Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-10
In the nation's capitol, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) has released the legislative framework of the draft Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for the (CLEAN) Future Act -- an ambitious new climate plan to ensure the U.S. achieves net-zero greenhouse gas pollution and 100 pct clean energy no later than 2050. The draft bill incorporates both proven and novel concepts, presenting a set of policy proposals that will put the U.S. on the path to a clean and prosperous economy. Specific to carbon emissions and climate change, the draft legislation:

Directs all federal agencies to use all existing authorities to put the country on a path toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It does not stipulate which energy sources or strategies qualify, instead taking a technology-inclusive approach to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century. To ensure federal agencies' collective efforts remain on track, the draft legislation directs the EPA to evaluate each agency's plans, make recommendations and report on progress each year.

Empowers the states to complete the transition to a net-zero economy, based on the existing federalism model in the (Obama administration) Clean Air Act. The bill sets a national climate standard of net-zero greenhouse gas pollution in each state by 2050. States are then granted flexibility to develop plans to meet the 2050 and interim standards based on their policy preferences, priorities and circumstances. Each state must submit a climate plan to EPA, which then reviews and approves or disapproves each plan.

Establishes a National Climate Bank to mobilize public and private investments in low- and zero-emissions energy technologies, climate resiliency, building efficiency and electrification, industrial decarbonization, grid modernization, agriculture projects, and clean transportation.

The draft legislation reduces transportation emissions, the largest source of GHG emissions, by improving vehicle efficiency, accelerating the transition to low- to zero-carbon fuels and building the infrastructure needed for a clean transportation system. The bill directs EPA to set new, increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including off-road modes of transportation. (Source: Office of Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Jan., 2020) Contact: Congressman Frank Pallone Jr , Chairman, Energy and Commerce Committee, (202) 225-4671 (202) 225-9665 - fax, https://pallone.house.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Vehicle Emissions
Date: 2019-11-01
Electrive.com is reporting the Belgian city of Brussels will ban all diesel-fueled vehicles by 2030 and all gasoline powered vehicles by 2035.

The plan is in keeping with the city's goal of significantly reducing its carbon footprint and meeting the EU's goal of being totally decarbonized by 2050. The plan is expected result in an almost immediate 40-pct drop in the city's total transportation emissions. (Source: City of Brussels, NewsWheel, 30 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fossil Fuel,  Carbon Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  Climate Change,  Carbon Footprint,  

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Date: 2019-10-18
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in Seattle reports it has drafted a regional clean fuel standard aimed at reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by 26 pct by 2030. The rule is in the public comment process and is expected to be finalized no sooner than February, 2020.

Transportation emissions reportedly account for roughly 40 pct of the region's emissions. (Source: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Public News Service, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Craig Kenworthy, Exec. Dir., 206-343-8800, 206-343-7522, www.pscleanair.org/528/Clean-Fuel-Standard

More Low-Carbon Energy News Puget Sound Clean Air Agency,  Renewable Fuel,  

Google
Date: 2019-10-11
Tech giant Google has announced is touting Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE)⁠, a new tool that uses Google's global mapping data to help gauge and reduce carbon emissions and measure renewable energy potential across cities.

The EIE will initially be available in Europe starting with Dublin, Birmingham, Manchester, with Wolverhampton and Coventry to follow soon. Copenhagen will get what Google is calling "hyperlocal, street-level air quality data" as part of EIE Labs, which will help streamline and optimize action against climate change by piloting climate-focused datasets. Dublin has already been utilizing the new tool to help track emissions from transportation modes.

Review EIE details HERE. (Source: Google, Oct., 2019) Contact: Google EIE Lab, insights.sustainability.google/labs

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

Kuehne + Nagel
Date: 2019-09-25
Schindellegi, Switzerland-based global transport and logistics specialist Kuehne + Nagel reports it is proactively addressing the CO2 footprint of the transportation services performed by its suppliers -- airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies -- and will make all less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments CO2 neutral from 2020 onwards. The firm is aiming for comprehensive CO2 neutralisation (Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) by 2030.

