Basketball benefit a three-point shot Nov 20, 2008
Replacing gas-guzzling V8 police cruisers with more fuel-effi cient but competent vehicles would save both initial up-front costs (as these vehicles are almost always less expensive) and save a significant amount of fuel, as well as air pollution. We need to move away from the attitude of "this is how we have always done it" and toward a new attitude of "this is the way of the future." Now is the time for all of our elected officials to demonstrate the vision that was neglected in the past: They... (NJ.com -- Times)
PMFG, Inc. Awarded Two Contracts With a Combined Value of $5,000,000 for Air Pollution Reduction Systems Nov 20, 2008
DALLAS, Nov. 20, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PMFG, Inc. (the ``Company'') (NasdaqGM: - ) today announced that it has been awarded two Environmental Systems contracts for a combined value of $5,000,000. The first order is for the design and supply of a single Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System with high NOx reduction efficiency on a new dual fuel (natural gas and ultra-low sulfur distillate) simple cycle combustion turbine to provide peak electrical load service to the grid. (Primezone Releases)
Politics: Calif. congressional Dems cool to auto bailout Nov 20, 2008
Here in California, the auto industry has worked indefatigably to oppose state laws and regulations to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In many cases, enactment of these laws actually benefited the industry by anticipating higher fuel prices and increased consumer demand for more efficient, less polluting automobiles. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
EPA plan would ease rules for parks Nov 19, 2008
Many national parks struggle with poor visibility shrouding otherwise spectacular vistas, as well as acid rain and other problems caused by air pollution, a situation that has intensified the debate over how best to regulate lead smelters, coal-fired power plants and other nearby pollution sources. 1. (MSNBC -- Race)
EPA split over air quality rule changes Nov 19, 2008
Many national parks struggle with poor visibility shrouding otherwise spectacular vistas as well as acid rain deposition and other problems caused by air pollution, which has intensified the debate over how best to regulate lead smelters and coal-fired power plants ... "Air quality in national parks, in particular, has very little to do with an individual source. What you really want to do is lower air pollution in that region," Holmstead said. (Houston Chronicle)
FPL seeks small 2009 rate cut, increase starting in 2010 Nov 19, 2008
The proposed 2010 increase would boost the utility's base rate for such expenses as plant expansion, maintenance, improvements to reduce air pollution and increase fuel efficiency, potential hurricane damage repairs and a fair profit margin for investors. It would raise the 1000-kilowatt rate between $115 and $118. (The St. Augustine Record)
Park reverses its snowmobile limit Nov 18, 2008
Judge Sullivan has said an earlier park proposal, to allow just 540 machines daily, would have caused air pollution and disturbed wildlife. He threw out that plan and told the park service to come up with a new one. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Groups say air permit process 'critically flawed' Nov 18, 2008
In addition to the list cited by Heisinger, Save Union County spokesman Ed Cable said, the groups will show that the state failed to take air pollution from Iowa into account in a table showing the refinery would produce much less pollution than auto traffic in either Minnehaha County or Union County in South Dakota. He said adding Iowa's numbers for particulate matter to the mix puts limits "over what anyone will accept.". (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Yellowstone keeps snowmobiles capped at 720 daily Nov 18, 2008
In September, U.S. District Judge Andrew Sullivan in Washington, D.C. voiced concern that an earlier park proposal to allow 540 machines daily would cause air pollution and disturb wildlife. He threw out that plan and told the park service to come up with a new one. (Anchorage Daily News)
Find Fabulous Fall Colors in National Parks Nov 18, 2008
"Unfortunately, many of the trees people come to see face threats like air pollution, most of which is caused by exhaust from coal-fired power plants and automobiles. It is essential we do everything we can to protect our national parks for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, as well.". Here are a few national park sites beloved for their brilliant fall foliage, but also facing air pollution issues ... Despite the undeniable beauty throughout the park, Acadia's forests are threatened by... (Pekin Times, IL)
Yellowstone sharply increases snowmobile limit Nov 18, 2008
"It's incredibly disappointing. They were en route to putting a decision in place that would have sent them in the right direction." Judge Sullivan has said an earlier park proposal, to allow just 540 machines daily, would have caused air pollution and disturbed wildlife. He threw out that plan and told the park service to come up with a new one. (Montana Standard, MT)
Clean air, ever at risk Nov 18, 2008
He's specifically concerned that the EPA might misinterpret New Source Review requirements to the point of allowing power plant modifications that increase air pollution ... "If EPA has its way, the NSR requirements will no longer apply to plant refurbishments that enable a plant to operate hundreds or even thousands of additional hours per year, resulting in increased air pollution.". (Albany Times Union)
Eight inexpensive, educational gift suggestions for the holidays Nov 18, 2008
