Neste
Date: 2021-09-01
Helsinki-headquartered Neste Oy is the first company in Finland to provide a service for companies and other organizations to monitor their climate emissions caused by the use of transport fuels. Road transport accounts for more than 90 pct of Finland's total transport emissions.

Neste's new digital service helps companies monitor their consumption of Neste transport fuels, the resulting greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions reductions achieved through the use of renewable diesel over a specific time period. The service uses graphs and maps to illustrate the geographic and chronological distribution of consumption and emissions, and provides benchmarking data on each company's road transport emissions in their respective sector.

A recent Neste industry survey found that the use of renewable diesel in the public sector has more than tripled from 2019 to mid-2021 when the total annual consumption of diesel is considered. At the same time, the proportion of renewable diesel from the total consumption of diesel has doubled in the manufacturing industry and increased by more than five-fold in the goods transport, according to Neste. (Source: Neste Oyi, Website PR, 31 Aug., 2021) Contact: Neste Oyi, Thorsten Lange, Exec. VP, Heidi Peltonen, Team Lead, Sustainable Partnerships, Marketing & Services, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Transportation Emissions,  Neste,  Renewable Diesel,  

China Carbon Emissions
Date: 2021-08-27
The Manbang Group, China's leading domestic freight service platform, reports it has turned to internet and "big-data" digital technology to help reduce carbon emissions.

With the intelligent recommendations of big data, the Manbang Group helps truck drivers find goods quickly and reduces empty-load rates and fuel consumption, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 330,000 tonnes in 2020, the company said.

According to the Manbang Group release, Chinese transport sector carbon emissions account for about 10 pct of the country's total carbon emissions, with 80 pct of the total emissions from the road freight transport. The Manbang Group serves roughly 20 pct of the country's trucking with businesses in more than 300 Chinese cities. (Source: Manbang Group, Xinhua, 25 Aug., 2021)

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

California Air Resources Board
Date: 2021-05-28
In Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reports adoption of a regulation requiring ride-share companies begin electrification of their California fleets starting in 2023 -- another step towards meeting California's 2030 climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 pct below 1990 levels, achieving statewide carbon neutrality by 2045, aligning with Governor Newsom's Zero Emission Vehicle Executive Order and fulfilling the state's air quality goals.

The Clean Miles Standard requires ride-share companies operating in California meet annual GHG and electrification targets, which will align ride-sharing companies with other corporate fleet requirements. By 2030, the regulation would require ride-share companies achieve a level of zero greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure 90 pct of their vehicle miles are fully electric.

Download Clean Miles Standard details HERE. (Source: California Air Resources Board, PR, 20 May, 2021) Contact: CARB, Dave Clegern, 916-717-9652, dave.clegern@arb.ca.gov, ww2.arb.ca.gov

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

University of California Institute of Transportation Studies
Date: 2021-04-23
The attached just released University of California Institute of Transportation Studies (UC ITS) report aims to provide a research-driven analysis of options that can put California on a pathway to achieve carbon-neutral transportation by 2045.

The report identifies scenarios, assumptions, and related strategies -- including transitioning to zero emission vehicles, accelerating the use of alternative fuel sources, and reducing vehicle miles traveled -- tools, options, tradeoffs and benefits for areas where action can be taken now, as well as where additional actions, targets, policies, research and technology development are needed in the medium and longer term. The policy options outlined in the study, when combined, could lead to a zero-carbon transportation system by 2045, while also improving equity, health, and the economy.

Download the Driving California's Transportation Emissions to Zero report HERE. (Source: University of California Institute of Transportation Studies, Apr., 2021) Contact: University of California Institute of Transportation Studies, www.ucits.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Transportation Emissions,  

Maryland Energy Administration
Date: 2021-02-26
In Baltimore, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is touting its Clean Fuels Incentive Program's (CFIP) support for both the purchase of fleet alternative fuel vehicles and funding to expand the state's alternative fueling infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via proven technology. The CFIP is designed to permanently "green" the state's transportation profile and improve air quality by reducing fossil fuels consumption.

The fiscal year 2021 (FY21) CFIP awards of $1.3M will fund an array of clean fuel projects across the state, including one of the largest electric school bus deployments in the country, electric vehile charging stations and emission-reduced propane autogas vehicles.

The MEA notes the transportation sector is responsible for the majority of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Plan. The law requires the State to reduce GHG emissions 25 pct from a 2006 baseline by 2020, in a way that ensures a positive impact on Maryland's economy, protects existing manufacturing jobs and creates new jobs in the State. (Source: Maryland Energy Administration, PR, Feb., 2021)Contact: Maryland Energy Administration, Mary Beth Tung, Exec. Dir., Kaymie Owen, CMP 443-694-3651, kaymie.owen@maryland.gov, www.Energy.Maryland.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alternative Fuel,  Transportation Emissions,  GHGs Electric Vehicle,  

Fortistar, TruStar Energy
Date: 2021-01-13
In the Empire State, White Plains-based RNG/CNG fuel supplier TruStar Energy, a Fortistar portfolio company, reports in 2020 it grew its nationwide natural gas fueling station network to 380, inked long term RNG fuel supply contracts totaling 175 million GGE and is set to deliver more than 30 million GGE of renewable natural gas (RNG) in 2021.

