showed that on 17 visits to California ports between November 6, 2009 and July 18, 2011, the vessel Hoegh Inchon operated its main engines within Regulated California Waters on bunker fuel, a dirtier fuel oil that contributes to onshore pollution levels of diesel particulate matter, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. The parent company, Hoegh Autoliners Shipping AS Co. of Oslo, Norway, was fined $299,500. In February 2013, prior to docking at the Ports of Stockton and Long Beach, the Ikan Bawal was cited for failing to switch its engines over to the required cleaner fuel while operating within Regulated California Waters. Its owner, N.C.N Corporation Panama, was fined $87,750. In August 2012, after it docked at the Port of Los Angeles, the vessel K-Pluto was also cited for failing to switch to the required cleaner fuel while operating within Regulated California Waters. Its parent company, Twin Phoenix Shipping S.A. of Singapore, was fined $53,000. All three companies complied with ARB’s investigation and agreed to abide by all pertinent ARB regulations, follow fuel switchover requirements, and keep accurate records. The fines go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality research, The ARB conducts over 500 ship inspections each year, checking for proper fuel usage, record-keeping and other compliance requirements, and takes marine gas oil or marine diesel oil samples for submission to the ARB laboratory to ensure they meet California standards for sulfur. Compliance rates with ARB’s Ocean-going Vessel Regulation, adopted in 2008, is very high, hovering around 95 percent. The measure eliminates 15 tons of diesel particulate matter– a known carcinogen - daily from ocean-going vessels’ exhaust. The regulation is considered a vital tool in helping to reduce cancer rates and premature deaths for those who live near the state’s busy ports and trade corridors. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 12:28:20 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Releases August Cap-And-Trade Auction Results From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=484 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-50 August 21, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Releases August Cap-And-Trade Auction Results Sacramento—Today at noon, the Air Resources Board released the results of the August 16, 2013, cap-and-trade auction of California carbon allowances. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement price for 2013 and 2016 vintages. 2013 Vintage Number offered: 13,865,422 Number sold: 13,865,422 Settlement Price: $12.22 2016 Vintage Number offered: 9,560,000 Number sold: 9,560,000 Settlement Price: $11.10 For more detailed results on the auction, including maximum and minimum bids placed, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/auction.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Sep 2013 12:16:41 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Consumer Products companies fined for air quality violations From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=486 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-52 August 9, 2013 CONTACT: Antonio Leaks (916) 322-2990 antonio.leaks@arb.ca.gov Consumer Products companies fined for air quality violations Settlement of 26 cases generates $377,950 for pollution control SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board announced that since January of this year, it has settled 26 cases involving air quality violations by companies manufacturing or selling consumer products that exceeded California’s standards for smog contributing gases known as volatile organic compounds. The excess in emissions of VOCs from these settlements amounted to over 24 tons. The amount collected went to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality projects and research to improve California’s air quality. “With volatile organic compounds present in products we use every day, it is essential for companies to comply with ARB’s air quality regulations,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “Companies can control the composition of the products they sell, which limits the emissions and benefits us all.” The fines totaled $377,950. The four companies paying the highest amounts were: • OPI - $58,000 • Lucas Oil Products - $48,400 • Lancaster Colony- $48,000 • Core Products - $45,000 The companies involved in the 22 settlements with fines totaling $178,550 were: Personal Products • Dasio Holding • Rainbow USA • Continental Consumer Product • Fromm/ Diane Products • Proctor & Gamble - Wella • Phillip B; Sir Gauuan • Spirit Halloween • Colomer Household Cleaners • Aromasource • Jig- a- loo • Western Fragrant • SpecChem • Sportsman Warehouse • TA Emerald Other Products • Gold Eagle/Suzuki • Unified Grocers • Beacon Adhesives • Agustin Reyes • Providence Products • Wal-Mart & Vijon • Radiator Specialty Volatile organic compounds are gases released from solids and liquids, contributing to ozone formation once released into the air. These gases can be found in a number of products such as paints, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, air fresheners, stored fuels and automotive products, and more. For more information on ARB’s consumer products regulations, see: http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/consprod.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Sep 2013 12:36:03 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Two disposal companies are fined a combined $77,875 for violating air quality regulations From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=487 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-53 August 9, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Two disposal companies are fined a combined $77,875 for violating air quality regulations Fines to support diesel training at community colleges, air quality research Sacramento — The California Air Resources Board has fined Redwood Debris Box Service Inc. of Burlingame and Mountainside Disposal Inc./Price Disposal Inc. of Bakersfield for violating air quality regulations related to diesel trucks they operate. Redwood Debris Box Service agreed to pay $39,250 for violating the regulations. Mountainside Disposal/Price Disposal has paid $38,625 in penalties for its violations. Separate investigations by the Air Resources Board showed each company failed to install legally required diesel particulate filters on its trucks by applicable compliance dates. A diesel particulate filter is a device used to reduce harmful emissions. Each company also failed to properly self-inspect its diesel trucks to ensure they met state smoke emission standards. Redwood Box Debris Service, which agreed early this year to pay $39,250 for violating air quality regulations, uses diesel trucks for solid waste collection. It provides services for recycling dirt, concrete, green waste, demolition and other materials. Mountainside Disposal has a 1,200-square-mile service area. It holds seven franchise agreements for trash collection services, including three with Kern County, and agreements with the cities of Bakersfield and Arvin and the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura. Mountainside agreed in April to pay the $38,625 fine and made its final payment in June. The company has no history of past violations. As part of the settlement, Mountainside Disposal also must ensure that staff members who are responsible for compliance with the diesel truck emission inspection program attend diesel education courses and provide certificates of completion within one year. Seventy-five percent of each fine, or a combined $58,405.75, will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve the state’s air quality. The rest will go to Peralta Colleges Foundation to fund emission education classes conducted by participating California community colleges under the California Council for Diesel Education and Technology program. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:40:57 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- New member appointed to the California Air Resources Board From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=496 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-56 September 11, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Eisenhut has been manager of grower relations for Hilltop Ranch Inc., an almond processor in Merced County, since 1994 and owner of Eisenhut Farms, almond orchards in Turlock, since 1975. Eisenhut fills the vacancy on the Board requiring an expertise in science, agriculture or law. Before working for Hilltop Ranch, Mr. Eisenhut, 67, was a field representative for the Dole Dried Fruit & Nut Co. in Fresno from 1989 to 1994, and a technical staff member at both Tecolote Research Inc. from 1975 to 1976 and the General Research Corporation from 1972 to 1974. Mr. Eisenhut served as an infantry platoon sergeant in the U.S. Army, 1st Division, between 1967 and 1969, and received the Purple Heart for his service. He is a member of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Mr. Eisenhut earned a Master of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $41,889. Please note a photograph of Mr. Eisenhut is available upon request. For more information on board members, go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/members.htm. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:12:40 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- New member appointed to the California Air Resources Board From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=496 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-56 September 11, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed Turlock resident John Eisenhut to the Air Resources Board. Eisenhut has been manager of grower relations for Hilltop Ranch Inc., an almond processor in Merced County, since 1994 and owner of Eisenhut Farms, almond orchards in Turlock, since 1975. Eisenhut fills the vacancy on the Board requiring an expertise in science, agriculture or law. Before working for Hilltop Ranch, Mr. Eisenhut, 67, was a field representative for the Dole Dried Fruit & Nut Co. in Fresno from 1989 to 1994, and a technical staff member at both Tecolote Research Inc. from 1975 to 1976 and the General Research Corporation from 1972 to 1974. Mr. Eisenhut served as an infantry platoon sergeant in the U.S. Army, 1st Division, between 1967 and 1969, and received the Purple Heart for his service. He is a member of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Mr. Eisenhut earned a Master of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $41,889. Please note a photograph of Mr. Eisenhut is available upon request. For more information on board members, go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/members.htm. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Sep 2013 12:00:18 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board prepares to issue first carbon offset credits From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=504 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-58 September 17, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916)322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board prepares to issue first carbon offset credits 600,000 credits to be issued Sacramento— The Air Resources Board announced today it will issue the first compliance offset credits eligible for use in California’s cap-and-trade greenhouse gas emissions reduction program. Carbon offset credits are issued for greenhouse gas emission reductions that take place in sectors not covered under the cap-and-trade program. Each credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide and only carbon offset credits issued by the Air Resources Board are considered compliance offset credits. The issuance of the carbon offset credits by the Air Resources Board follows an extensive evaluation process including third-party verifications that protocols were strictly followed. "Issuing the first compliance-grade carbon offset credits marks an important step forward for the cap-and-trade program and California's efforts to fight climate change," said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "These offsets have undergone the most rigorous verification of any existing program. They achieve real greenhouse gas reductions under ARB-approved protocols, and deliver a range of additional environmental benefits." Covered facilities may use carbon offsets to cover up to 8 percent of their compliance obligation. Carbon offsets also act as a cost-control measure for covered facilities because offsets generally cost less than allowances, which are issued by the state. In addition, carbon offsets come from projects that provide significant additional environmental benefits beyond the reduction of greenhouse gases. These include, for example, protection of the ozone layer, or supporting improved forest management which upgrades water quality and habitat. The Air Resources Board has begun the process of issuing compliance offset credits for both early action projects and compliance offset projects. The first compliance offset credits are all for projects developed under the Ozone Depleting Substances Protocol. This protocol requires the destruction of potent greenhouse gases that leak into the atmosphere. Eligible ozone depleting substances have been used as refrigerants and as foam-blowing agents. Their release into the atmosphere damages the earth’s ozone layer and also contributes to global warming. The Air Resources Board has also begun the process of recognizing offset credits for early action projects. Those are greenhouse gas emissions reductions generated under Air Resources Board-approved voluntary carbon registry protocols. These credits for early action recognize that real and verified greenhouse gas reductions were made in good faith before the cap-and-trade program began. For carbon offset projects to be considered for Air Resources Board offset credits, they must first be registered with an Air Resources Board-approved carbon registry. Each project developer must then provide a complete history of the project. That documentation and the project site itself must be evaluated by Air Resources Board trained, independent, third-party verifiers. Air Resources Board staff then review each project as well. This process provides the most rigorous and stringent verification methodology in the world. Offset credit issuance is a three-step process: * Project developer requests that Air Resources Board issue compliance offset credits, and supplies supporting documentation. * Once ARB verifies the documentation and makes a determination, credits issued by approved offset registries must then be retired. * ARB then issues that number of compliance offset credits for use under the cap-and-trade program. Air Resources Board compliance offset credits will be issued within the Compliance Instrument Tracking System Service (CITSS), the same system in which state-issued allowances reside. Once the determination to issue credits is made by ARB, it can take up to 30 days for the credits to be placed in the holder's account in CITSS. The current batch of 600,000 offsets -- for a combination of early action projects and compliance offset projects -- are likely to be issued before the end of the month. The Air Resources Board currently has 4 approved offset protocols that can generate compliance-grade carbon offset credits: 1. Forestry Management Projects (in the lower 48 states) 2. Urban Forestry Projects 3. Dairy Digester Projects (to capture methane from manure at dairy facilities) 4. Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Destruction Projects For more information about the early action program, compliance offset program, or compliance offset protocols: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/offsets.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Sep 2013 13:37:13 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- California adds $72.5 million to accelerate its vehicle fleet towards a zero-emission future From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=505 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-59 September 26, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov California adds $72.5 million to accelerate its vehicle fleet towards a zero-emission future Truckers to get increased access to loans for cleaner diesel trucks. Additional funding for deployment of cleanest vehicle technologies. Sacramento – The California Air Resources Board announced today an additional $72.5 million in funding for state programs that will improve public health by helping to clean up California’s fleet of cars, trucks and buses. Heavy duty vehicles such as trucks and buses are a major source of highly toxic pollutants as well as emissions that cause global warming. “The incentive programs provide critical early investments needed to accelerate the transformation of California’s car, truck and bus fleets to the cleanest advanced technologies,” Air Resources Board Executive Officer Richard Corey said. “The Truck Loan Assistance Program complements these long-term investments by providing truckers additional access to loans, helping clean up the legacy fleet of older, higher-polluting diesel trucks.” The Air Resources Board today voted to move $8 million from other clean vehicle projects into ARB’s Truck Loan Assistance Program. Additionally, the board was briefed on additional funding the Legislature recently made available for clean car, truck and bus programs. Funding was approved for three specific programs. • The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project received an influx of $44.5 million to help California consumers purchase plug-in hybrid and zero-emission cars and light trucks. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project provides individuals, nonprofits, government entities and businesses a rebate of up to $2,500 on a first-come, first-served basis. This can be combined with an up to $7,500 clean vehicle federal tax credit and various other regional incentives. More than 33,000 rebates have been issued since the program launched in 2010, and consumer demand has surged to about 2,500 rebates per month. • Funding for this year’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project was increased by $10 million to $15 million. This program provides vouchers of up to $55,000 to help California fleets purchase cleaner, advanced technology trucks and buses. Since its inception in 2010, the program has helped deploy more than 1,600 hybrid and electric trucks and buses in California. ARB expects vouchers to become available at participating dealerships beginning this December. • ARB’s Truck Loan Assistance Program received an additional $18 million to help small business fleet owners finance truck upgrades required under the ARB’s In-Use Truck and Bus Regulation. The program has leveraged state funds to provide about $210 million in private financing since 2009 to help truck owners purchase cleaner trucks, exhaust retrofits and truck efficiency upgrades. With this additional funding, the program will continue to support small business truck owners to gain access to cleaner trucks. The Truck Loan Assistance Program is implemented in partnership with the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The rebate and voucher incentive programs are designed to accelerate the number of advanced-technology vehicles purchased. This, in turn, increases production volumes and brings down the cost of these vehicles, making them more affordable for all consumers. They work together with the increased access to loans for trucks to deliver the broadest range of clean transportation and freight technologies California needs to meet federal air quality standards and state climate change goals. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 13:04:19 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- California and Quebec sign agreement to integrate, harmonize their cap-and-trade programs From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=508 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dave Clegern 322-2990 Quebec Contact Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (418) 521-3991 SACRAMENTO -- California and Quebec took another step toward linking their cap and trade programs when representatives of the two jurisdictions signed an agreement outlining steps and procedures to fully harmonize and integrate the two programs. The agreement, in both French and English, was signed for California by California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. Signing for Quebec were the Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade, Jean-François Lisée and the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and Parks, Yves-François Blanchet. Signing the agreement is the latest step in a process to link the two jurisdictions that began more than five years ago. It will be followed in November by a report to the California Environmental Protection Agency and Governor Brown on the progress toward linking. In December 2012, the Government of Quebec adopted a regulation providing for linkage between the two programs. In April 2013 the Air Resources Board adopted a regulation setting January 1, 2014 as the start of the linkage, which will enable carbon allowances and offset credits to be exchanged between participants in the two jurisdictions’ programs. “For more than five years, California and Quebec, along with other states of the United States and provinces of Canada, have worked together to address the risks of man-made climate change,” said Nichols. “We have created and are now implementing the most advanced and comprehensive programs to reduce the pollution that threatens our global environment.” "The collaboration between Quebec and California in the development of a carbon market on a continental scale is an excellent example of North American regional cooperation that is beneficial to all partners, both from an economic and an environmental perspective. As leaders in the fight against climate change, California and Quebec advantageously position their businesses involved in the research and development of new clean technologies on the world stage. We seek nothing less than to become an international reference on this issue," said Minister Lisée. “Through this agreement, we continue our positive working relationship and the process of integrating our programs,” said Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency Matthew Rodriquez. “In doing so, we enhance the benefits to each of our peoples and our history of effective cooperation to achieve a shared goal will provide a model for others to emulate, not only in North America, but throughout the world.” "The sale of emission allowances will generate at least $2.5 billion in revenue by 2020 in Quebec. These funds will be fully reinvested in initiatives to fight climate change, including facilitating the conversion to renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, improving industrial processes, and preparing Quebec society to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The electrification of transportation is another major project on which our government will labor over the coming months," said Minister Blanchet. The linked programs will provide a working model for other states and provinces that are seeking cost-effective approaches to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The recent announcement by the U.S. EPA regarding limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, for example, could lead to state-by-state caps and a system that would allow them to trade credits with other similar programs. The California-Quebec arrangement could be the template for that effort. The “Agreement between the California Air Resources Board and the Government of Quebec Concerning the Harmonization and Integration of Cap-and-Trade Programs for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions” can be found in English and French at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/linkage/linkage.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 15:22:38 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board issues discussion draft of updated AB 32 Scoping Plan From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=509 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-62 October 1, 2013 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Air Resources Board issues discussion draft of updated AB 32 Scoping Plan Draft plan assesses progress to date, looks beyond 2020 SACRAMENTO — The Air Resources Board today posted on its website the public discussion draft of the required update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The Scoping Plan describes the comprehensive range of efforts California must take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and meet the state’s long-term goals to combat climate change. AB 32 requires the Scoping Plan to be updated every five years. The original Plan, first released in 2008, was developed on the principle that a balanced mix of strategies is the best way to cut emissions and grow California’s economy in a clean and sustainable direction. This draft update continues with that approach and focuses on three questions: • How have we done over the past five years? • What is needed to continue the prescribed course of action to 2020? • What steps must California take to meet the state’s climate goals beyond 2020? California’s strategy to meet the goals of AB 32 is based on the continued implementation of adopted actions including Advanced Clean Cars, the 33% Renewables Portfolio Standard, statewide energy-efficiency initiatives, Cap-and-Trade, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and other programs. They are designed to achieve significant reductions of greenhouse gases in every sector of California’s economy through improved energy efficiency, and by providing consumers with cleaner fuel choices. The discussion draft includes an analysis of progress to date, finding that California is on track to meet the AB 32 2020 goal of greenhouse