Dec 12, 2005
Attorney General: Clean Air Act Cases and Challenges
Attorney General: Clean Air Act Cases and Challenges: "United States v. American Electric Power – Connecticut, the United States, seven other States, and citizen groups have sued American Electric Power for illegally modifying eleven plants in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia without obtaining required permits that would have necessitated the defendant’s installing air pollution controls. Trial is expected to begin in late 2005."
ENVIRONMENT: In Shift, US Agrees to Future Climate Talks
"Countries bent over backwards to accommodate the U.S. but they just spit in their faces," said Steve Sawyer, climate policy adviser for Greenpeace International.
On Friday, the final day of negotiations, countries were resolved to proceed without the U.S., Sawyer told IPS.
A surprise speech by former President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) in Montreal on Friday may have played a role in the U.S. turnabout.
On Friday, the final day of negotiations, countries were resolved to proceed without the U.S., Sawyer told IPS.
A surprise speech by former President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) in Montreal on Friday may have played a role in the U.S. turnabout.
Fossil Fuels Set to Become Relics, Says Research Group
Fossil Fuels Set to Become Relics, Says Research Group: "Wind turbines that produce electricity spin at a wind farm in Daban, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region."
Dec 11, 2005
Dec 9, 2005
1981 Cadillac V8-6-4 engine wasn't the first to have on "displacement on demand"
"1981 Cadillac V8-6-4 engine wasn't the first that could have the number of its cylinders regulated? If so, get ready for another surprise. Neither was the 1917 Enger. The distinction belongs to the Sturtevant 38- to 45-hp six-cylinder engine of 1905. Three of its cylinders could be shut down.
Read more here:
http://www.motorera.com/history/hist03.htm
"Summit Point Raceway, WV—Resurrecting a 20-year-old idea, GM plans to boost fuel efficiency in its large trucks and SUVs with an engine that can run on just four of its eight cylinders when it doesn't need the power.
This "displacement on demand" system can deliver a 6 to 12% improvement in fuel efficiency, and GM claims a 25% improvement in certain conditions.
The engine starts with all eight cylinders, then runs with just four cylinders under normal driving conditions, only adding the others to carry heavy loads, pass other cars, or climb steep hills.
GM first tried the idea 20 years ago, in the 1981 Cadillac's six-liter engine, which could switch from four to six to eight cylinders, according to driving conditions. But a "natural vibration" in six-cylinder operation made the car unpopular with drivers, so the company dropped the concept.
Now two recent technology advances have allowed GM to try again. First, that old cable-activated throttle has evolved into modern electronic throttle control, capable of adjusting the gas so smoothly that it's tough to tell when the extra cylinders kick in. Second, the new engine has processing power to burn—today's engine computers are 32-bit, compared to the '81 Cadillac's 8-bit; and have roughly 100 times the memory and 25 times the clock speed.
"You won't know if you're in eight cylinder or four cylinder mode," says Tom Stevens, GM's VP of engineering. "The only thing you know is you'll go farther on a tank of gasoline."
Indeed, in a test drive here, I accelerated and braked the truck in a series of tight turns, and never felt the engine switch modes. Glancing at his telemetry laptop, the GM technician in the passenger seat said it had happened six times in just a half-mile.
When driving loads are light, the engine closes both the intake and exhaust valves for every other cylinder in the firing order, thus cutting off their air and fuel supply.
Read full story here:
http://www.designnews.com/article/CA159991.html
"What the heck is "displacement on demand" -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Displacement_on_demand
Dec 8, 2005
Air Quality Health Advisory for Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.national
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an air quality health advisory for Milwaukee and Waukesha counties effective immediately today, Thursday, December 8, 2005 until noon on Friday, December 9, 2005. The advisory is being issued because of persistent elevated levels of fine particles in the air. These fine particles come primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and outdoor fires. Current weather conditions leading to this advisory are light winds and warmer air aloft, trapping the particle pollution near the ground. Air quality is expected to gradually improve for the affected area beginning tomorrow morning.
The Air Quality Index is currently in the orange level, which is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others, including people who are not in sensitive groups but who are engaged in strenuous activities or exposed for prolonged periods of time. People in those sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults and children. When an air quality health advisory is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. To receive air quality health advisories by e-mail, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/health/listse"
Contacts: Larry Bruss, DNR (608)267-7543
Henry Anderson, DHFS (608) 266-1253
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an air quality health advisory for Milwaukee and Waukesha counties effective immediately today, Thursday, December 8, 2005 until noon on Friday, December 9, 2005. The advisory is being issued because of persistent elevated levels of fine particles in the air. These fine particles come primarily from combustion sources, such as power plants, factories and other industrial sources, vehicle exhaust, and outdoor fires. Current weather conditions leading to this advisory are light winds and warmer air aloft, trapping the particle pollution near the ground. Air quality is expected to gradually improve for the affected area beginning tomorrow morning.
The Air Quality Index is currently in the orange level, which is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups and others, including people who are not in sensitive groups but who are engaged in strenuous activities or exposed for prolonged periods of time. People in those sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults and children. When an air quality health advisory is issued, people in those groups are advised to reschedule or cut back on strenuous activities.
People with lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and heart disease should pay attention to cardiac symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath or respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing and discomfort when taking a breath, and consult with their physician if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. To receive air quality health advisories by e-mail, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/health/listse"
Contacts: Larry Bruss, DNR (608)267-7543
Henry Anderson, DHFS (608) 266-1253
Can't catch a break .... is Biodiesel "most destructive crop on earth"???