The answers are blowin' in the wind, and with this weather station your child can provide them, as he learns how to measure wind speed, temperature, humidity, air pollution, rain and rain pH and to record and forecast weather. (Requires 3 AAA batteries and 2 AA batteries, which aren't included. (Albany Times Union)
REGION: Study says county to get hotter, sea to rise 18 inches by 2050 Nov 18, 2008
While hotter weather may well erase air-quality gains, Bill Brick, a meteorologist with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, said his agency still expects smog levels to be lower in 2050 than today. "Ozone levels might be higher with global warming than without, but we should still be in (compliance with federal standards)," Brick said. (North County Times)
Advisory: Mid-valley fog to lift mid-week Nov 18, 2008
Air pollution levels in Albany, Corvallis are listed as moderate. The dense fog that has blanketed much of the mid-Willamette Valley since the weekend is expected to remain until Wednesday morning. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
NEWS IN BRIEF Nov 18, 2008
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and other agencies are asking Willamette Valley residents to limit their use of wood-burning stoves because of a sharp increase in air pollution. A temperature inversion that has led to lingering fog is also responsible for trapping pollutants at lower levels of the atmosphere from Eugene to Vancouver. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Unusually high temps keep pollution down Nov 18, 2008
"Under these weather conditions, we would have expected the particulate matter concentration levels to be higher, but with the amount of heating, it's caused the levels to be lower," said Shawn Ferreria, a senior air quality specialist at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Typically, the particulate matter concentration levels would be in the 10s if the Valley was not under a high-pressure system, he said. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Medical marijuana: Allow compassionate use Nov 18, 2008
4) Finally, they must cut the air pollution of all their vehicles. -- DAVID C. STEINBERG, Plainsboro No confidence in Corzine's fiscal prowess It's nice to know that Gov. Jon Corzine is finally looking at "tough measures" to try to keep the state solvent as the economy worsens ("Governor considers layoffs, no rebates," Nov. 16). (NJ.com -- Times)
Environmental Group Settles ICC Suit Nov 18, 2008
The Environmental Defense Fund says the state has agreed to invest $2 million to help offset air pollution generated by the 18-mile highway through the Washington suburbs. The Maryland State Highway Administration will use the money to reduce air pollution from school buses in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. (W-USA News, DC)
China's coal fires belch fumes, worsening global warming Nov 17, 2008
And it's only due to global warming that people are finally beginning to pay attention," said Guan Haiyan, a coal fire expert at Shenhua Remote Sensing and Geo-engineering Co.This article is part of an occasional series by McClatchy on how human activities affect global warming. The rising demand for coal worldwide to satisfy a hunger for energy has given way to greater mining, and a proliferation of fires in coal seams and abandoned mines. China, which has tripled coal production in the past... (Anchorage Daily News)
Valley air needs attention Nov 17, 2008
A second study has found that not only is Valley air pollution bad for your health, it's bad for your pocketbook, too. The study released last week was another attempt to quantify what air pollution really costs ... Certainly there is room for skepticism, but study after study - and not just in the Valley - shows air pollution to be a silent killer that also extracts a heavy economic toll. (Stockton Record)
No bailout for over-drawing nature Nov 17, 2008
The impacts of this debt may not be as obvious as they are on Wall Street, but alarming consequences such as climate change, collapsing fisheries, soil depletion, air pollution and water shortages are already affecting the economy. In the land of plenty, it is difficult to imagine running an ecological deficit. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Meacham, Shore: Oppose Jackson industrial park Nov 17, 2008
This traffic would create harmful air pollution for residents in this area. Although we are not against the beneficial development of our county, we believe it is critical to abide by the prudent guidelines in the county's comprehensive plan. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Pollution cost Arab countries $5bn Nov 17, 2008
Experts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar attended the three-day conference held under the theme "Sources and Health Effects of Air Pollution: Knowledge to Practice" ... He noted that while the developed world spends only two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on pollution related health care the developing world spends more than five percent of its GDP for the same purpose, which indicates the extent of air pollution in these countries ... The risks from growing pollution... (India Times, India)
Cleaner air will save us money Nov 16, 2008
11/16/08 00:00:00 We've known for some time that we pay a steep price for air pollution in the Valley ... Most of that cost is related to more than 800 people who die prematurely in the Valley each year because of air pollution ... But that misses an important point: As the new study from Fullerton State shows, the savings from mitigating air pollution are huge, and may be more than the costs of the measures we must take for cleaner air. (Fresno Bee)
Seawater cooling plan 6 months off schedule Nov 16, 2008
The EIS said the system will eliminate the need for 178,000 barrels of crude oil annually, reduce air pollution and avoid the need for 14 megawatts of new electrical generating capacity. It also will reduce the need for 292 million gallons of potable water used for current air conditioning systems. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Brown Clouds Harm Glaciers, Agriculture Nov 15, 2008