To that end, Kuehne + Nagel's Net Zero Carbon programme leverages three fields of action: detection, reduction and compensation of CO2. The company has started its own nature projects in Myanmar and New Zealand and has invested in various nature-based CO2 compensation projects, where carbon is being taken from the atmosphere. The emission credits obtained are in accordance with the highest international standards.

Over the past years, Kuehne + Nagel has considerably reduced its own CO2 footprint and will continue to pursue its efforts. (Source: Kuehne + Nagel, Logistics & Materials Handling, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Kuehne + Nagel, Dr. Detlef Trefzger, CEO, www.home.kuehne-nagel.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Kuehne + Nagel ,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  

dynaCERT
Date: 2019-08-23
York, Ontario-based next generation Carbon Emission Reduction Technology developer dynaCERTdynaCERT Inc.-- the CERT in dynaCERT stands for Combustion Emission Reduction Technology -- reports it is advancing global sales of HydraGEN™ (HG), the next generation of Carbon Emission Reduction Technology for diesel engines.

Independent TUV testing of dynaCERT HG units confirms emission reduction in NOx of 55 pct, CO of 50 pct, and particulate matter of 75 pct, all while saving fuel, providing better torque, and lowering maintenance costs, according to the company.

dynaCERT has also initiated Carbon Credit applications for its HG Technology and engaged UK-based International Environmental Partners Ltd for that effort. (Source: dynaCERT, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: dynaCERT Inc., Jim Payne, CEO, (416) 766-9691 x 2, jpayne@dynaCERT.com, www.dynaCERT.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News dynaCERT,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

Transportation Emissions
Date: 2019-08-14
In a press release Monday, the Vienna-based Austrian Traffic Club (VCO) noted the country is likely to miss its 2030 carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction target due in part to vehicle fuel use rises during the first half of 2019 -- about 10 million liters more fuel were used during the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2018, indicating vehicle traffic will contribute to an increase in CO2 emissions.

While petrol usage declined by 10 million liters to a total of about one billion liters, this was easily surpassed by a 20-million-liter increase in the use of diesel fuel, which totaled about 4 billion liters. According to this will have a more noticeable impact on emissions totals, given that diesel fuel causes about 13 pct more CO2 emissions than petrol. The Austrian government previously determined to reduce CO2 emissions to a total of 15.7 million tons by 2030. However, the total emissions have climbed for four consecutive years, up to 23.9 million tons in 2018.

The VCO called for various initiatives to to bring the emissions totals down, including improved public transport and and expanding bicycle infrastructure to encourage people to make fewer short trips by car. (Source: Austrian Traffic Club, Xinhua, 13 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  

Biodiesel
Date: 2019-07-08
In Tehran, the Biotechnology Development Council, affiliated to the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, is reporting the first phase of the city of Tehran's three-year pilot project using biodiesel in the city of 8.3 million residents bus transport fleet. The use of locally produced biodiesel cut carbon emissions by 160,000 kilograms, according to the release.

In the pilot project, 20 of the city's 300 diesel buses were operated on biodiesel through the first phase of the scheme. To date more than 60,000 liters of biodiesel have been produced and consumed in the pilot project. (Source: MEHR, Tehran Times, 7 July, 2019) Contact: Biotechnology Development Council, www.nti.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Carbon Emissions,  

EU
Date: 2019-03-29
Meeting in Brussels, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Eurepean Union (EU) ministers are reporting agreement on a 37 pct higher target to reduce EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030, compared to the European Commission's (EC) proposed 30 pct target. The legislation also sets a 31 pct CO2 reduction target for new vans by 2030.

The new legislation demands that the full life-cycle of emissions from cars should be assessed at EU level. The Commission will also have to consider a common methodology for the assessment and consistent data reporting, by no later than 2023. If appropriate, legislation should follow.

Transport is the only sector in the EU that did not record any significant decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1990. Figures from the European Environment Agency show that of all means of transport in the EU, road transport generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions -pct of the EU's total GHG emissions. (Source: European Parliament News, 27 Mar., 2019) Contact: EP News, +32 2 28 40922, envi-press@europarl.europa.eu, www.europarl.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU Parliament,  Vehicle Emissions,  Transportation Emissions,  

Daimler
Date: 2019-02-08
German auto juggernaut Daimler is reporting its average emissions levels in Europe will rise in 2019 due to stricter anti-pollution testing rules that have revealed higher emissions results.