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Dec 7, 2005
OSHA awards millions in Susan Harwood Grants - 10/28/05
OSHA has awarded more than $10.3 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to labor unions, community colleges and other nonprofit organizations for safety and health training and educational programs. The grant announcement includes $5 million for Disaster Response and Recovery Training Grants to provide critical health and safety training for workers who are engaged in disaster response, clean-up and rebuilding activities in the hurricane-impacted Gulf States region.
OSHA awarded additional grants in three categories: OSHA Training Materials Development Grants support the development, evaluation and validation of training materials for construction, work-related transportation hazards and other safety and health areas of interest; Targeted Topic Training Grants support training for construction and general industry hazards; and Institutional Competency Building Grants help nonprofit organizations expand their safety and health training, education and outreach to assist workers on an ongoing basis."
OSHA awarded additional grants in three categories: OSHA Training Materials Development Grants support the development, evaluation and validation of training materials for construction, work-related transportation hazards and other safety and health areas of interest; Targeted Topic Training Grants support training for construction and general industry hazards; and Institutional Competency Building Grants help nonprofit organizations expand their safety and health training, education and outreach to assist workers on an ongoing basis."
In state economic heft, bioscience beats beer
In the past two years, Wisconsin's growing bioscience industry surpassed beer as an economic force in the state, according to a report to be released Wednesday in Madison.
The state's bioscience industry - 338 companies strong - generates $6.38 billion in revenue and pulls in $582 million of research funding from out-of-state sources. That adds up to a direct economic impact of more than $6.9 billion, says a Bioscience Wisconsin 2006 report that will be issued Wednesday by the Wisconsin Association for Biomedical Research and Education.
The state's bioscience industry - 338 companies strong - generates $6.38 billion in revenue and pulls in $582 million of research funding from out-of-state sources. That adds up to a direct economic impact of more than $6.9 billion, says a Bioscience Wisconsin 2006 report that will be issued Wednesday by the Wisconsin Association for Biomedical Research and Education.
The Kyoto Municipal Government is collecting 1.5 million liters of used cooking oil annually from households and hotels. The bio-diesel fuel produced
The use of so-called bio-diesel fuel is also spreading nationwide. The Kyoto Municipal Government is collecting 1.5 million liters of used cooking oil annually from households and hotels. The bio-diesel fuel produced powers 220 garbage trucks and 95 city buses.
In Shiga and Chiba prefectures, projects are under way to plant rape when converting rice paddies to other crops. The rapeseed oil produced is used in households and schools, and the used oil is collected and turned into soap and bio-diesel.
However, the Biomass Industrial Society Network, a nonprofit group, warns against unbridled bio-fuel development.
"It is not a good thing to only focus on increasing biomass fuel production," said Miyuki Tomari, a representative of the network. "There are still many hurdles (to its growth) including transportation and supply systems, and the need for tax breaks to promote use of bio-fuels.
"Disorderly imports also cause problems," she said.
The Japan Times: Nov. 2, 2005
In Shiga and Chiba prefectures, projects are under way to plant rape when converting rice paddies to other crops. The rapeseed oil produced is used in households and schools, and the used oil is collected and turned into soap and bio-diesel.
However, the Biomass Industrial Society Network, a nonprofit group, warns against unbridled bio-fuel development.
"It is not a good thing to only focus on increasing biomass fuel production," said Miyuki Tomari, a representative of the network. "There are still many hurdles (to its growth) including transportation and supply systems, and the need for tax breaks to promote use of bio-fuels.
"Disorderly imports also cause problems," she said.
The Japan Times: Nov. 2, 2005
Dec 6, 2005
Bill Gates is funding with $450 million to come to
"I've been applying my imagination to the synergies of this," he said. "We could have sorghum that cures latent tuberculosis. We could have mosquitoes that spread vitamin A. And most important, we could have bananas that never need to be kept cold."
They laughed. Perhaps that was to be expected when the world's richest man, who had just promised them $450 million, was delivering a punchline. But it was also germane, because they were gathered to celebrate some of the oddest-sounding projects in the history of science.
Their deadly serious proposals - answers to the Grand Challenges in Global Health that Mr. Gates posed in a 2003 speech in Davos, Switzerland - sounded much like his spoofs: laboratories around the world, some of them led by Nobel Prize winners, proposing to invent bananas and sorghum that make their own vitamin A; chemicals that render mosquitoes unable to smell humans; drugs that hunt down tuberculosis germs in people who do not even know they are infected; and vaccines that are mixed into spores or plastics or sugars and can be delivered in glasses of orange juice or modified goose calls.
What Mr. Gates had outlined at Davos were the greatest obstacles facing doctors in the tropics: Laboratories are few and far between. Vaccines spoil without refrigeration and require syringes, which can transmit AIDS. Mosquitoes develop resistance to all insecticides. Crops that survive in the jungle or desert often have little nutritive value. Infections outwit powerful drugs by lying dormant.
They laughed. Perhaps that was to be expected when the world's richest man, who had just promised them $450 million, was delivering a punchline. But it was also germane, because they were gathered to celebrate some of the oddest-sounding projects in the history of science.
Their deadly serious proposals - answers to the Grand Challenges in Global Health that Mr. Gates posed in a 2003 speech in Davos, Switzerland - sounded much like his spoofs: laboratories around the world, some of them led by Nobel Prize winners, proposing to invent bananas and sorghum that make their own vitamin A; chemicals that render mosquitoes unable to smell humans; drugs that hunt down tuberculosis germs in people who do not even know they are infected; and vaccines that are mixed into spores or plastics or sugars and can be delivered in glasses of orange juice or modified goose calls.