(May 12, 2006) A new analysis by scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, has produced surprising results showing how air pollution, global warming-producing. (June 7, 2007) The global warming debate has focused on carbon dioxide emissions, but scientists at UC Irvine have determined that a lesser-known mechanism -- dirty snow -- can explain one-third or more of the. (Science Daily)
Judge dismisses charges against naked bike rider Nov 15, 2008
Hammond testified that he was expressing a message in support of bikes and against cars, foreign oil, the Iraq war and air pollution. Deputy District Attorney Ryan Lufkin said Hammond made no attempt to communicate that. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Jakarta air getting healthier: Official Nov 15, 2008
BPLHD chairman Budirama Natakusumah said Car-Free Day significantly contributed to a reduction in air pollution in the city ... "We need to verify the data given the fact more and more people are falling ill because of air pollution in Jakarta," he said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
U.S. Won't Meet 2010 No-Smoking Goals Nov 15, 2008
Smoking and exposure to air pollution are major risk factors for COPD.. Between 2000 and 2005, the COPD death rate in the United States increased 8 percent -- from 116,494 to 126,005, the study noted. (MEDLINEplus)
Regional Roundup Nov 15, 2008
People in Lodi and San Joaquin County are prohibited from burning today, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The district regulates burning during the winter to control air pollution ... Mad Dog wrote on Nov 15, 2008 3:25 AM:" If we can't use fireplaces today because some "board" says we can't, perhaps today is a good day to have a control burn at the offices of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Someone bring the tar and feathers in case we... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
County could fall under air quality controls Nov 14, 2008
Genevieve and Perry counties in the St. Louis Nonattainment Area regarding air pollution ... In answering the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission s letter, James L. Kavanaugh, director of DNR s Air Pollution Control Program, replied, Based on our interpretation of EPA s criteria for boundary recommendations, we did not find adequate support for a different alternative. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Smoking Rate Is Declining in US Nov 14, 2008
COPD, which is treatable, is caused mainly by cigarette smoking, but also occupational hazards, air pollution, and secondhand smoke. Exposure to tobacco smoke resulted in 5. (WebMD)
Urban air pollution 'more dangerous than Chernobyl' Nov 14, 2008
Urban air pollution 'more dangerous than Chernobyl ... Air pollution in major cities may be more damaging to health than the radiation exposure suffered by survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, according to a report published today ... The study suggests high levels of urban air pollution cut short life expectancy more than the radiation exposure of emergency workers who were sent into the 19-mile exclusion zone around the site straight after the accident. (Yahoo News -- Pollution)
Vest Monitors Show Air Pollution Is Dangerous Indoors And Out Nov 14, 2008
13, 2008) Indoor and outdoor pollutants can rapidly harm the heart in ways different than outdoor air pollution alone, according to a new study presented at the American Heart Association s Scientific Sessions 2008 ... This study goes beyond corroborating that air pollution can adversely affect blood pressure and blood vessel health, said Robert D. Brook, M.D., the study s lead investigator and associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of... (Science Daily)
Editorial: Clean air too costly? Not by a long shot Nov 14, 2008
Those are the latest sobering findings of a new air pollution study just released by Jane Hall and Victor Brajer, economics professors at California State University, Fullerton ... When people suffering from air pollution-related illnesses are hospitalized in Los Angeles or Tulare County, it drives up health insurance premiums for residents elsewhere in the state. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Bill Seeks to Curb Polluting Mexican Trucks Nov 14, 2008
Concerned that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month clears the way for thousands of smoke-spewing Mexican trucks to enter the country, a California lawmaker has introduced legislation that would bar them from traveling throughout the state unless they met federal air pollution standards ... The measure would require that Mexican trucks meet the same federal air pollution standards for their model year as their U.S. counterparts in order to come through California ... Pavley said she would not... (Yahoo News -- Transportation Issues)
Study: Dirty Air Kills More that Car Crashes Nov 14, 2008
(November 13, 2008)--A new study says lowering air pollution parts of California would save more lives than reducing traffic fatalities to zero. The study examined the costs of air pollution in two areas with the worst levels in the country, Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley ... In the study, researchers at California State University-Fullerton sought to assess the potential economic benefits that could be achieved by reducing air pollution to levels within federal standards. (KWTX.com, TX)