gas reductions. An overview of the current science of climate change in the draft includes an expanded discussion of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane and black carbon. It also includes actions California must take to continue greenhouse gas reductions in six key focus areas: energy; transportation, land use, fuels and infrastructure; water; agriculture; natural and working lands; and, waste. The draft update is the result of a series of discussions and input over the past year by a broad range of state agencies and departments and the state Climate Action Team. In addition, four public workshops were held over the summer in Los Angeles, Fresno, Sacramento and San Francisco in an effort to consider comments prior to developing the draft. The release of the discussion draft update marks the beginning of a public comment period to help inform the Proposed Update to the Scoping Plan. Future steps in the development of the Proposed Update include a public workshop on October 15 in Sacramento (which will also be webcast), and a meeting of the Board at the end of October to hear from all stakeholders and provide further direction to staff on revisions to the discussion draft presentation to the ARB at its Board meeting at the end of October. Following the October Board meeting, the draft will be revised and then presented to the Board at its December meeting. The Board is anticipated to consider approval of the update in Spring of 2014. To view the discussion draft Scoping Plan Update, go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2013_update/discussion_draft.pdf To send comments on the discussion draft Scoping Plan Update, go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2013comments.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 11:07:25 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Components of particle pollution may contribute to heart disease From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=511 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-63 October 11, 2013 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov Components of particle pollution may contribute to heart disease UC Irvine study uses novel approach to better understand toxicity of particles Sacramento — Specific components of particles may be linked to the progression of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to a study released today by the California Air Resources Board. Funded by the Air Resources Board and led by Dr. Michael T. Kleinman of the University of California Irvine, the study used a novel approach to look at health impacts associated with exposure to particles, 0.18 microns in diameter or smaller. A human hair is about 60 microns in diameter, or at least 300 times wider than the diameter of particles examined in the study. The particles examined in this study are a subset of particle pollution known as PM10 and PM2.5, particulate matter that is equal to or less than 10 and 2.5 microns in diameter, respectively. Numerous scientific studies have linked exposure to PM2.5, which can be deeply inhaled into the airways and lungs, to a variety of problems, including premature death, especially in people with pre-existing heart disease. The particles used in this study, which come primarily from internal-combustion exhaust and from chemical reactions in the air, may pose a great health risk, yet relatively little is known about the emissions, exposures or health effects of these ultrafine particles. In the UC Irvine study, scientists used a heating method to remove most of the organic chemical compounds from particles, leaving behind most inorganics to examine the health effects of these particles’ component parts. Laboratory mice exposed to either fully intact particles or just the organic components of the particles had more rapid development of atherosclerotic plaques, compared to mice exposed to particles without the organics. The intact particles also had other negative effects on heart health. Atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries, a factor contributing to heart attacks. Dr. Kleinman, professor and co-director of the Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory from the Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, UC Irvine, was the principal investigator on the study, titled, “Cardiopulmonary Health Effects: Toxicity of Semi-Volatile and Non-Volatile Components of PM.” The study provides information that is significant to help the Air Resources Board expand its understanding of the role of different components of exhaust emissions so that the ARB can better target control policies. Reducing particulate matter air pollution is one of California’s highest public health priorities. ARB’s Advanced Clean Cars and diesel control programs are reducing emissions of this harmful pollution. Projected emission reduction benefits associated with full implementation of ARB’s Diesel Risk Reduction Plan are reductions in diesel particulate matter emissions and associated cancer risk of 85 percent by 2020, compared to 2000 levels. Dr. Kleinman presented his findings at a seminar on October 9, 2013, at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building, 1001 I St., Sacramento. Link to the presentation and the report here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/seminars/kleinman2/kleinman2.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 09:51:44 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- KS Industries fined $230,000 for diesel fleet violations From: dchelini@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=513 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release 13-64 October 21, 2013 CONTACT: Karen Caesar 916-322-2990 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov KS Industries fined $230,000 for diesel fleet violations Company failed to install filters to reduce diesel emissions SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board has fined Bakersfield-based KS Industries, an engineering and construction firm, $230,250 for failing to update its diesel trucks to clean up harmful emissions as required by state anti-pollution laws. ARB investigators cited the company for missing two key compliance deadlines. KS Industries failed to clean up its fleet in accordance with the State Truck and Bus Regulation, retrofitting 1996 – 1999 model year heavy duty trucks with diesel particulate filters by Jan. 1, 2012, and 2000 – 2004 model year trucks by Jan. 1, 2013. “The Air Resources Board is committed to improving air quality and educating business owners about how to comply with the regulations that were created to help achieve this goal,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “All businesses that depend on their vehicle fleets need to pay attention to the specific deadlines of the State Truck and Bus Regulation, and understand that ignoring or forgetting them can result in a hefty fine.” Of the $230,250 owed by KS Industries, $172,688 was paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to fund air pollution research, while the remaining $57,562 has been paid to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District to fund the School Bus Retrofit Supplemental Environmental Project. In addition, as part of the settlement, KS Industries will also: • Ensure that staff responsible for compliance with the diesel truck emission inspection program attend a diesel education course and provide certificates of completion within six months; • Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state’s idling regulations; • Ensure that trucks have the most recent engine-operating software installed to limit the amount of NOx (NOx, or oxides of nitrogen, is a primary ingredient of smog); • Ensure that all 1974 and newer diesel-powered vehicles are up to federal emissions standards for the vehicle model year and are properly labeled with an engine certification label. • Become compliant with the Truck and Bus Regulation by November 15, 2013. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 12:32:41 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- MEDIA ADVISORY: 8 States announce agreement to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025 From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following Media Advisory from the California Air Resources Board:. MEDIA ADVISORY: Eight states announce agreement to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025 States comprise 25 percent of American vehicle market Sacramento — Representatives of eight states will announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding guiding a multi-state effort to put millions of zero emission vehicles on America’s highways. The MOU spells out areas of cooperation, planning and development to assist further growth of the market for zero-emission vehicles including the development of fueling infrastructure for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. What: Announcement of multi-state effort to develop market for zero-emission vehicles Who: High-level representatives of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Also:American Lung Association; Consumer Federation of America When: Thursday, October 24, 8:30-9 a.m. PDT / 11:30 a.m.