What Mr. Gates had outlined at Davos were the greatest obstacles facing doctors in the tropics: Laboratories are few and far between. Vaccines spoil without refrigeration and require syringes, which can transmit AIDS. Mosquitoes develop resistance to all insecticides. Crops that survive in the jungle or desert often have little nutritive value. Infections outwit powerful drugs by lying dormant.
Dec 5, 2005
First Wisconsin biodiesel plant
Green Bay-based Anamax Corp. plans to start construction on the 12,300-square-foot plant next to its existing restaurant-grease recovery plant in DeForest on Monday. State Department of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen and U.S. Rep. Mark Green, a Republican from Green Bay, are scheduled to attend.
DeForest village president Jeff Miller said the project could cost anywhere from $10 million to $15 million and create 10 to 15 new jobs. The plant is expected to produce about 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually, according to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
"It's a big deal," Miller said. "We'll be the first community in Wisconsin to have a biodiesel facility."">JS Online: News:: "MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A recycling company is poised to break ground on Wisconsin's first biodiesel plant.
Green Bay-based Anamax Corp. plans to start construction on the 12,300-square-foot plant next to its existing restaurant-grease recovery plant in DeForest on Monday. State Department of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen and U.S. Rep. Mark Green, a Republican from Green Bay, are scheduled to attend.
DeForest village president Jeff Miller said the project could cost anywhere from $10 million to $15 million and create 10 to 15 new jobs. The plant is expected to produce about 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually, according to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
'It's a big deal,' Miller said. 'We'll be the first community in Wisconsin to have a biodiesel facility.'"
DeForest village president Jeff Miller said the project could cost anywhere from $10 million to $15 million and create 10 to 15 new jobs. The plant is expected to produce about 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually, according to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
"It's a big deal," Miller said. "We'll be the first community in Wisconsin to have a biodiesel facility."">JS Online: News:: "MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A recycling company is poised to break ground on Wisconsin's first biodiesel plant.
Green Bay-based Anamax Corp. plans to start construction on the 12,300-square-foot plant next to its existing restaurant-grease recovery plant in DeForest on Monday. State Department of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen and U.S. Rep. Mark Green, a Republican from Green Bay, are scheduled to attend.
DeForest village president Jeff Miller said the project could cost anywhere from $10 million to $15 million and create 10 to 15 new jobs. The plant is expected to produce about 20 million gallons of biodiesel annually, according to the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
'It's a big deal,' Miller said. 'We'll be the first community in Wisconsin to have a biodiesel facility.'"
Nov 28, 2005
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES TO INCREASE PRODUCTION AND USE OF BIOFUELS IN NEW YORK STATE
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES TO INCREASE PRODUCTION AND USE OF BIOFUELS IN NEW YORK STATE: "Public Authorities to Boost Use of Renewable Fuels Part of Comprehensive Effort to Develop Homegrown Biofuel Industry in New York"
Nov 17, 2005
EPA Called Upon To Suspend Costly Gasoline Regulation Causing Harmful Urban Pollution
EPA Called Upon To Suspend Costly Gasoline Regulation Causing Harmful Urban Pollution
NAFA claims EPA justified its national regulation on the evidence of a single test vehicle, which it modified, and whose results were “forced” and then introduced into the record after it was too late for public comment. www.altfuels.us
NAFA claims EPA justified its national regulation on the evidence of a single test vehicle, which it modified, and whose results were “forced” and then introduced into the record after it was too late for public comment. www.altfuels.us
Aveda Environmental Awards Honor Three Publications for Progressive Paper Use
GAO Report: US Reduces Protection of Waters and Wetlands
Oct 13, 2005 WASHINGTON - In the past four years, the United States has drastically cut back on its protection of waterways and wetlands, whose erosion was cited as a factor in the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, according to a report issued on Wednesday.
Oct 13, 2005 WASHINGTON - In the past four years, the United States has drastically cut back on its protection of waterways and wetlands, whose erosion was cited as a factor in the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, according to a report issued on Wednesday.
BSU professor will help with airplane safety
IdahoStatesman.com - ID,USA
... answer many questions that still remain about passenger health and
safety on airplanes ... chosen as a research partner through a competitive
bid process with other ...
... answer many questions that still remain about passenger health and
safety on airplanes ... chosen as a research partner through a competitive
bid process with other ...
Carbon Monoxide in Fresh Meat: Consumer Deception and a Potential Health Hazard
In 2004 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the use of carbon monoxide in consumer-ready fresh meat packaging. The use of carbon monoxide in fresh meat causes a chemical reaction that creates a substance that makes the meat look red and fresh beyond the time it is safe to eat. Because consumers use appearance as the principal indicator of freshness, this is a serious issue of deception and food safety.
Latest Environmental new
Attenborough puts focus on global warming...Guardian Unlimited
Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions may rise: UN...AP via ABCNEWS.com
Exposure to environment issues starts right from school campus...
DENSO Announces New Long-term Global Environmental Policy...PR Newswire via Wards
Climate change will hit least polluting countries hardest...Guardian Unlimited
Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions may rise-UN...Reuters
Hearing Scheduled to Take Additional Public Comment on Actions Regulating Mercury
Emissions from Utilities...Environmental Protection Agency
Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions may rise: UN...AP via ABCNEWS.com
Exposure to environment issues starts right from school campus...