In December, the company's parent, Fortistar, in tandem with the TruStar Energy's distribution efforts, announced the fifth of 12 new RNG projects, together requiring nearly $500 million of new capital investment. These new projects will produce over 100 million GGE per year of RNG, reducing annual U.S. transportation emissions by 2 million metric tons of CO2 -- the equivalent of taking approximately 434,782 passenger cars off the road, according to the release. (Source: TruStar Energy, PR, Website, 7 Jan., 2021) Contact: TruStar Energy, Scott Edelbach, COO, www.trustarenergy.com; Forttistar, Mark Comora, CEO, (914) 421-4937, MComora@fortistar.com, www.fortistar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News RNG,  Fortistar,  TruStar Energy,  

Hailey
Date: 2020-12-18
In Idaho, the Hailey City Resiliency Coordinator Rebecca Bundy has released results of the city's 2020 Greenhouse Gas Inventory conducted in partnership with Local Governments for Sustainability, an international organization of more than 1,750 local and regional governments.

The study -- which began in January -- takes a holistic look at CO2 and methane emissions in the broader Ketchum, Sun Valley and Blaine County Idaho community. Using the most recent available data from utility companies, the study found residential and commercial emissions from natural gas and electricity made up 33 and 29 pct, respectively, of the total community greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation emissions from fossil fuels represented 30 pct, solid waste emissions, 5 pct and industrial emissions and natural gas leaks finished at 3 pct. The audit does not include data from Friedman Memorial Airport, which accounts for over 40 pct of the city's ground-level emissions.

Additionally, the city of Hailey is considering a standalone agreement with Idaho Power that would see the utility regularly update the city on renewable energy projects and provide the city with aggregated data on energy use starting in 2022.

The study is considered a starting point for the community's plan to transition to 100 pct renewable electricity by 2035. (Source: City of Hailey, Idaho Mountain Express, 16 Dec., 2020) Contact: City of Hailey, Rebecca Bundy, 208-788-4221, www.haileycityhall.org; Idaho Power, Megan Ronk, Director of Business Innovation and Dev., Local Governments for Sustainability, www.iclei.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG,  Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  

IRFA
Date: 2020-10-26
In Washington, the Zero Emissions Vehicles Act Legislation recently introduced in the House and Senate calls for restricting the sale of passenger vehicles capable of utilizing biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel by 2025 with a complete ban in 2035.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says the bill mandates electric cars but doesn't take into account electric cars don't have zero emissions. Shaw claims biofuels have a better carbon footprint with lower emissions than electric vehicles that are powered by coal and suggests the best way to cut emissions is to set reduction targets and let the fuel and vehicle market decide how to achieve those goals. (Source: IRFA, WNAX, 26 Oct., 2020) Contact: IRFA, Monte Shaw, Ecex. Dir., (515) 252-6249, (515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IRFA,  Zero Emission Vehicle,  Transportation Emissions,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2020-10-16
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is reporting approval of a $384 million plan focused on closing gaps in zero-emission fuels and infrastructure to support Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order phasing out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

The 2020-2023 Investment Plan Update for the CEC's Clean Transportation Program -- fka the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program -- prioritizes funding for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, related workforce development and manufacturing.

The plan approved the following: $132.9 million for light-duty EV charging infrastructure; $129.8 mn for medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs and infrastructure; $70 mn for hydrogen refueling infrastructure; $25 mn for zero-and near-zero-carbon fuel production and supply; $10 mn for COVID-19 recovery and reinvestment; $9 mn for ZEV manufacturing and $7.5 mn for workforce development.

The Clean Transportation Program has provided nearly $900 million in funding to California alternative fuels and related projects since 2008. (Source: California Energy Commission,15 Oct., 2020) Contact: California Energy Commission, www.energy.ca.gov

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

Diesel Technology Forum
Date: 2020-10-09
The not-for-profit Diesel Technology Forum is reporting the just released emissions inventory from the Port of Long Beach (POLB) California shows "the introduction of new generation diesel trucks has generated substantial clean air benefits for communities located near freight facilities."

The report notes "In 2019, trucks serving the POLB accounted for just 7 tons of fine particle (PM 2.5) emissions, down from 186 tons in 2005, due in part to the introduction of new technology diesel trucks even as cargo volumes grew by 14 pct. In 2005, trucks were the second leading source of all PM 2.5 emissions after ocean going vessels. In 2019, port trucks were the second smallest source of PM 2.5 emissions after cargo-handling equipment.