European Union lawmakers are demanding that automakers cut average CO2 emissions levels by 40 pct between 2007 and 2021, a goal that has become harder to attain after WLTP emissions tests were introduced in 2018.

Daimler AG is a German multinational automotive corporation, headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg. Daimler-Benz was formed with the merger of Benz & Cie and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1926. (Source: Daimler, euronews., 7 Feb., 2019) Contact: Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, CEO, www.daimler.com/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Daimler,  Transportation Emissions,  

Biofuel
Date: 2019-02-08
In Helsinki, in keeping with its effort to lower carbon emissions and fight climate change, the Parliament of Finland has voted to increase the percentage of biofuels powered vehicles on the country's highways to 30 pct by 2029. The Parliament also approved similar legislation on "light" heating oil and other bio-based fuel oil starting in 2021.

The legislation is inline with the government's commitment to lower transportation emissions over the next decade. (Source: Gov. of Finland, Various Media, EnergyLIve, 7 Feb., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel Blend,  Biofuel Vehicles,  

Rwanda Environment Management Authority
Date: 2019-01-14
The Rwanda Ministries of Education, Environment, the Rwanda Meteorological Agency in partnership with the University of Massachusetts, are reporting the launch of the first African Air Quality and Climate Laboratory equipped with the "Medusa System" that will measure more than 50 gases that deplete the ozone layer. The $2 million project, which will be based at the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology, will measure Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that deplete the ozone layer as well as other Rwandan and regionally emitted GHGs.

Rwandan and regional policy makers will have access to and use of the data in their efforts to control power plant and transportation emissions, curb deforestation and encourage more tree planting, reduce fossil fuel use, develope smart green cities and other efforts. (Source: Rwanda Environment Management Authority, The New Times, Rwanda, 13 Jan., 2019) Contact: Rwanda Environment Management Authority Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General, +250 25 258 9191, www.landportal.org/organization/rwanda-environment-management-authority

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ozone,  HFC,  GHGs,  Climate Change,  

Carbon Engineering
Date: 2019-01-11
Squamish, British Columbia-based Carbon Engineering Ltd. (CE) is reporting receipt of equity investments from Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, LLC a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chevron Corporation's Chevron Technology Ventures. Carbon Engineering's proven Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology removes CO2 directly from the air and subsequently synthesizes it into clean transportation fuels.

CE has been developing DAC technology since 2009 and capturing CO2 from the atmosphere at a pilot plant in Squamish, B.C. since 2015. The DAC plants are location-independent and can be co-located with an oilfield operation for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Carbon Engineering's complementary AIR TO FUELS process combines CO2 from DAC with clean hydrogen from water electrolysis to provide a second pathway for reducing transportation emissions by synthesizing ultra-low carbon intensity liquid fuels.

CE's AIR TO FUELS products are fully compatible with existing cars, trucks, ships and planes, allowing existing vehicles to reduce their carbon emissions without modification. (Source: Carbon Engineering, Green Car Congress, 9 Jan., 2019) Contact: Carbon Engineering. Steve Oldham, CEO, www.carbonengineering.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Engineering,  EOR,  CHevron,  Carbon Capture,  CO2,  

California Air Resources Board
Date: 2018-12-17
In Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board unanimously agreed last week to require all new buses be carbon-free by 2029. Environmental advocates project that the last buses emitting greenhouse gases will be phased out by 2040.

California presently has 153 zero-emission buses on the road now with hundreds more on order. Most of them are electric, though technology also exists for buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Existing state and federal subsidies are available to help transit agencies absorb some of the higher costs of carbon-free buses, along with money from the state's settlement with Volkswagen over the German automaker's emission-cheating software.

The transportation sector accounts for 40 pct of California's greenhouse gases, and those emissions are rising even as electrical emissions have fallen substantially. California needs to drastically reduce transportation emissions to meet its aggressive climate change goals. (Source: CARB, 14 Dec., 2018) Contact: California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board.Low Carbon FUel,  

American Farmland Trust
Date: 2018-11-28
Washington, DC-headquartered American Farmland Trust (AFT) is reporting new commitments to combating climate change, including the addition of Jennifer Moore-Kucera as director of its "Farmers Combat Climate Change" initiative. AFT also reiterated its support of the US Climate Alliance's Natural and Working Lands Challenge in developing policies and programs to increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHGs on farm and ranch land to combat climate change.