DENSO Announces New Long-term Global Environmental Policy...PR Newswire via Wards
Climate change will hit least polluting countries hardest...Guardian Unlimited
Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions may rise-UN...Reuters
Hearing Scheduled to Take Additional Public Comment on Actions Regulating Mercury
Emissions from Utilities...Environmental Protection Agency
Grape biofuel may lift fortunes of French vintners - Nov. 15, 2005
French winemakers look to biofuel production
The winemakers are looking at new outlets for their products, and one wine industry official says the country could produce about 40 million liters of alcohol to be used in biofuels. He says further research could yield increased production and may help some winemakers generate additional income.
CNNmoney/Reuters
The winemakers are looking at new outlets for their products, and one wine industry official says the country could produce about 40 million liters of alcohol to be used in biofuels. He says further research could yield increased production and may help some winemakers generate additional income.
CNNmoney/Reuters
Hazardous Waste Reduction - News
THREE DECADES WORTH OF TRASH
Times Picayune - New Orleans,LA,USA ... The list includes landfills; "reduction areas," where debris is burned or mulched ... 31 that an estimated 1 million pounds of hazardous waste had been collected in ... http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1132122546309620.xml
Times Picayune - New Orleans,LA,USA... The list includes landfills, "reduction areas" where debris is burned or mulched and ... 31 that an estimated 1 million pounds of hazardous waste had been..
DASSAULT Falcon Jet winner of state environmental awardArkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription) - Little Rock,AR,USA... of pre-treated wastewater by 32 percent and cutting hazardous waste generation by ... of Mountain Home, for waste reduction and recycling.
http://www.ardemgaz.com/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=ArDemocrat/2005/11/13&ID=Ar02401&Section=Arkansas
The News Journal - Wilmington,DE,USA... by scrubbing toxic material leaving the stack) from hazardous waste disposal rules ... fossil energy, and reduce greenhouse gases -- waste reduction, recycling and ...
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051112/OPINION10/511120314/1111/OPINION
Environmental Protection Grants
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The Times - no environmental technicians????
GREEN forum slaps SET Environmental issues focal point of event
White Rock Peace Arch News - White Rock,British Columbia,Canada
... He rebutted claims Surrey has no environmental technicians, saying
he knows of at ... from saying more industrial development is needed -
to put more jobs on this .
http://www.peacearchnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=44&cat=23&id=533788&more
White Rock Peace Arch News - White Rock,British Columbia,Canada
... He rebutted claims Surrey has no environmental technicians, saying
he knows of at ... from saying more industrial development is needed -
to put more jobs on this .
http://www.peacearchnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=44&cat=23&id=533788&more
Can environmental regulation lead to a more competitive environment?
"Can environmental regulation lead to a more competitive environment?
Apperently so. In the context of the current EU focus on growth and jobs, a paper is being published to review the evidence on the links between environmental regulation and competitiveness.
The Network of Heads of European Environmental Protection Agencies submits this paper as its contribution to the current debate.
What are the main findings?
It finds that a modern approach to regulation can reduce costs for industry and business; create markets for environmental goods and services; drive innovation; reduce business risk and increase the confidence of the investment markets and insurers; assist competitive advantage and create competitive markets; create and sustain jobs; improve the health of the workforce and the wider public; and protect the natural resources on which business and we all depend.
What are the main conclusions?
The paper concludes that there is now significant evidence from international research that good environmental management and regulation does not impede overall competitiveness and economic development. On the contrary, it can be beneficial by creating pressure that drives innovation and alerts business about resource inefficiencies and new opportunities."
Apperently so. In the context of the current EU focus on growth and jobs, a paper is being published to review the evidence on the links between environmental regulation and competitiveness.
The Network of Heads of European Environmental Protection Agencies submits this paper as its contribution to the current debate.
What are the main findings?
It finds that a modern approach to regulation can reduce costs for industry and business; create markets for environmental goods and services; drive innovation; reduce business risk and increase the confidence of the investment markets and insurers; assist competitive advantage and create competitive markets; create and sustain jobs; improve the health of the workforce and the wider public; and protect the natural resources on which business and we all depend.
What are the main conclusions?
The paper concludes that there is now significant evidence from international research that good environmental management and regulation does not impede overall competitiveness and economic development. On the contrary, it can be beneficial by creating pressure that drives innovation and alerts business about resource inefficiencies and new opportunities."
American workers' compensation claims result in $20 billion in lost work time and medical claims each year
"Over the last decade, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) have become the largest injury category plaguing computer users in the workplace, home and school. Altogether, RSI represents 62 percent of all North American workers' compensation claims and results in nearly $15 billion to $20 billion in lost work time and medical claims each year, as reported by OSHA. California, a leader in workplace safety, proactively recognized this issue over five years ago when it was the first state to enact regulations (Title-8) requiring employers to address office ergonomics and computer workstation safety."
New OSHA alliance targets young workers
Educating young workers in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Putnam and Northern Westchester counties about occupational safety and health is the goal of a new alliance among OSHA’s Tarrytown and Albany offices, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and the New York State Department of Labor's On-Site Consultation Program (NYS ON-SITE).
Under the alliance, OSHA, BOCES and NYS ON-SITE will work jointly to provide BOCES members, students and others with information, guidance and training to help protect the safety and health of students and young workers, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to falls, electrical, struck-by and caught between hazards, amputations, lead and silica exposures and workplace violence. It will include development of a safety and health curricula and delivery of OSHA's construction and general industry courses. OSHA will work to provide BOCES faculty with Train-the-Trainer courses so they can deliver OSHA safety and health classes to students and provide them with course completion cards.