"The Clean Trucks Program, instituted jointly by the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, requires that all trucks meet the latest tailpipe emissions standard for PM 2.5 and new trucks entering service in the port as of 2018 must meet the near-zero tailpipe emissions standard for ozone forming compounds (NOx) as well. According to the latest data, 90 pct of the estimated 14,000 port trucks entering and exiting marine terminals in southern California are powered by diesel and about 65 pct are of the latest generation diesel technology that achieve near-zero emissions performance for both NOx and PM 2.5. The report concludes that the effectiveness of the Clean Trucks Program in expanding the clean air benefits can be realized with the adoption of advanced technology diesel trucks." (Source: Diesel Technology Forum, PR, 6 Oct., 2020) Contact: Diesel Technology Forum, Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director, (301) 668-7230, dtf@dieselforum.org, www.dieselforum.org; Port of Long Beach, www.polb.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Diesel Technology Forum,  Transportation Emissions,  NOX,  CO2,  SOX,  Particulate Matter,  

Low-Carbon Fuel
Date: 2020-10-02
Legislation that would authorize a federal emissions reduction program and fund research and development for technologies across the environmental sector recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation authorizes ans earmarks over $2 billion for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)intended to advance improvements in air quality through the mitigation of diesel emissions. Specifically, the bill would authorize $500 million for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

The program at the U.S. EPA looks to reduce the number of older, diesel-powered trucks on the road and to facilitate the transition in the freight industry to newer equipment, promote energy efficiency, authorize environmental justice grants, and boost funding for clean low-carbon alternative fuels and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. (Source: Various Media, TT News, 29 Sept., 2020)

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

UK Department for Transport
Date: 2020-08-19
In London, according to a new Department for Transport consultation the UK will maintain a "regulatory regime as close to business-as-usual scenario for manufacturers and remain with EU regulation on CO2 emission standards" even after leaving the European Union at the end of this year.

The consultation document includes proposals aimed at avoiding confusion, especially as the country's vehicle fleet is heavier than the 27 country EU fleets. Moving from the EU fleet average to a UK specific value would "immediately make regulatory targets more demanding for all manufacturers," the consultation document notes.

When made into legislation as proposed, the UK will keep the EU's 15 pct CO2 emission reduction target for cars and vans from 2025, and a 37.5 pct reduction for cars and 31 pct for vans come 2030. Carmakers will face fines of £86 instead of €95 for every gram of CO2 exceeded. The limit is 95 grams per km, and manufacturers will still base their targets on the average weight of vehicles sold.

Download the Department for Transport document details HERE. (Source: UK Gov. Department for Transport, electrive.com, Aug., 2020)

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

Vehicle Emissions
Date: 2020-07-17
This week, the Governors of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the mayor of District of Columbia, signed the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at achieving 100 pct tailpipe pollution-free heavy-duty transportation in their jurisdictions by 2050. These states account for 35 pct of the nations' medium and heavy-duty fleets, making this the largest-ever state partnership to slash vehicle pollution.

. Heavy-duty vehicles account for 28 pct of greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's on-road transportation sector, 45 pct of on-road NOx emissions and 57 pct of on-road PM2.5 emissions. (Source: cleanenergy.org, 15 July, 2020)

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

US EPA
Date: 2020-05-13
According to the 2019 EPA Automotive Trends Report, the average estimated CO2 emission rate for all model year 2018 vehicles in the U.S. fell by 4 grams per mile to 353 g/mi and fuel economy increased very slightly by 0.2 mpg over 2017 levels to 25.1 mpg -- a record high. The reports notes that since 2004, auto CO2 emissions and fuel economy have improved in 12 out of 14 years and have repeatedly achieved new records.

Average estimated real-world auto CO2 emissions are projected to fall 6 g/mi to 346 g/mi and fuel economy is projected to increase 0.4 mpg to 25.5 mpg. All the large manufacturers -- with production of more than 150,000 in model year 2018 -- ended the 2018 model year in compliance with the GHG target program, the report noted.

Download the 2019 EPA Automotive Trends Report HERE (Source: US EPA, Auto Service World, 11 May, 2020)

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

International Union of Railways.
Date: 2020-04-03
"If we want to reduce the consequences of global warming, which are now quite inevitable, we have to act fast and act now.

"If we continue to cherish a transport model based on individual vehicles that consume both non-renewable resources and contribute to global warming, it will be quite difficult to curb the rise in temperatures on our planet.

"Transport, in its broadest terms, is responsible for 24 pct of energy related greenhouse gas emissions but rail today is four-times less carbon emitting than the other modes and has a really important part to play." -- Francois Davenne, Director General, International Union of Railways. Contact: International Union of Railways, www.uic.org

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

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

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