The US Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of U.S.states and unincorporated self-governing territories that are committed to upholding the objectives of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (COP15).

The initiative supports farmers and ranchers in adopting climate-smart farming practices on land they own and rent, encourages smart growth and protecting farmland to reduce transportation emissions and expands renewable energy siting while protecting productive, versatile and resilient farmland. "The goals and strategies outlined in the Farmers Combat Climate Change Initiative will play a critical role in helping farmers, ranchers, and urban growth planners develop and implement practices that can reduce greenhouse emissions, sequester carbon, and help mitigate, if not begin to reverse the negative impacts predicted by climate change models," according to Jennifer Moore-Kucera. (Source: American Farmland Trust, The Fence Post, 26 Nov., 2018) Contact: American Farmland Trust, John Piotti, Pres., CEO, Jennifer Moore-Kucera, Carbon Initiate Dir., (202) 331-7300, www.farmland.org; US Climate Alliance, www.usclimatealliance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP15,  US Climate Alliance,  American Farmland Trust,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

San Antonio, Energy Efficiency
Date: 2018-10-15
In the Lone Star State, the city of San Antonio Office of Sustainability is seeking feedback on its proposed strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions through its newly developed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The plan is expected to be approved and set into action this coming spring.

The plan has identified buildings and transportation as the largest factors to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Forty-seven pct of the sprawling city's carbon emissions come from building energy consumption and 38 pct of emissions are tied to transportation, according to the plan. Strategies for cutting emissions from buildings include implementing building codes to create structures that require less energy, offering rebate programs for energy efficiency retrofitting spaces and for the use of more efficient appliances. Strategies to lower transportation emissions include increasing the charging fees for EV charging infrastructure, reducing single occupant vehicle use, encouraging public transit and others. (Source: San Antonio Office of Sustainability, San Antonio Express News, 13 Oct., 2018) Contact: San Antonio Office of Sustainability, Douglas Melnick, (210) 207-6103, (210) 207-6934 fax, , www.sanantonio.gov/Sustainability

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability
Date: 2018-10-15
In the Lone Stare State, the city of San Antonio Office of Sustainability is seeking feedback on its proposed strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions through its newly developed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The plan is expected to be approved and set into action this coming spring.

The plan has identified buildings and transportation as the largest factors to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Forty-seven pct of the sprawling city's carbon emissions come from building energy consumption and 38 pct of emissions are tied to transportation, according to the plan. Strategies for cutting emissions from buildings include implementing building codes to create structures that require less energy, offering rebate programs for energy efficiency retrofitting spaces and for the use of more efficient appliances. Strategies to lower transportation emissions include increasing the charging fees for EV charging infrastructure, reducing single occupant vehicle use, encouraging public transit and others. (Source: San Antonio Office of Sustainability, San Antonio Express News, 13 Oct., 2018) Contact: San Antonio Office of Sustainability, Douglas Melnick, (210) 207-6103, (210) 207-6934 fax, , https://www.sanantonio.gov/Sustainability

Climate Change
Date: 2018-10-15
Following on the recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCCC) climate change report the San Francisco Bay area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has approved its own climate change policy and action plan. The plan sets ambitious emission reduction goals for the organization and providing a roadmap to achieve them.

Midpen, which stewards more than 63,000 acres of public open space, including redwood forests which store large amounts of carbon, is targeting a reduction in emissions of 20 pct below its 2016 baseline by 2022, 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050. To that end, Midpen will reduce emissions from vehicles, equipment, employee commutes, business travel, offices and tenant residences, using renewable diesel fuel, installing electric vehicle chargers,and others. The plan also identifies strategies for reducing or offsetting emissions from livestock grazing in Midpen's open space preserves, enhancing carbon sequestration, reducing preserve visitor transportation emissions and increasing staff and visitor awareness of climate change.

