Miscellaneous/Pollution

(May 2007) The Climate Registry becomes incorporated in Washington, D.C. in March 2007. More than 30 states and tribes are in discussions to create to new GHG registry that would standardize best practices in GHG emissions data reporting and management, establish a set of common protocols, and support a common reporting system. For more information contact Joel Levin, at [email protected].

(May 2007) The Supreme Court rules that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) can regulate GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. This ruling affirms that carbon dioxide from motor vehicles falls within the law’s definition of an air pollutant. The court also ruled that states have an interest in protecting their land and citizens against the danger of climate change as a result of these emissions.

California considered this a landmark decision since vehicles make up approximately 40% of total GHG emissions. The ruling removes some barriers for the State to mandate GHG emission reductions from new cars and trucks.

Air-quality agency vows new antipollution drive

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California will hold board meetings for residents to voice concerns about pollution. The Agency’s head, William A. Burke, said, “We get an earful at every board meeting form the hired lobbyists of industry. I want to hear directly from the residents who bear the brunt of air pollution.” District leaders are challenging legislators, the auto industry, businesses and residents to cut emissions.

The Desert Sun, January, 8, 2005, p A15

Intrinsic, not extrinsic

A Big, Dirty Growth Engine

China’s industrial development has dramatically increased their environmental pollution. Sixty percent of the world’s most polluted cities are Chinese. Contaminated water kills 30,000 children each year. China’s rate of energy consumption has been greater than its GDP since 2002. The energy used to produce $1 of GDP in China is 5 times greater than that of the U.S. and 12 times greater than Japan. Looking to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, efforts are being made to begin the cleanup. (Ed. note: Is this an opportunity for batteries, fuel cells and PV?)

Business Week, Aug. 22-29, 2005, pp. 128-130

Fuel Standards for boats, trains set by state board

California adopted additional clean air requirements on November 18, 2004 which exceed Federal standards, but no objections were raised by special interest groups. The new standards will cut airborne particulates from locomotives and watercraft by 25%, NOX by 3% and sulfur oxides by 78 %. Implementation will be in 2006 in the south coast region and statewide by 2007.

The Desert Sun, November 19, 2004, p. A17

EPA Recommends Changes to Air Emissions Rules

The EPA has submitted a report to President Bush which recommends reform in pollution prevention and energy efficiency. The review found that current programs impede or cancel projects which would maintain or improve reliability, efficiency or safety of existing power plants and refineries. Opponents say the revisions loosen requirements to install pollution controls.(09-02BD78-15)

Utility Business

July 8, 2002, p. 8

Data released in March 2002 states that long-term exposure to tiny particles of soot and dust in air pollution significantly increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and heart disease. Researchers at NYU School of Medicine and at Brigham Young University led the study, which analyzed data from about 500,000 U.S. adults who were followed from 1982 to 1998 as part of a cancer study. By linking the data to air pollution levels, the researchers were able to show that the number of lung cancer deaths increases by 8 percent for every 10 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic meter of air and the number of deaths from heart disease increases 6 percent. The EPA set annual average limits on fine particulate matter to 15 micrograms per cubic meter in 1997. Coal and diesel fuel are the major sources of the particulates. (Ed Note: This may be one more answer to why we need more integrated batteries, fuel cells and photovoltaics.) (05-02 BD74-9)