California Dirty Air Costs Over $28 Bln/Yr - Study Nov 14, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO - California is losing $28 billion annually in health-related costs because of air pollution in and around Los Angeles and in its San Joaquin Valley, according to a report released Wednesday. The two regions in the most populous US state routinely rank among the nation's dirtiest in terms of air pollution ... In the Los Angeles area the cost of air pollution tops $1,250 per person per year and in the San Joaquin Valley, part of California's central valley and agricultural center,... (Planet Ark, United States)
Low temps bring brown cloud to Phoenix Nov 14, 2008
Air pollution obscures the Phoenix skyline Thursday. Because of lower temperatures, the seasonal brown cloud is back over the Valley. (AZCentral -- News)
A Freeze on New U.S. Coal Plants? Nov 14, 2008
In detail, Thursday's decision means that any new air pollution permits for coal plants will require that Best Available Control Technology (BACT) be used to reduce CO2 emissions, the same criteria currently used for other pollutants, like sulfur dioxide or soot. BACT requires companies involved in power plants to use the best available technology to control pollutants it's a tool to keep pollution controls up to date as both safety technology and our understanding of pollution impoves. (Time.com)
Japan's Pollution Problems Worsen Nov 13, 2008
Find out how global warming, air pollution and alternative forms of energy impact our world. Stories. (CBS News)
Bad air costing state's economy billions Nov 13, 2008
"Most people cannot choose the air that they breathe, and there is a clear scientific consensus that people's lives are shortened by air pollution. Kids are made sick. Workdays are lost," said Jane Hall, professor of economics at California State University Fullerton and the leader of the team that did the study and has researched the impact of air pollution for two decades. The cost of air pollution in the two regions - which are the top violators of the federal Clean Air Act - is estimated at... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Small Changes Make Big Impact on Your Home's Air Quality Nov 13, 2008
Air pollution inside the home can be five times higher than outdoor pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to health problems ranging from respiratory disorders to chronic fatigue. (Pekin Times, IL)
County could fall under air quality controls Nov 13, 2008
Genevieve and Perry counties in the St. Louis Nonattainment Area regarding air pollution ... In answering the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission s letter, James L. Kavanaugh, director of DNR s Air Pollution Control Program, replied, Based on our interpretation of EPA s criteria for boundary recommendations, we did not find adequate support for a different alternative. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
St. Louis threatens to pull county into non-attainment area Nov 13, 2008
Public comments may be sent to Chief, Operations Section, Department of Natural Resources, Air Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. Another 30-day comment period will open after the hearing. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Bad air costing state's economy billions Nov 13, 2008
"Most people cannot choose the air that they breathe, and there is a clear scientific consensus that people's lives are shortened by air pollution. Kids are made sick. Workdays are lost," said Jane Hall, professor of economics at California State University Fullerton and the leader of the team that did the study and has researched the impact of air pollution for two decades. The cost of air pollution in the two regions - which are the top violators of the federal Clean Air Act - is estimated at... (San Francisco Chronicle)
FALLBROOK: ACLU files suit over high school newspaper row Nov 13, 2008
One student's comments or actions can violate the rights of another students, just like smoking causes air pollution which can hurt another individual. Freedom of speech is not entirely granted to minors and they need to learn how their words can affect others before they are unleashed into the world of adulthood. (North County Times)
Air pollution increases risk of heart attack, stroke Nov 13, 2008
The study used data gathered from about 65 subjects who wore air pollution monitoring vests while doing all their daily activities ... Both indoor and outdoor air pollution can lead to potentially fatal heart effects, according to a new study, which gleaned data from study subjects wearing air pollution monitoring vests ... Air pollution has been linked to more than 9,000 premature deaths each year in Canada and more than 800,000 deaths worldwide. (CTV.ca)
Study names new price of pollution Nov 13, 2008
The study points out the continuing need to battle air pollution, said Seyed Sadredin, executive director of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District ... "But this study does give the Valley good justification to advocate for more support in fighting air pollution."The premature deaths and mounting costs are unacceptable, said Liza Bolaos, coordinator for the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition, a nonprofit group representing public health and environmental organizations. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Company plans corn oil extraction plant Nov 13, 2008
The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that it should be approved. According to Janell Tatro, a construction coordinator with Renew Oil, the local company is looking to construct four buildings at a total of approximately 52,000 square feet. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Bicycles could disappear from Asia, experts warn Nov 13, 2008
"Everybody is talking about the impacts of climate change and air pollution but the number of bicycles is going down in Asia. It is very worrying.". But Indonesia has made some progress in promoting the use of bicycles in the past three years, according to Transportation Study Institute (Instran) director Darmaningtyas. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Buckeye to 'go green' with 4-day workweek Nov 13, 2008