This goal is in line with the Golden State's climate change policy and the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a public agency committed to acquiring and preserving open space and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. (Source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Siliconner, 13 Oct., 2018) Contact: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Ana Maria Ruiz, Dir., (650) 691-1200, (650) 691-0485 (fax), info@openspace.org, www.openspace.org/climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

German Aerospace Centre
Date: 2018-09-21
According to a new study conducted by the German Aerospace Centre, commissioned by Greenpeace Belgium, Europe must stop selling new petrol, diesel and conventional hybrid cars by 2028 in order to stand a better chance of honouring the Paris Climate Agreement's target.

The study notes that passenger car engines as we know them need to be completely phased out from new sales before the end of the next decade. Otherwise, Europe will struggle to "meaningfully contribute" to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the most ambitious part of the Paris Agreement on climate change's well below 2 degrees Celsius overall aim.

Download the Development of the Car Fleet in EU28+2 to Achieve the Paris Agreement Target to Limit Global Warming to 1.5 C Report HERE. (Source: German Aerospace Centre, Greenpeace, Euractiv, Sept., 2018) Contact: German Aerospace Centre, www.dlr.de/dlr/en; Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/belgium

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement,  Climate Change,  Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

Advanced Biofuels Canada
Date: 2018-08-31
Reporting from Vancouver, Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABC), Canada's national industry voice for the low carbon biofuels necessary for Canada to successfully implement a proposed federal government Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), offers the following commentary by President Ian Thomson:

An average driver under BC's low carbon fuel standard has paid $16/year less than they would have paid for gasoline alone since 2010 (Navius 2018);

Carbon pricing can be effective in reducing industrial emissions, but is largely ineffectual on transportation emissions due to market failures (lack of competition), design failures (in the carbon tax systems), and the broad absence of practical fuel alternatives;

Existing provincial renewable and low carbon fuel regulations do not duplicate the CFS; to the contrary, compliance with them will do much of the work to ease the CFS requirement;

Provinces continue to assert their sovereignty over energy and climate regulation -- this refutes refiners' claims that the provinces should rescind their 'duplicative' regulations and be ruled by federal regulations (which they also oppose);

Provincial and federal fuel regulations have negligible actual overhead costs, in contrast to refiners' claims that the CFS will be costly to administer. Public filings by one large refiner with $4.5 billion of 2017 net earnings show its 2017 compliance and administrative costs associated with the BC low carbon fuel standard to be 0.009 pct of net earnings of $0.4 million;

Because imported liquid transportation fuels must also meet low-carbon content requirements, competitiveness issues for refiners relative to blending low carbon fuels into gasoline and diesel are addressed. This may not be the case for gaseous and solid fuels, or liquids used in petroleum refinery processes.

Modelling by a number of CFS stakeholders shows that a minimum of two-thirds of the compliance for the 2030 CFS target can be met with liquid fuels. This significantly lowers the potential cost of compliance with the gaseous and solid fuels CFS components for Canada's industrial sector. In addition, there is considerable positive economic growth that will be realized by investments in clean fuel production and use.

Transportation fuels make up 80 pct of the liquid fuels used in Canada, and their climate change emissions are rising. Many in the industrial sector see the rationale for Canada to largely follow the design of low carbon fuel standards successfully operating for almost a decade in British Columbia and in California.

Download the Canadian clean fuel standards regulatory framework HERE. (Source: Advanced Biofuels Canada, PR, 28 August, 2018) Contact: Advanced Biofuels Canada, Ian Thomson, (604) 947-0040, info@advancedbiofuels.ca, www.advancedbiofuels.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Advanced Biofuels Canada,  Canada Clean Fuel Standard,  Biofuel,  

New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance
Date: 2018-08-06
On July 24th, RPA and the New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance -- facilitated by the Rutgers Climate Institute and the Rutgers Bloustein School) -- hosted more than 150 New Jersey region business, civic, community and governmental leaders focused on strategies for reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

Transportation accounts for around half of all carbon emissions in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, yet these emissions are not regulated like those from our power plants, which are managed as part of RGGI. The meeting called for the regulation of greenhouse gases from all economic sectors, including transportation.