Under the alliance, OSHA, BOCES and NYS ON-SITE will work jointly to provide BOCES members, students and others with information, guidance and training to help protect the safety and health of students and young workers, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to falls, electrical, struck-by and caught between hazards, amputations, lead and silica exposures and workplace violence. It will include development of a safety and health curricula and delivery of OSHA's construction and general industry courses. OSHA will work to provide BOCES faculty with Train-the-Trainer courses so they can deliver OSHA safety and health classes to students and provide them with course completion cards.
Nov 16, 2005
National Alternative Fuels Association
NAFA vs. EPA
Summary of NAFA v U.S. EPA, Docket No. 00-1147
Court Documents: (PDF)
SwRI Report - "A REVIEW OF APPENDIX B OF THE U.S. EPA REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR TIER 2 VEHICLE EMISSION STANDARDS AND GASOLINE SULFUR CONTROL REQUIREMENTS," Southwest Research Institute, June 5th 2000 (SwRI Report).
Initial Brief - (11.5 MB)
Reply Brief - (9.8 MB)
Paul Grant's Declaration - (885 KB)
Mel Ingalls' Declaration - (11.3 MB)
1 A challenge to the EPA's "Tier 2 Vehicle & Gasoline Sulfur Program,"
2 For definition of Ozone see http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&as_qdr=all&oi=defmore&q=define:Ozone
3 Unlike other pollutants, ozone is not directly released into the atmosphere, but is created through a complex series of reactions involving NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in the presence of sunlight. EPA simplistically characterizes NOx as an ozone precursor, and thus implies that all NOx reductions always yield ozone reductions. This is not accurate since because both NOx and VOC emissions have already been reduced under the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. Thus, the further reduction of NOx provided as provided in the 1999 regulation only serves to worsen matters. In fact, the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that "NOx reductions can have either a beneficial or detrimental effect on ozone concentrations, depending on the locations and emissions rates of VOC and NOx sources in a region."
4 Heuss, J. M. et al. "Weekday/Weekend Ozone Differences: What Can We Learn from Them," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 772-788 (2003).
5 Lawson, D. R. "The Weekend Effect--the Weekly Ambient Emissions Control Experiment," Environmental Manager, pp. 17-25 (July 2003).
6 Fujita, E. M. et al. "Evolution of the Magnitude and Spatial Extent of the Weekend Ozone Effect in California's South Coast Air Basin 1981-2000," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 864-875 (2003).
7 Yarwood, G. et al. "Modeling Weekday/Weekend Ozone Differences in the Los Angeles Region for 1997," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 864-875 (2003).
8 Marr, L. C. & Harley, R. A. "Spectral Analysis of Weekday-Weekend Differences in Ambient Ozone, Nitrogen Oxide, and Non-Methane Hydrocarbon Time Series in California," Atmospheric Environment, 36, pp. 2327-2335 (2002).
9 Marr, L. C. & Harley, R. A. "Modeling the Effect of Weekday-Weekend Differences in Motor Vehicle Emissions on Photochemical Air Pollution in Central California," Environmental Science & Technology, 36, pp. 4099-4106 (2002).
10 Pun, B. K. & Seigneur, C. "Day-of-Week Behavior of Atmospheric Ozone in Three U.S. Cities," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 789-801 (2003).
11 Abt Associates, "Tier II Proposed Rule: Air Quality Estimation, Selected Health and Welfare Benefits Methods, and Benefit Analysis Results," EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1999.
12 Photochemical Ozone Formation, Simplied, Donald Stedman PhD, 4-14-04
13 See Fiscal Year 2000 Appropriation Bill, Senate Rpt.106-161 - DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2000, "Tier II/Low Sulfur Rule,"
14 Southwest Research Institute located in San Antonio, Texas, is arguably the premier engine and emissions testing laboratory in the world, http://www.swri.org.
15 The regulation is already in effect (commencing 2004), but will not be fully adopted until 2007.
16 See "Remote Sensing - A New Tool for Automobile Inspection and Maintenance," Don Stedman, PhD [pdf]
17 EPA has also conveniently ignored the beneficial effects of atmospheric sulfur, when it mandated a unilateral reduction of fuel sulfur content. High concentrations of sulfur emitted from smoke stacks (coal fired utilities) is implicated in acid rain and haze, but this is not the case with diffuse concentrations of sulfur emitted from automobiles. It is well known that atmospheric sulfur is the seed of every cloud formed in the sky and that atmospheric sulfur is also a potent natural radiative coolant capable of substantially offsetting the warming effects of greenhouse gases. For example, "In addition to the warming effect of greenhouse-gas increases, however, changes in temperature over the past century are likely to have been significantly influenced by the cooling effect associated with changes in the sulfate aerosol loading of the atmosphere, arising from fossil-fuel-derived sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions," p 1, The Science of Climate Change, Pew Foundation July 29, 1999. EPA ignored this science as well.