-noon EDT Where: Ground floor media room of the CalEPA building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814 Visuals: Zero-emission vehicles now available in all 8 states For accredited media unable to attend in person: TELECONFERENCE CALL (audio only): 800-857-9623 Passcode: “ZEVS” INTERNET (webinar) Go To Meeting: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/344228913 Follow ARB on Twitter @AirResources https://twitter.com/AirResources ### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Oct 2013 08:05:19 -0700 Subject: newsrel -- Governors from eight states today announced a groundbreaking initiative to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads in their st From: jswanton@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=520 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-70 CONTACT; Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov These governors have joined forces to revolutionize the automobile market by promoting zero-emission vehicles. The use of these clean vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and public health, enhance energy diversity, save consumers money, and promote economic growth. Zero-emission vehicles include battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel-cell-electric vehicles. These technologies can be used in passenger cars, trucks and transit buses. Clearing a path This multi-state effort is intended to expand consumer awareness and demand for zero-emission vehicles. As a first step in this plan, the governors of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont signed a cooperative agreement. In this agreement, the governors identify specific actions they will promote within their states and joint cooperative actions these states will undertake to help build a robust national market for electric and hydrogen-powered cars. For example, the governors agreed to pursue the following efforts: • Harmonize building codes to make it easier to construct new electric car charging stations • Lead by example by including zero emission vehicles in their public fleets • Evaluate and establish, where appropriate, financial and other incentives to promote zero emission vehicles • Consider establishing favorable electricity rates for home charging systems; and • Develop common standards for roadway signs and charging networks. The eight states will develop an action plan over the next six months that will include many of these strategies and others. Creating a market These states are among a group of states which have adopted rules requiring about 15 percent of new vehicles sold to be zero-emission vehicles by 2025. Collectively, the eight signatory states represent more than 23 percent of the U.S. car market, and expect to have at least 3.3 million of these vehicles operating on their roadways by that time. The market demand created by these state programs can help lower zero-emission vehicle costs through economies of scale and expand the range of product lines available to consumers. The cars are here now U.S. electric car sales in 2012 more than tripled to about 52,000 from 17,000 in 2011. Motorists bought more than 40,000 plug-in cars in the first and second quarters of 2013. There are currently 16 zero-emission vehicle models available from eight automotive manufacturers; nine run completely on batteries, two on hydrogen fuel cells and five are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that can run on gasoline as well as battery power. The number of models is expected to increase for model year 2014 and beyond. Several electric vehicle models have won awards for safety, performance and customer satisfaction over the past couple of years. There are already more than 6,700 charging stations open to the public in the signatory states. By 2015 nearly every major automaker will have zero emission vehicles available for sale or lease, and more than 200,000 zero-emission vehicles are expected to be on the road across the U.S. A healthier environment and economy These clean vehicles will provide a major foothold in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their consequences, which include sea level rise, increases in extreme weather, and wildfire intensity. There are economic advantages as well. Electricity is the most widely available source of power and typically costs about two-thirds less than gasoline on a per-mile basis. By 2025, the average zero-emission vehicle driver will save nearly $6,000 in fueling costs over the life of the car. Just in California, data provided by the state Community Colleges shows 46,000 businesses now related to advanced transportation, and nearly 600,000 jobs in that field. These include jobs building and servicing vehicles and infrastructure. The cooperative agreement, or “Memorandum of Understanding,” is available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/2013/8s_zev_mou.pdf Eight Governors on the importance of the Zero Emission Vehicle MOU: California: "This is not just an agreement, but a serious and profoundly important commitment," said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. "From coast to coast, we're charging ahead to get millions of the world's cleanest vehicles on our roads." Connecticut: Governor Dannel P. Malloy said, “This initiative is consistent with Connecticut’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy and our focus on providing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power for our residents and businesses. As part of that strategy we are working in the transportation sector to encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative vehicles. In keeping with that approach, we launched a grant program to speed construction of 200 publicly available electric vehicle charging stations by early 2014 – which will end ‘range anxiety’ in our state and increase public interest in owning zero-emission vehicles.” Maryland: "We are excited to be collaborating with other states to ensure the success of our zero-emission vehicle programs. This effort complements work already underway through the Transportation Climate Initiative, in which Maryland and other East Coast states are working to develop a robust charging station network along the I-95 corridor that will permit long-distance travel in electric cars throughout the region. The transition to these advanced technology vehicles will support our efforts to achieve our air quality and climate change goals, and will enhance energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “This is a critical part of our efforts to achieve Maryland’s long-term 2050 goal to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions 90 percent from 2006 levels.” Massachusetts: “Increasing electric vehicles in our fleet is a critical component of our efforts in Massachusetts to address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and grow the clean energy economy,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Diversifying transportation fuels and providing drivers with options will help reduce vulnerability to price swings in imported oil that hurt consumers and our economy.” New York: “This agreement is a major step forward to reducing the emissions that are causing our climate to change and unleashing the extreme weather that we are experiencing with increased frequency,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “This collaboration builds on New York’s Charge NY initiative, which is creating a statewide network of 3,000 charging stations by 2018 and will provide New Yorkers with a convenient and affordable alternative to increasingly expensive gasoline and diesel.” Oregon: “This initiative will help states reduce transportation-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy diversity, save consumers money, and promote economic growth,” said Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. “It also directly supports Oregon’s 10-Year Energy Action Plan and will spur innovation that helps us to meet our goals.” Rhode Island: “Rhode Island has already started taking steps and one includes the installation of charging stations throughout the state. We are determined to develop a clean and efficient transportation infrastructure for the future,” Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. “Through