Ideas the emerged from the meeting included: a "cap-and-invest" approach that puts a price on transportation emissions and invests revenue back into communities and transportation infrastructure; congestion pricing for zones for different classes of vehicles; and greening school bus fleets, among others, all of which will be reported to the relevant government agencies and executives for consideration. (Source: Regional Plan Association, New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance, 3 Aug., 2018) Contact: RPA, Robert Freudenberg, Energy & Environmental Program Mgr, (212) 253-2727, http://lab.rpa.org; New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance, http://njadapt.rutgers.edu; New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance, njadapt.rutgers.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance,  

Emissions,Vehicle Emissions
Date: 2018-07-25
It is being widely reported by Bloomberg and other media that the Trump administration may attempt to revoke California's authority for setting its own greenhouse gas rules and other Obama-era vehicle emissions standards separate to federal emissions standards.

During the Obama administration, California aligned its standards with wider federal standards in a bid to ease compliance requirements for automakers.

According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration plans to dilute future emissions standards proposed by Obama by capping federal fuel economy requirements at the 2020 level of at least 35-mile-per-gallon for manufacturers' fleet average, rather than letting them rise to around 50 mpg by 2025 as currently planned.

The 2009 Clean Air Act waiver allows California to set its own standards for greenhouse emissions and builds on a long-standing right the state enjoyed to set its own vehicle emissions standards in response to the smog that afflicted some areas of the state in the 1970s and 80s. (Source: Business Green, Bloomberg, Others, July, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Clean Air Act,  Transportation Emissions,  

London Mayor Sadiq Khan
Date: 2018-05-21
In the UK, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is reportedly calling for the introduction of zero-emission zones in some parts of the capital from 2020 as part of a long-term vision of a carbon neutral city by 2050. In his Environment Strategy, the mayor calls for the city to adopt clean air policies, electric vehicle, an increase in London's current solar capacity to 1GW by 2030 and 2GW by 2050.

The strategy includes a proposal on carbon budgets, aimed at reducing London's greenhouse gas emissions -- a 40 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 1990 levels in 2018-2022, which is in line with with the Paris climate agreement to limit global climate change to 1.5 degrees. In addition, the mayor will fund thousands more trees and improvements to community green spaces. Since assuming the mayor's chair, Khan has directly funded the planting of over 70,000 trees and committed £4 million to support additional plantings. (Source: Office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Fleet News, Iran Financial Tribune, 15 May, 2018) Contact: Office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, www.london.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Transportation Emissions,  

European Commission
Date: 2018-05-14
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) will reportedly vote this week on a plan to cut heavy-duty trucks' carbon dioxide emissions by 15 pct by 2025 and 30 pct by 2030. The proposals will offer incentives to encourage truckmakers to manufacture zero-emission vehicles but will not include mandatory production targets. The goals can be reassessed in 2022 in light of progress and technological developments. The European Parliament and national governments will need to approve the new rules, which are in line with an EC proposal for passenger vehicles made in November.

If the heave-duty truck proposals are approved it will be the first time the EU has set binding limits for heavy-duty vehicles' carbon dioxide emissions. Europe approved CO2 limits for passenger vehicles in 2009 and light commercial vehicles in 2011, which came into force in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

Trucks comprise about 5 pct of the vehicles on EU roads but generate nearly 25 pct of emissions, making them an important target of the 28-member trading bloc's carbon reduction efforts. (Source: Financial Times, 12 May, 2018) The EU committed in the Paris climate accord to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030. (Source: EC, Financial Post, Various Media, May, 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Transportation Emissions,  Vehicle Emissions,  

Tri Star Energy
Date: 2018-03-16
In Tennessee, fleet fuel services provider Tri Star Energy, the owner of Twice Daily convenience stores, reports it is partnering with GreenPrint, the Arbor Day Foundation, and GROW Enrichment, to offer THRIVE.