Summary of NAFA v U.S. EPA, Docket No. 00-1147
- First Do No Harm: EPA's New Rules Will Worsen Smog, CEI November 10, 1999, "EPA's own evidence relied upon to support its [NOx Reduction] rule shows that smog will increase in some urban centers, and decline mostly in rural areas. The real result will be increased pollution precisely where populations are concentrated." Also see http://www.junkscience.com/aug99/tier2let.htm
- Emissions Down, Smog Up. Say What? By Steven F. Hayward, Joel Schwartz, January 20, 2004, "[A] disproportionate number of exceedances of the ozone standard are occurring on weekends, when emissions of ozone-forming chemicals--especially NOx--are down anywhere from 10 to 40 percent…" Damn the Science, Full Speed Ahead, By Joel Schwartz, 8/20/03, "Recent modeling studies have concluded that NOx reductions … would increase ozone levels in many major cities, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, southern California, and the San Francisco Bay area… Admitting that NOx reductions have become detrimental to ozone control would be a major embarrassment for both EPA and CARB. Both agencies have promulgated stringent regulations that will eliminate most NOx emissions from automobiles and diesel trucks during the next 20 to 30 years, as the fleet turns over to vehicles built to the tougher standards… Therein lies another irony: When EPA in 1999 promulgated a rule requiring a 90 percent reduction in NOx emissions from automobiles, the agency's own analysis concluded that the rule would increase ozone in many areas of the country."4-12
- After the rule's promulgation, Congress voiced concern over the apparent EPA's err,13 "[T]he Agency may have failed to conduct sufficient analyses of the potential negative health impacts … including the effect of reducing NOx emissions in areas of the country that are VOC-limited, such that ozone levels respond more to reductions in VOC's than to NOx reductions."
- EPA justifies its National Rule based solely upon the test results of a "single" vehicle, which EPA modified prior to testing.
- See A REVIEW OF APPENDIX B OF THE U.S. EPA REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR TIER 2 VEHICLE EMISSION STANDARDS AND GASOLINE SULFUR CONTROL REQUIREMENTS, 6/5/2000, Southwest Research Institute14, "It was concluded that methodology used by EPA was faulty and that the data used did not support the conclusion that emissions from Tier 2 vehicles were irreversible… Emissions data from only four vehicles were used to define the Tier 2… The four vehicles were an SUV, a pickup and two minivans…. The SUV [vehicle] emissions were weighted to represent 2/3 of the final estimate… The SUV was a Ford Expedition modified by EPA to meet Tier 2 regulations prior to testing at the EPA lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan." .
- EPA's forced its results to meet a predetermined conclusion. See DECLARATION OF MELVIN N. INGALLS, "[T]here is the distinct impression that the purpose of the evaluation was to produce an average reversibility for Tier 2 vehicles in the Final Rule that was as close as possible to the average reversibility presented in the NPRM. In other words, the EPA's evaluation of the new data was not objective and was made in a way to present a predetermined conclusion."
- EPA hid its science and only presented it in the regulation "after the fact" -- after it was too late for the public to comment on it.
- EPA grossly understated the true cost of the regulation,
- Estimates of the true cost may be upwards to $.50/gal according to some sources
- Transcript of NPR segment, Interview: Philip Verleger [Former Carter Official] discusses the price of oil, "August 23, 2004, Mr. VERLEGER: Well, there are two phases. From March to July, [crude oil] prices were pulled up by gasoline. The US has instituted new regulations requiring that sulfur be removed from gasoline, and the refiners in the United States and the world just don't have enough capacity to make gasoline to meet demand, so gasoline prices rose by 50 cents and they pulled up crude oil."
- The regulation will cost industry (refineries/automotive) and consumers hundreds of billions dollars.15 Unfortunately, the cost to motoring consumers will grow indefinitely thereafter, because:
- Foreign refiners are less able to manufacture the expensive mandated low sulfur gasoline, severely limiting importation of competing foreign gasoline.
- The regulation has forced a consolidation of the US refining industry, which has not seen a new refinery built in over two decades.
- "Announced refinery closures represent approximately 335,000 bbl/d of total US refining capacity (2% of total U.S. capacity), which can be broken out as 170,000 bbl/d of gasoline production (2% of U.S. gasoline demand)," See SIMMONS & COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, Energy Industry Research, February 25, 2003, Impacts Of Tier II Implementation On The Supply And Deliverability Of Gasoline And Diesel Fuel
- Independent refiners, which could not make the huge investment under the regulation have called it quits. This means a consolidation of refinery capacity and puts more power over less gasoline in fewer hands. All the while gasoline demand increases at an estimated annual rate of 1-2%.
- Remaining refiners will produce less gasoline.
- "We expect implementation of Tier II will result in a 1.5% reduction in the amount of gasoline produced by existing refineries… In aggregate, we expect domestic gasoline production to be decreased by almost 1million barrels per week by 2006," See SIMMONS & COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, Energy Industry Research, February 25, 2003, Impacts Of Tier II Implementation On The Supply And Deliverability Of Gasoline And Diesel Fuel
- Thus, higher prices and fuel shortages can be expected.
- Detroit has been forced to make substantial investment in new emission control technology in order to comply with the Tier II regulations, which adds a significant extra cost to each new vehicle.
- EPA ignored other viable less costly solutions, which could have easily resolved the stated ozone problem, including for example:
- Eliminating high polluting vehicles from the road.
- It is known that a disproportionately small percent of the existing vehicle pool, normally older/poorly maintained vehicles, contribute to the vast majority of all mobile (vehicular) source air pollution.
- Remote sensing technologies exist that can easily identify these vehicles. Owners could then be directed to repair or retire their "high polluting" vehicles.
- Eliminating these vehicles would have been significantly more effective, more timely and much less costly16
- b. EPA also ignored (substantially less expensive) alternative fuel and other technologies that were readily able to meet the regulation's stated purpose.17
Court Documents: (PDF)
SwRI Report - "A REVIEW OF APPENDIX B OF THE U.S. EPA REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR TIER 2 VEHICLE EMISSION STANDARDS AND GASOLINE SULFUR CONTROL REQUIREMENTS," Southwest Research Institute, June 5th 2000 (SwRI Report).