"We in Buckeye feel strongly about protecting the environment, and this schedule will help the town meet the county's mandates to reduce air pollution in our communities," Town Manager Jeanine Guy said in a statement. In the southwest Valley, Buckeye joins Avondale in adopting the four-day workweek. (AZCentral -- News)
Formosa fined for air violations (2) Nov 13, 2008
TCEQ said Formosa failed to maintain and operate the Vinyl Plant in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. TCEQ Wednesday approved penalties totaling $895,607 against 70 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
California economy loses $28 billion yearly to health effects of ... Nov 13, 2008
In the meantime, the two regions continue to pay a steep price for generating air pollution ranked among the worst in the country ... Considered the most lethal form of air pollution, microscopic particulates expelled from tailpipes, factory smoke stacks, diesel trucks and equipment can penetrate through the lungs and enter the bloodstream ... "In the South Coast basin, an average 64% of the population is exposed to health-endangering annual averages of particulates," Hall said, "and in the most... (Los Angeles Times)
Wyo. judge disputes D.C. judge's snowmobile order Nov 13, 2008
Sullivan agreed with the plaintiffs that the plan would increase air pollution, disturb wildlife and cause too much noise. Brimmer is also presiding over a legal challenge to the snowmobile plan. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Study: Calif. air pollution kills more than car crashes Nov 13, 2008
FRESNO Decreasing air pollution in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley would save more lives annually than ending all motor vehicle fatalities in the two regions, according to a study released Wednesday. The study, which examined the costs of air pollution in two areas with the worst levels in the country, also said meeting federal ozone and fine particulate standards could save $28 billion annually in health care costs, school absences, missed work and lost income potential from... (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Toxic Chemical Levels Down In Davenport Air Nov 12, 2008
Ed Kendig of the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District says air samples taken Oct. 22-to-27 in Davenport and analyzed by the state Air Resources Control Board in Sacramento revealed undetectable levels of chromium 6. This is the third batch of air samples considered safe since high levels of chromium 6 were discovered in Davenport's air this summer. (KSBW 8, CA)
Laundy business causes waste, water problems Nov 12, 2008
The environmental problem caused by the blue liquid waste of the laundries is among them, as well as air pollution from coal. According to some residents, the laundries emit a thick black smoke and smelly liquid into the neighborhood. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
City, NGOs to raid office, malls, buses for smokers Nov 12, 2008
"We decided to take action because so far the administration has not implemented the 2005 city regulation on non-smoking areas and on air pollution control. People caught smoking in the aforementioned public areas will be warned and required to sign an agreement stating they will not smoke in any restricted areas in the future, she said. "We will not punish people caught smoking during the activity ... 70 percent of the surveys will take place in government buildings, like City Hall and... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Find Fabulous Fall Colors in National Parks Nov 12, 2008
"Unfortunately, many of the trees people come to see face threats like air pollution, most of which is caused by exhaust from coal-fired power plants and automobiles. It is essential we do everything we can to protect our national parks for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, as well.". Here are a few national park sites beloved for their brilliant fall foliage, but also facing air pollution issues ... Despite the undeniable beauty throughout the park, Acadia's forests are threatened by... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Shanghai a good place to hold green tech summit Nov 11, 2008
So does something else: the sting of air pollution, especially when the dust kicks up in San Francisco's sister city, population 22 million. No better place for the Bay Area and China to figure out ways of moving their respective countries to a clean future. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
* Aussie PM pledges to never abandon auto industry Nov 11, 2008
Rudd said higher gasoline prices and competition from foreign manufacturers, combined with the fact that vehicle emissions contributed to the air pollution blamed for climate change, were stacked against automakers. Some might say its not worth trying to have a car industry, he said in Melbourne. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Urea tanks on diesel trucks -- that's the law in the United States starting in 2010 Nov 11, 2008
Automotive grade of world's most widely used nitrogen fertilizer used to meet new US environmental regulations to cut air pollution. A prototype diesel truck with a urea tank and SCR unit. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Motorcycles and aging vehicles negate efforts to cut emissions Nov 11, 2008
About 900 transportation experts, policymakers and stakeholders from around the world have gathered in Bangkok until Friday to discuss efforts on reducing air pollution and cutting harmful emissions from the transportation sector. The World Health Organization estimates 800,000 people die prematurely due to exposure to urban air pollution. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
