Study shows bias in favor of preserving driving

The researchers from Swansea University and the University of the West of England commissioned an independent polling organisation to ask 2,157 people across the UK a series of questions. Randomly, each person got a set of questions that asked about driving cars or an identical set of questions with one or two words changed so … Read more

Across the nation, communities of color shouldering growing disease burden tied to air pollution

Despite progress toward cleaner air in the US, a new study suggests that communities of color across the nation are shouldering a growing burden of diseases linked to air pollution. A paper published today by researchers at the George Washington University suggests that racial and ethnic disparities in cases of pollutant-linked diseases like asthma increased … Read more

Environmental groups chalk up victory. Major So. Cal. polluters could face financial penalties

Los Angeles – In a major win for polluter accountability, a legal settlement announced today will require the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to adopt a rule that could fine polluters for their emissions contributing to the region’s poor air quality. Plaintiffs estimate that a fee rule could result in SCAQMD collecting over … Read more

The 411 on dialog exchange and tackling climate change

Who doesn’t enjoy a healthy exchange?! Well, I had one of those just the other day. It was over several days, actually. The topics of the cordial-while-respectful sharing of ideas were advocacy and activism. I never thought there would be so much to talk about having to do with this particular conversation subject matter. You’d … Read more

‘Atrocious Air,’ First Street’s 10th national risk assessment study released

Brooklyn (NY) – Today, First Street released their 10th national risk assessment entitled “Atrocious Air”. The report highlights the contribution of climate change to the increasing risk of exposure to poor air quality today and into the future. These trends are a reversal of hard fought gains in air quality improvement over the past half … Read more

Stricter soot-pollution standards finalized by the fed

WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris Administration on Wednesday finalized a significantly stronger air quality standard that will better protect America’s families, workers, and communities from the dangerous and costly health effects of fine particle pollution, also known as soot. By strengthening the annual health-based national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from a … Read more

Permian Basin gas, oil subsidies boost air pollution, cost billions: NRDC report

WASHINGTON — Amid record industry profits and rising climate damages, a new NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) report documents 57 federal and state subsidies that the fossil fuel industry receives in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico that incentivize extraction, cost taxpayers billions, worsen climate change and increase harmful air pollution. The authors … Read more

On a hotter planet, it’s wrong to equate nice with warm

For Jan. 29, Fresno, California’s predicted temperature high is 74 degrees Fahrenheit. This is higher than at any other time in recorded history for this date. Add to this that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District forecasts Fresno County air quality to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, the specific Air … Read more

Headed for Transportation Technology Center testing are OptiFuel’s RNG loco-tender combo

BEAUFORT, SC – January 12, 2024 – OptiFuel Systems (“OptiFuel”) announced that it will begin testing a prototype 5600 hp Total-Zero™ Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Line Haul Locomotive and 2500 hp Total-Zero™ Powered Tender with 7,500 DGE (diesel gallon equivalent) capacity, in January 2025. The RNG-powered line haul locomotive produces 5100 hp of continuous power … Read more