Initial Brief - (11.5 MB)
Reply Brief - (9.8 MB)
Paul Grant's Declaration - (885 KB)
Mel Ingalls' Declaration - (11.3 MB)
1 A challenge to the EPA's "Tier 2 Vehicle & Gasoline Sulfur Program,"
2 For definition of Ozone see http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&as_qdr=all&oi=defmore&q=define:Ozone
3 Unlike other pollutants, ozone is not directly released into the atmosphere, but is created through a complex series of reactions involving NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in the presence of sunlight. EPA simplistically characterizes NOx as an ozone precursor, and thus implies that all NOx reductions always yield ozone reductions. This is not accurate since because both NOx and VOC emissions have already been reduced under the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. Thus, the further reduction of NOx provided as provided in the 1999 regulation only serves to worsen matters. In fact, the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that "NOx reductions can have either a beneficial or detrimental effect on ozone concentrations, depending on the locations and emissions rates of VOC and NOx sources in a region."
4 Heuss, J. M. et al. "Weekday/Weekend Ozone Differences: What Can We Learn from Them," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 772-788 (2003).
5 Lawson, D. R. "The Weekend Effect--the Weekly Ambient Emissions Control Experiment," Environmental Manager, pp. 17-25 (July 2003).
6 Fujita, E. M. et al. "Evolution of the Magnitude and Spatial Extent of the Weekend Ozone Effect in California's South Coast Air Basin 1981-2000," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 864-875 (2003).
7 Yarwood, G. et al. "Modeling Weekday/Weekend Ozone Differences in the Los Angeles Region for 1997," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 864-875 (2003).
8 Marr, L. C. & Harley, R. A. "Spectral Analysis of Weekday-Weekend Differences in Ambient Ozone, Nitrogen Oxide, and Non-Methane Hydrocarbon Time Series in California," Atmospheric Environment, 36, pp. 2327-2335 (2002).
9 Marr, L. C. & Harley, R. A. "Modeling the Effect of Weekday-Weekend Differences in Motor Vehicle Emissions on Photochemical Air Pollution in Central California," Environmental Science & Technology, 36, pp. 4099-4106 (2002).
10 Pun, B. K. & Seigneur, C. "Day-of-Week Behavior of Atmospheric Ozone in Three U.S. Cities," Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53, pp. 789-801 (2003).
11 Abt Associates, "Tier II Proposed Rule: Air Quality Estimation, Selected Health and Welfare Benefits Methods, and Benefit Analysis Results," EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1999.
12 Photochemical Ozone Formation, Simplied, Donald Stedman PhD, 4-14-04
13 See Fiscal Year 2000 Appropriation Bill, Senate Rpt.106-161 - DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2000, "Tier II/Low Sulfur Rule,"
14 Southwest Research Institute located in San Antonio, Texas, is arguably the premier engine and emissions testing laboratory in the world, http://www.swri.org.
15 The regulation is already in effect (commencing 2004), but will not be fully adopted until 2007.
16 See "Remote Sensing - A New Tool for Automobile Inspection and Maintenance," Don Stedman, PhD [pdf]
17 EPA has also conveniently ignored the beneficial effects of atmospheric sulfur, when it mandated a unilateral reduction of fuel sulfur content. High concentrations of sulfur emitted from smoke stacks (coal fired utilities) is implicated in acid rain and haze, but this is not the case with diffuse concentrations of sulfur emitted from automobiles. It is well known that atmospheric sulfur is the seed of every cloud formed in the sky and that atmospheric sulfur is also a potent natural radiative coolant capable of substantially offsetting the warming effects of greenhouse gases. For example, "In addition to the warming effect of greenhouse-gas increases, however, changes in temperature over the past century are likely to have been significantly influenced by the cooling effect associated with changes in the sulfate aerosol loading of the atmosphere, arising from fossil-fuel-derived sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions," p 1, The Science of Climate Change, Pew Foundation July 29, 1999. EPA ignored this science as well.
Nov 14, 2005
2005 U.S. biodiesel production expected to triple last year's figures 11/12/05 - Grand Island Independent: News
2005 U.S. biodiesel production expected to triple last year's figures 11/12/05 - Grand Island Independent: News: "2005 U.S. biodiesel production expected to triple last year's figures"
"The recent energy crunch causes us to think about energy in a way that we haven't in decades," said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB. "Americans are recognizing that conservation and alternative energy are a big part of the answer to our energy questions. Many alternative energy sources are theoretical. But with biodiesel, we can supplement our energy supply immediately."
For more information about biodiesel, visit: www.biodiesel.org.
"The recent energy crunch causes us to think about energy in a way that we haven't in decades," said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB. "Americans are recognizing that conservation and alternative energy are a big part of the answer to our energy questions. Many alternative energy sources are theoretical. But with biodiesel, we can supplement our energy supply immediately."
For more information about biodiesel, visit: www.biodiesel.org.
Nov 10, 2005
National Veterans Awareness Week
National Veterans Awareness Week
U.S. Senate Resolution 155 encourages all Americans to observe the week of November 6 through November 12, 2005, as National Veterans Awareness Week with appropriate educational activities.
Veterans Day is November 11th remembering those who died and fought for their country.
U.S. Senate Resolution 155 encourages all Americans to observe the week of November 6 through November 12, 2005, as National Veterans Awareness Week with appropriate educational activities.
Veterans Day is November 11th remembering those who died and fought for their country.
