California will vote on stricter regulations for low-carbon fuels policy
California regulators are voting on Friday whether to tighten up a policy that aims to boost low-carbon fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the state's ambitious goals for climate change. California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which has been around since 2011, is being changed to require a greater reduction in carbon intensity in transportation fuels. This would be required by 2030 for fuel producers in order to receive the tradable credits of the program.
Oilseed processors are against California's proposal for a cap on biofuels
The National Oilseed Processors Association has sent comments to the California Air Resources Board opposing the cap on vegetable oils used as feedstocks for biofuels. CARB released a series of proposed amendments on August 12 to overhaul California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program, which aims at decarbonizing the transportation sector through incentives for the supply of low-emission and renewable fuels. The amendments include a 20 percent limit on the use soybean oil and canola for the production of biodiesel.
Port Invests in Zero-Emission Cargo Handlers
A fleet of 33 new human-operated, zero-emissions battery-electric yard tractors were unveiled last week at a Port of Long Beach container terminal where the cargo-handling machines have replaced traditional gasoline and diesel-powered models.The deployment – the largest of its kind on the West Coast – was led by terminal operator SSA Terminals LLC, a joint venture between SSA Marine and Matson Navigation Company. It is partially…
Halliburton to Cut Pollution near Schools
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement valued at more than $400,000 with Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. for a fleet of diesel trucks that violated California’s Truck and Bus Regulation. The company will spend $180,600 on environmental projects to reduce air pollution at schools in the Los Angeles area, and $75,000 on air quality improvements in the San Joaquin Valley. It will also pay a $154,400 civil penalty and has taken measures to comply with the law.
U.S. Extends VW Emissions Settlement Deadline
A U.S. judge late on Wednesday extended the deadline for Volkswagen AG, U.S. government regulators and owners of nearly 500,000 2.0 liter vehicles to reach a final diesel emissions settlement until June 28. The tentative settlement announced in April includes an offer by VW to buy back nearly 500,000 polluting vehicles, as well as an environmental remediation fund to address excess emissions and a fund to promote green automotive technology. In April, U.S.
Hueneme Port Expands Ship Pollution Reduction Program
The Port of Hueneme launched the second phase of its Grid-Connected Shore Power System, celebrating another next step forward in reducing air emissions and minimizing environmental impact. Among the community leaders attending the ribbon cutting were Congresswoman Julia Brownley, County Supervisor Kathy Long, Ms. Sabiha Khan with Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office, Port Hueneme Mayor Douglas Breeze, and VCTC chairman Keith Millhouse.
California Regulators to Curb Giant Methane Leak
The Southern California Gas Co would be required to install a system to siphon off and incinerate some of the methane spewing into the air from a subterranean pipeline rupture under a plan being weighed by local regulators to curtail the huge leak. A five-member hearing board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District was due to review and possibly vote on the proposal at a public meeting Saturday in Los Angeles, near the site of the leaking underground natural gas storage field.
California Fines 4 Shipping Firms
The California Air Resources Board has fined four shipping companies a combined $146,719 for failing to switch from dirty diesel “bunker” fuel to cleaner, low-sulfur marine distillate fuel upon entering Regulated California Waters – within 24 nautical miles of the California coast. “State anti-pollution laws require shippers to do their part to protect air quality,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Shippers who comply are helping to protect the health of those who live, work, and go to schools near ports and shipping lanes.
Rail Takes a Fresh Look at Gas
Gas-fueled locomotives are not a new idea. Plymouth Locomotive Company built the first propane-fuelled rail engine as early as 1936. The industry has experimented with natural gas-fueled trains on a small scale for the past 80 years without ever moving beyond the prototype stage. "Some members of the regulatory, engine supply and fuel supply communities believe railroads have an opportunity to use natural gas as a locomotive fuel to help meet emissions and performance goals…
US Supreme Court Refuses Challenge to California Climate Rule
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to California's landmark low-carbon fuel standard, in a blow to out-of-state ethanol and gasoline producers that say the rule unfairly discriminates against their products. A coalition of fuel makers, led by the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, a grower of corn and soybeans for ethanol in western states, brought a lawsuit to overturn a 2009 rule mandating cuts in carbon emissions.
Northeast Carbon Hits All-Time High On EPA Power Plants Rules
Carbon permits for the Northeast's carbon market traded as high as $5.10 a ton on Monday, an all time high, following the release of federal rules that will allow states to use markets to meet new emissions targets. The market's benchmark December 2014 contract traded for $5.10 a ton on the IntercontinentalExchange on Monday before retreating to $5 a ton later in the day, brokers said. The market's spot contract for June delivery also traded for $5 a ton.
August 31st Deadline for ARRA Engine Loan Program
The (California) Air Resources Board is reminding and encouraging small business owners of off-road diesel vehicles, portable diesel equipment, or diesel marine vessels and engines to take advantage of this loan assistance opportunity. The loan must be completed and executed by August 31, 2012. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act award provided $5 million to the loan assistance program to reduce harmful diesel emissions by helping owners upgrade or replace their older vehicles, equipment, or engines.