the Zero Emission Vehicle MOU, we have created a vital partnership that will reduce our reliance on imported oil, boost our economy, and save money at the pump. This is an important collaboration that works toward our common goal of protecting our environment.” Vermont: “This collaboration is about partnerships. The signatory states and our neighbors are already coordinating to ensure a viable regional infrastructure for electric cars through programs such as the Transportation Climate Initiative in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region and the West Coast Electric Highway. The states are committed to working with the automakers, refueling infrastructure suppliers, the electric utilities and other partners to ensure the success of zero-emission vehicle programs from all of our perspectives,” said Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 12:13:45 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- First California carbon offsets approved under Forestry Protocol From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=522 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-71 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov First California carbon offsets approved under Forestry Protocol California forestry project generates 1.2 million credits for cap-and-trade program; provides habitat, watershed benefits Sacramento—Staff of the Air Resources Board (ARB) announced today it has approved the first California forest carbon credits issued under the cap-and-trade offset protocols. The Willits Woods project developed by Coastal Ridges, LLC was issued 1.2 million Air Resources Board-approved carbon offset credits. Coastal Ridges, LLC is located in Willits, California and the Willits Woods project covers approximately 19,000 acres in Mendocino County. “This action recognizes the important role forests play in fighting climate change,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Forests managed under the protocol not only furnish additional compliance options for businesses subject to the cap-and-trade program, they also provide habitat for wildlife and a wide range of improved watershed benefits for California.” Carbon offsets accepted by the ARB come from sectors not covered by the cap-and-trade program, and must be additional -- that is, above and beyond the carbon that would have been stored in the forest if it had been managed on a ‘business-as-usual’ basis. The carbon credits approved today are from what are known as “early-action” projects and recognize voluntary projects developed under earlier versions of the offset protocols before the current protocols were adopted as part of the cap-and-trade Program. As with all carbon offsets projects, this forestry project had to first be verified by an ARB-accredited, third-party verifier. The project, the related number of carbon credits, and all relevant documents and data were then rigorously reviewed by ARB staff before issuance of ARB offset credits. Offset credits approved by the ARB can be used by companies to comply with California’s cap-and-trade program. Each offset credit generated under an ARB protocol is equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, and the largest driver of climate change. The Forest Offset Protocol was one of four offset protocols approved by the ARB in 2011. Credits are issued based on the number of metric tons of carbon sequestered in trees in the forest that are specifically managed for each offset project. In order to qualify for the carbon credits, projects under the forestry protocol must be managed for the purpose of carbon storage for at least 100 years. In addition forest projects must promote and maintain a native forest comprised of multiple ages and mixed native species. This approach to forest management will provide wildlife habitat and the fullest range of improved watershed benefits. Carbon offsets act as a cost-containment mechanism under the program because offsets generally cost less than state auctioned carbon allowances. A covered business may use offsets to account for up to 8 percent of its Cap-and-Trade compliance obligation. You can find the Forest Offset Protocol here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2010/capandtrade10/copusforest.pdf You can find early action offset projects under consideration by the Air Resources Board here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/offsets/issuance/issuance.htm ARB also issued 242,000 compliance offset credits for the Farm Cove Community Forest Project located in Maine. This project also increases carbon stocks through improved management of the forest. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Nov 2013 11:55:43 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- ARB announces planned changes to Californias Truck and Bus Regulation From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=541 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-72 CONTACT: Karen Caesar (916) 322-2990 kcaesar@arb.ca.gov The California Air Resources Board yesterday announced that it will provide relief to truckers working to meet state deadlines for upgrades to their aging diesel fleets. The relief is detailed in a regulatory advisory which recognizes ‘good faith’ efforts of fleets to meet upcoming compliance deadlines. The advisory also provides ‘early access’ to planned regulatory changes to be considered by the Board in April 2014. The move comes as larger fleets are required under the Statewide Truck and Bus Regulation to complete the upgrade for most of their trucks with diesel particulate filters by Jan. 1, 2014, and as smaller fleets are just beginning to undertake similar actions. “The Air Resources Board is implementing new, flexible compliance options for truck owners who show they have made good faith efforts to comply with the regulation before Jan. 1, 2014, and is providing additional time for many fleets to complete their clean-up efforts,” said ARB Executive Officer Richard Corey. “These changes will help businesses meet the clean-up requirements in a way that will not compromise the health benefits or emissions reductions that this vitally important regulation will achieve over its lifetime.” Funds for fleet upgrades are available to qualified applicants, including $30 million in Prop 1B grants targeted for use by small fleet owners with three or fewer trucks. In addition, state-sponsored loans through the Truck Loan Assistance Program, which recently received $20 million to help small businesses comply with the regulation, are also available. Owners of logging trucks may also be eligible for $3 million in grant monies. (For more on funding opportunities, visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/azregs/fa_resources.htm. Next month, Air Resources Board staff will conduct workshops throughout the state to hear comments from local elected officials, industry representatives and stakeholders on staff’s planned regulatory changes. For a list of locations, see: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/2013-12%20Workshops.pdf. Proposed amendments to the regulation, which are still under development, are expected to provide additional time for owners in specified regions to complete their clean-up efforts. Also, owners of lower-use vehicles throughout the state are expected to gain flexibility options as well. For more information on the specified regions, what constitutes a “good faith effort” to comply with the Truck and Bus Regulation, or which fleets are being afforded with additional time to comply, truck owners are urged to view today’s advisory here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1328/msc1328.pdf. Anyone with questions on regulatory requirements can visit ARB’s Truck Stop Website http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm, call 866-6DIESEL, or email 8666Diesel@arb.ca.gov. We do ask for extra patience as call volumes are extremely high as the Jan. 1 deadline draws nearer. Fast Facts: • Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. • The Truck and Bus Regulation (Regulation) was adopted in 2008 to clean up harmful emissions from nearly all heavy-duty diesel trucks operating in California. The Regulation was amended in 2010 to provide economic relief to truckers affected by the recession, particularly small fleets, by delaying the first compliance requirements by one year and extending the time the truck could be operated before needing to be replaced. • The Regulation requires most heavy trucks in California to install soot filters or upgrade to newer models with filters by Jan. 1, 2014, and that nearly all trucks have them installed by Jan. 1, 2016. • Out of the 260,000 trucks registered in California that need a soot filter, about 140,000 are already compliant, with another approximately 100,000 using regulatory flexibility to delay their compliance date. • About 20,000 still need filters by the end of 2013, with 5,000 of these being in large fleets. • For small fleets (three or fewer vehicles), Jan. 1, 2014, is a critical compliance milestone because for the first time at least one vehicle in each fleet will need to comply. ARB estimates that about 15,000 vehicles in small fleets still need to retrofit or upgrade to meet this compliance deadline. • At its October Hearing, the Board heard an update on the Regulation and agreed with staff’s proposal to move forward with a number of near-term strategies to provide flexibility while not compromising the overall reduction and health benefits to be achieved by the Regulation. • In 2000, the ARB adopted its Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, a blueprint for developing regulations to address diesel emissions from all sources including garbage trucks, urban buses, construction equipment, port trucks and fuels. For more information, see: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/documents/rrpapp.