The THRIVE program, which is set to launch in April, will reduce consumers' tailpipe emissions on all grades of fuel through certified carbon investment projects such as tree plantings, renewable energy development and others. In addition to the carbon offsets, the THRIVE program will plant 25,000 trees in Middle Tennessee with the Arbor Day Foundation. The program has also partnered with Nashville-based GROW Enrichment, a non-profit organization focused on community development through urban agriculture and nature conservation education. (Source: Tri Star Energy, Convenience Store Decisions, 13 Mar., 2018) Contact: Tri Star Energy, Steve Hostetter, CEO, www.tristartn.com; GreenPrint, (404) 207-1947, info@GreenPrintCorp.com, www.greenprintcorp.com; Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  GreenPrint,  Transportation Emissions,  Carbon Offsets,  Arbor Day,  

Carbon Emissions,CO2
Date: 2018-02-12
The Irish Independent is reporting that, based on the latest data, the majority of UK's greenhouse gas emissions now come from transport. The figures suggest gasoline and diesel fueled transport now accounts for 26 pct of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions while 25 are from power generation sources.

Since 1990, UK greenhouse gas emissions have fallen 41 pct while carbon dioxide -- the main greenhouse gas -- is down 36 pct, emissions from energy generation are down 57 pct from that point, transportation emissions are only down 2 pct from 1990 levels, making transportation the worst performing sector.

To address the issue, the Government has announced plans to end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040 as part of efforts to tackle climate change and air pollution. (Source: The Independent, 6 Feb., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHGs,  Carbon Dioxide,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  

US EIA
Date: 2018-01-12
According to the latest U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) statistics, transport is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The data shows that, up to 2017, 1.9 billion tonnes of carbon emissions were emitted from the transport sector, while 1.8 billion tonnes came from electric power generation. In total, transport now accounts for 25 pct of all emissions.

The increase can be partly attributed to lower fuel prices in the US, but also to a decline in the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Renewable energy also plays a much stronger role in the country's energy mix. The statistics also show that almost half of all new large-scale energy capacity in 2017 came from renewables. (Source: US EIA, Others, 10 Jan., 2018) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News US EIA,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Transportation Emissions,  

California
Date: 2017-12-11
In the environmental bellwether state, legislation that would ban gasiline-powered cars by 2040 is expected to be introduced in California's democrat dominated legislature in the upcoming January, 2018 session. If passed into law, the California Motor Vehicle Department would only register vehicles that did not produce carbon dioxide emissions. Based on currently available technology, that would mean only battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell cars would be permissible after 2040.

The UK, France, Germany, and others have taken similar steps and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has previously proposed banning internal-combustion engines. Governor Jerry Brown has also come out in support of the move. Transportation is currently the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (Source: Futurism, CARB, Various Media, Dec., 2017) Contact: CARB, (800) 242-4450, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,  Transportation Emissions,  Low carbon Fuels,  

EIA
Date: 2017-12-08
According to the US Energy Information Agency (EIA), emissions from the transportation sector -- automobiles, trucks, airplanes, and ships -- now surpasses emissions from the electric power sector.

The increase in transportation emissions is partially due to the steady increase in the number of vehicles on the road and the frequency and length of trips taken.

On the other hand, falling power sector emissions can be partially attributed to the significant growth in the use of natural gas and renewable energy and the decline of "Old King Coal" and other fossil fuels. (Source: US EIA, CleanTechnica, Other Media, Dec., 2017) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/#electricity

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  

Avangrid
Date: 2017-11-20
Orange, Connecticut-headquartered Avangrid, Inc., a diversified U.S. energy company, reports it has granted $2 million to ensure the continuance of the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program. The program offers direct financial rebate incentives up to $5,000 for state residents who purchase or lease a new zero-emission vehicle. Since its May 2015 launch, CHEAPR has issued nearly $4.6 million in rebates.

Avangrid's funding is part of a broader commitment to fight climate change , upport energy efficiency, renewable generation, energy storage, alternative transportation and other clean technologies in Connecticut. (Source: Avangrid Networks, PR Fairfiels HamletHub, 17 Nov., 2017) Contact: Avangrid, Anthony Marone, Pres., CEO, www.avangrid.com, CHEAPR, www.ct.gov/deep/CHEAPR

More Low-Carbon Energy News Avangrid,  Transportation Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

2030 Initiative
Date: 2017-11-03
In the Keystone State, King of Prussia-based Tozour Energy Systems reports it supports the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC), Philadelphia Office of Sustainability and the Philadelphia Energy Authority in the launch of the Philadelphia 2030 District. The 2030 program brings together utility and energy service companies, community organizations, and property owners and managers in a pledge to significantly cut energy and water use and transportation emissions by the year 2030. The 2030 initiative will also serve as a catalyst to implement best practices for building sustainability. The DVGBC is leading the initiative.