Regulatory Updates for Air, Water, & Discharge Standards
Wisconsin Air Toxics
First Time Compliance Report Due December 31, 2005
Don’t forget the New 2005 EPA and DNR Air Deadlines for 2005 reporting.
Applicability of December 31, 2005 reporting requirement in chapter NR 445.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/air/health/airtoxics
Frequently asked questions about the reporting deadline in NR 445.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/air/health/airtoxics/051231faq.htm
Need help with Wisconsin Air Toxics? Attend WMC’s Clean Air Act Update 2005.
http://www.wmc.org/governmentaffairs/display.cfm?ID=1129
HURRY! Date: 11/15/2005. For More Info. Contact: kmahlkuch@wmc.org
EPA Revises Pretreatment Rule
New EPA discharge rule could save $10.1 million annually expended on pretreatment requirements. Details about the rule are at: www.epa.gov/npdes/pretreatment
New EPA standard of 10 parts per billion slated to go into effect in 2006.
The National Rural Water Association says the change could cost households $100 to $500 a year each, while the EPA estimates the additional cost could run $25 to about $325 per year.
http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/52/1/2
ESS has helped companies comply with wastewater rules for over a decade.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/cfa/EF/RECYCLE/Grantees/envsens.html
Nov 8, 2005
Ford uses “smoke N mirrors”, using Ethanol & Hybrid to the gain “green” buyers & P.R.
DNR report -- Ozone Air Quality Effects of a 10% Ethanol Blended Gasoline in Wisconsin -- found that the legislation mandating 10 percent ethanol in 66 Wisconsin counties would increase emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which together form ozone…
Read more here: http://www.wmc.org/MediaOutlet/display.cfm?ID=1097
A new study by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms that mandating ethanol in gasoline will worsen ozone problems and increase regulatory burden on businesses…
Read full report here: http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/sep05/358730.asp
Ford believes offering ethanol burning vehicles will earn some “green” buyers:
Fords new “Greener Fuel” is a mediocre attempt to win over the media and ignorant buyers... Without working with environmental groups, Fords Ethanol program could have global environmental ramifications. This is Fords next attempt after failing to put an acceptable hybrid to market…
Read full report here: http://money.cnn.com/2004/08/04/pf/autos/ran_vs_ford/?cnn=yes
Read about how Fords blind effort to be green and win you over with “greener” fuel.
http://detroit.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?newsid=50349&type_news=latest
Will the EPA step in ... no, they don't even know how to report correct vehicle MPG ratings… as stated by the EPA, these are “estimates” not real numbers… Well the price at the pump sure is ;-)
Read full report here: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Autos/story?id=1274541
"Automakers shouldn't try to fool consumers by pretending their vehicles get good fuel economy," he said. "They should put gas-saving technology into their cars so that they actually get good fuel economy."
Read quote article here: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/33609.html
Please forward to anyone who cares to read this stuff.
Read more here: http://www.wmc.org/MediaOutlet/display.cfm?ID=1097
A new study by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms that mandating ethanol in gasoline will worsen ozone problems and increase regulatory burden on businesses…
Read full report here: http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/sep05/358730.asp
Ford believes offering ethanol burning vehicles will earn some “green” buyers:
Fords new “Greener Fuel” is a mediocre attempt to win over the media and ignorant buyers... Without working with environmental groups, Fords Ethanol program could have global environmental ramifications. This is Fords next attempt after failing to put an acceptable hybrid to market…
Read full report here: http://money.cnn.com/2004/08/04/pf/autos/ran_vs_ford/?cnn=yes
Read about how Fords blind effort to be green and win you over with “greener” fuel.
http://detroit.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?newsid=50349&type_news=latest
Will the EPA step in ... no, they don't even know how to report correct vehicle MPG ratings… as stated by the EPA, these are “estimates” not real numbers… Well the price at the pump sure is ;-)
Read full report here: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Autos/story?id=1274541
"Automakers shouldn't try to fool consumers by pretending their vehicles get good fuel economy," he said. "They should put gas-saving technology into their cars so that they actually get good fuel economy."
Read quote article here: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/33609.html
Please forward to anyone who cares to read this stuff.
Good morning Sarah, (hey Bill)
Good morning Sarah, (hey Bill)
I am siding with Bill on this one…
Your laptop has less impact than an “old” quartz watch, smoke detector or standard CRT monitor.
Overall, laptops & PC’s had a “no detect” levels. (Please keep in mind that offices surrounded by concrete, natural rock, or in basements had “above” detect levels simply due to naturally occurring radon & certain stone “free radicals” content.)
I am not sure what doctor would ever state a laptop is a “intense field of radiation”… (or else Apple may have a few more Eco-Issues)
Some water systems (mine) also have “above” detect levels due to this same natural effect.
In my tens years of monitoring employees I have never told a person they were “silly” or being a hypochondriac for being concerned about exposure. I gave them answers, data and options to protect themselves.
It is never silly to be concern, however it is stupid to worry or act without verifying a problem exists.
Anyone can purchase detection kits to monitor their home and person for radiation, VOC and 100 of hazardous compounds. http://www.labsafety.com/search/dosimeter/
So don’t worry… test your home.
Stay concerned, stay informed and KEEP monitoring your workplace safety.
Hey but what do I know... Chris
P.S. We have a 12” Ibook at work… it is a ergonomic & eye strain “train wreck” that was not designed to work on for more that 2-4 hrs per session. Get a fat (low RAD) 19” LCD and ergonomic wireless keyboard mouse combo – your body will than you later ;-)
Just my thoughts - Legal Disclaimer Linked here (Post intentionally backdated to protect content from crawlers)
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