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 16:00:26 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- California Air Resources Board rolls out its free, real-time air pollution mobile website statewide From: lbuckley@arb.ca.gov Breathe Well can be used on any smartphone, tablet or PC. Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=550 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-76 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 mturner@arb.ca.gov Sacramento — The California Air Resources Board has developed a mobile website for smartphones and tablets that makes it possible to see real-time levels of ozone and fine particle pollution in your immediate area — or in towns and cities throughout California — on an hour-by-hour basis. “This new mobile website brings together the convenience of smartphone technology with the State’s sophisticated air quality monitoring network,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “It uses the best technology available to make real-time air quality information easily available in more than 150 locations throughout California to protect public health, especially those individuals who are the most vulnerable to air pollution.” Users of the Breathe Well mobile website can check air quality before they go outside or check air pollution levels in places they plan to visit. The easy-to-use Breathe Well mobile website draws on one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive air monitoring networks in the world made possible by the significant investment by the ARB and local air districts in California. The site can access hour-by-hour averages of data that is relayed from about 200 monitors statewide. Real-time information will help people better manage the timing of their outdoor activities, and help teachers and parents of children with asthma know when it’s safe to play outside or participate in sporting activities. Real-time levels give an accurate indication of the air quality before that level may be reached. The hour-by-hour information can also be compared to other air quality indicators that predict the highest levels of pollution expected for that day, which typically are not reached until the afternoon. The Breathe Well website can be accessed from any PC or mobile device with Chrome, Internet Explorer or Firefox or other Internet browsers. Breathe Well’s features include: • At-a-glance levels of ozone and fine particle pollution (PM2.5) linked to the location of a smartphone or tablet; • The ability to set the air pollution readout for your current location — or one of about 150 locations; and • Maps that pinpoint the location of nearby air quality monitors. Breathe Well won “Best Mobile App” at the Mobile Government 2013 conference held at the Sacramento Convention Center last March. Exposure to ground-level ozone and PM2.5 (particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller) are the two pollutants that most affect the air we breathe. High levels of ozone and fine particles can reduce lung function, making it more difficult to breathe, and can cause or worsen asthma and other cardiovascular disease. Ozone is a gas that forms when sunlight combines with emissions from traffic and other human activities. Particle pollution may be emitted directly into the air or can form in the air from other emissions. San Diego County served as a test market for the Breathe Well mobile website, rolling it out last April. Breathe Well is a mobile website or mobile web application that can be accessed through a browser, not an actual application that is downloaded and resides on a mobile device. The Breathe Well mobile website can be easily recalled by storing its Internet address (http://breathewell.arb.ca.gov) as a ‘favorite’ in the browser that the handheld device uses to access the Internet. To access Breathe Well, go to: http://breathewell.arb.ca.gov ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 12:06:14 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources releases November cap-and-trade auction results From: lbuckley@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=551 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-77 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Sacramento— Today at noon, the Air Resources Board released the results of the November 19, 2013 cap-and-trade auction of California carbon allowances. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement price for 2013 and 2016 vintages. 2013 Vintage Number offered: 16,614,526 Number sold: 16,614,526 Settlement Price: $11.48 2016 Vintage Number offered: 9,560,000 Number sold: 9,560,000 Settlement Price: $11.10 For more detailed results on the auction, including maximum and minimum bids placed, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auction/auction.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Dec 2013 12:14:26 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols congratulates Quebec on first carbon allowance auction From: lbuckley@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=552 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-78 CONTACT: Dave Clegern (916) 322-2990 dclegern@arb.ca.gov Canadian cap-and-trade program to link with California’s in 2014 Sacramento— Air Resources Board Chairman released the following statement in response to today’s release of results from the first cap-and-trade allowance auction help by the Canadian Province of Quebec: "We are pleased that the first cap and trade auction of Quebec allowances was completed successfully,” Said Chairman Nichols. “It reflects the hard work Quebec invested in developing a rigorous cap-and-trade program, and the careful construction of an effective auction platform. California and Quebec can now move forward to fully link our programs in the New Year, and work together to show our respective nations, and the world, how states and provinces can work together to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change." California and Quebec are scheduled to link their cap-and-trade programs January 1, 2014. A joint auction is expected later in the year. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Dec 2013 13:31:17 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- States carbon footprint calculator ready for download in Google Play and iTunes From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=554 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-79 CONTACT: Melanie Turner (916) 322-2990 Melanie.Turner@arb.ca.gov State’s carbon footprint calculator ready for download in Google Play and iTunes Climate-friendly smartphone app plays on iTunes, Android platforms Sacramento — The California Air Resources Board has released a mobile application for both iTunes and Android platforms that aims to inspire people and small businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. The free CoolCalifornia app, available for download on both the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store, offers individuals and small businesses a straightforward, easy-to-use tool for calculating their carbon footprint and making pledges to reduce their carbon footprint by, for example, riding a bike more often or turning off lights. Using the calculator is simple. App users respond to a number of questions, such as: How many miles per gallon does your car get? How much do you spend per month on electricity and gas? How much trash do you throw away instead of recycling? The result is calculated in the amount of carbon pollution generated in one year by those inputs. The