Currently, Philadelphia's building sector produces 60 pct of the city's carbon emissions while wasting 30 pct of its energy.

With this launch, Philadelphia will join more than 17 cities that are part of the 2030 District; Source: Tozour Energy, 2030 Initiative, Inquirer, Nov., 2017) Contact: Philadelphia 2030 District, www.2030districts.org/philadelphia Tozour Energy Systems, Kevin Duffy, Pres., (610) 962-1600, www.tozourenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News 2030 Initiative,  Energy Efficiency,  

Pembina Institute
Date: 2017-06-19
According to a new report released Wednesday by the Pembina Institute. Greenhouse gas emissions from the movement of goods across the country are on pace to surpass passenger emissions around 2030 and could be a major obstacle if Canada hopes to meet its climate targets, As of 2015, freight transportation accounted for 10.5 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and is the fastest growing segment within the transportation sector, the environmental think-tank’s report says. The report says government and industry players must partner to accelerate adoption of practices, technologies and policies that will enhance environmental performance in the freight sector, particularly when it comes to trucking. The report’s statistics and projections regarding transportation emissions are based on those presented in the federal government’s Second Biennial Report on Climate Change. (Source: Pembna Institute, Financial Post, 14 June, 2017)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pembina Institute news,  Carbon Emissions news,  Transportation Emissions news,  

Biotechnology Innovation Organization ,Advanced Biofuels Business Council
Date: 2017-06-14
In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) reports that over 25 advanced biofuel producers and trade associations have sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, asking them to support the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S.517)

Under current law, E15 cannot be sold during the summer driving season in many states. In 1990, Congress limited the amount of evaporative emissions from vehicle fuel at 9 psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). At the time, Congress specified that E10 would receive a 1 psi RVP waiver, in recognition of E10's overall lower emissions profile. S.517 will extend the RVP waiver to ethanol blends above 10 pct. The letter states, in part:

"This legislation (S.517) is vital to the advanced biofuels industry, which is making significant progress in expanding production of advanced and cellulosic biofuels. Fixing the RVP issue will ensure that E15 can be sold year round in any state where E15 is approved and give our advanced and cellulosic fuels an opportunity to compete at the pump.

"Moving to E15 not only reduces the cost of gasoline by between 5 and 15 cents per gallon, but also reduces emissions harmful to the environment. Recent analysis from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization indicates that in just the summer months E15 can reduce GHGs equivalent to taking 2.1 million vehicles off the road. In addition to the environmental benefits, the Energy and Environmental Studies Institute has written that E15 can lower the public health impacts from transportation emissions like cancer and asthma."

Download S.517 -- GHG Benefits of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, HERE.

BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. (Source: Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 12 June, 2017) Contact: BIO, Paul Winters, (202) 962-9237, www.bio.org; Advanced Biofuels Business Council, www.advancedbiofuels.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biotechnology Innovation Organization ,  Biofuel Blend,  Ethanol Blend,  E15,  E10,  Advanced Biofuels Business Council ,  

London
Date: 2017-04-24
In the UK, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is reporting that the city's introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been bumped up to April 2019, instead of in September 2020.

Under the 24/7 ULEZ, all vehicles that travel through the ULEZ that do not meet zone's exhaust emission standards will be liable to £12.50 per day fine. The ULEZ standards are in addition to the Congestion Charge and the Low Emission Zone requirements.

The Mayor previously announced the introduction of a Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) for London's most polluting vehicles, coming into effect on 23 October 2017. The T-Charge will apply to cars which do not meet Euro IV emission standards, and will be in force weekdays between 7am and 6pm.

A growing number of major cities around the world are beginning to take similar actions, with selective diesel car bans and periodic car bans proving the most common. (Source: UNEP, April, 2017)Contact: UNEP, Erik Solheim, Executive Director UN Environment, +254 20 762 1234, unepinfo@unep.org, www.unep.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Transportation Emissions,