app, which is compatible with Apple and Android devices, features green-living tips and allows users to share personal stories about how they’re reducing their climate impact — in the app or on Facebook or Twitter. Sharing personal stories with friends and family helps to guide behavior change and promote peer-to-peer environmental awareness. The app is a portable version of a more comprehensive Carbon Calculator available at CoolCalifornia.org. Like the app, the full calculator is an interactive tool that enables individuals and small businesses to calculate their carbon footprint and make pledges to reduce it. Either calculator — the app or more comprehensive calculator — shows users who make pledges what the resulting emissions reductions will be. The goal is to inspire app users to make as many as 21 climate-friendly pledges and to check out the Carbon Calculator at CoolCalifornia.org on their computer, laptop or tablet. Because voluntary actions are an important element in California’s climate plan, ARB has developed a variety of tools and resources to support these non-regulatory efforts. CoolCalifornia.org provides all Californians, including small businesses and cities, with the tools they need to make greener decisions and take climate-friendly actions to reduce their impact on the planet. Engaging small businesses, households and others is an essential part of the state’s ability to achieve the long-term climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving us away from our dependence on fossil fuels. ARB commissioned the mobile calculator to inspire voluntary changes that will reduce carbon footprints on a household and individual basis, and foster green economic development. The CoolCalifornia app was developed by MDS Digital Communicators, with offices in Santa Monica and Bogota, Colombia, in partnership with University of California at Berkeley, for the Air Resources Board. It is the first app developed by the ARB that is available on iTunes and Google Play. Links: Available in Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.coolcalifornia.CoolCA&hl=en Available in iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cool-california/id655917694?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Or search for “Cool California” on the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:03:40 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Husqvarna Professional Products fined $1,038,000 for sales of uncertified engines in California From: aleaks@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=555 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-80 CONTACT: John Swanton (916) 322-2990 jswanton@arb.ca.gov SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Husqvarna Professional Products has agreed to a fine of $1,038,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of uncertified small off-road engines in California. In announcing the settlement, ARB enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that “Husqvarna promptly conducted an internal investigation and fully cooperated in the resolution of this matter,” but added that “violations of the basic elements of California’s anti-pollution requirements, especially certification of engines prior to sale in our state, have serious consequences.” An ARB investigation discovered that over a period of three model years, spanning from 2011 to 2013, Husqvarna Professional Products staff failed to obtain certification for nine different small off-road engine families prior to their sale in California.These engines powered thousands of hand-held consumer power products such as line trimmers, leaf blowers and chain saws. Husqvarna fully cooperated with ARB in the investigation and resolution of this matter. Based on the information learned in its internal investigation, Husqvarna has implemented new administration procedures related to emissions certification and has improved management oversight of the process. These actions help ensure that all future engines are fully compliant with certification requirements prior to being offered for sale in California. California law requires manufacturers to certify compliance of all new products prior to sale because engines that do not meet emissions standards pose a real health danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions. Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. 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 Dec 2013 14:18:47 -0800 Subject: newsrel -- Deadline to Register Refrigeration Systems Approaches From: lbuckley@arb.ca.gov Please consider the following news release from the California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=556 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2013 NEWS RELEASE 13-81 CONTACT: Franceska Ramos (916) 322-2990 franceska.ramos@arb.ca.gov Deadline to Register Refrigeration Systems Approaches SACRAMENTO- An important registration and reporting deadline for owners and operators of facilities with non-residential refrigeration systems is approaching. The deadline is for facilities with refrigeration systems using high global warming potential refrigerants that have a full charge of at least 200 pounds and less than 2,000 pounds. These are designated as “medium-sized” systems under a California state regulation to minimize leaks of environmentally harmful refrigerants. Companies must register their refrigeration system with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) by March 1, 2014, if the single largest system at an individual facility has a full charge of 200 pounds or more of the following refrigerants: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The online registration and reporting tool, known as the "Refrigerant Registration and Reporting System," or R3, is available at www.arb.ca.gov/rmp-r3. Additional information and training webinars on how to use the tool are available on the program’s website. Facilities with smaller refrigeration systems with a full charge of greater than 50 pounds and less than 200 pounds of high global warming potential (high-GWP) refrigerant are not required to register until 2016. However, these systems are subject to leak inspection, repair and recordkeeping requirements of the rule in effect now. Facilities with large refrigeration systems with a refrigerant charge of 2,000 pounds or more should already be registered and must continue to submit annual reports to ARB. California’s Refrigerant Management Program (RMP) is designed to reduce emissions and leaks from non-residential refrigeration systems. The state program was adopted by the ARB in 2009 and went into effect in 2011. Refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases, more than a thousand times more capable of trapping heat in the atmosphere than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas. It is important to note that refrigeration systems using refrigerants such as ammonia and carbon dioxide are not subject to the rule since those refrigerants are not classified as high global warming substances. Air conditioning systems used exclusively for cooling occupants of a building (known as “comfort cooling”) also are not required to register. Businesses that commonly have refrigeration systems with high-GWP refrigerant include supermarkets and grocery stores, food and beverage processors, cold storage warehouses and industrial process cooling. Businesses that do not commonly have these types of refrigeration systems include bars and restaurants, gas stations, liquor stores, small bakeries and office buildings. A business can determine the refrigerant charge of their refrigeration system(s) by contacting the manufacturer or their refrigeration system service provider. Failure to register applicable refrigeration systems may result in site inspections, notices of violation, and cumulative daily penalties. Though costs will vary from facility to facility, the leak detection, monitoring and repair requirements of the rule are expected to result in overall cost savings. Identifying and repairing leaks promptly reduces the need to buy costly refrigerant to refill the system. For more details on the rule applicability and requirements, please review Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reftrack/rmpfaq.pdf. For additional information about the Refrigerant Management Program, please visit: http://www.arb.ca.gov/StopRefrigerantLeaks. If you have questions regarding RMP registration and reporting requirements, you can also email reftrackinfo@arb.ca.gov or call the RMP Helpline at (916) 324-2517. ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsrel mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ======================================================================