In preparation for groundbreaking, Brightline West launches field work in So. Cal.

LAS VEGAS (January 23, 2024) – Brightline West is launching field investigation work in Southern California within the proposed rail corridor within Interstate 15 (I-15) right-of-way. The field work will advance final stages of design in preparation for a groundbreaking. Field work also began earlier this month in Nevada. Brightline West will connect Las Vegas and … 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

More active mobility infrastructure investment in cities called for in World Bank and ITDP report

Washington, DC (16 January 2024) — Cycle infrastructure networks are among the most cost-effective approaches to improving urban mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from urban passenger transportation. A new report from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and the World Bank makes the case for expanding urban cycling and pedestrian networks to … Read more

Top air, climate polluters named in UMass Amherst Updated Indexes

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) today published their latest Greenhouse 100 Polluters Index, Toxic 100 Air Polluters Index and Toxic 100 Water Polluters Index, revealing the top industrial polluters in the United States. PERI has also updated its Air Toxics at School database, which tracks air pollution at every … Read more

Diesel-engine maker Cummins Inc. agrees to pay $1.675B in emissions-testing cheat scheme

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Attorney General’s office today [Jan. 10, 2023] released the details of a proposed settlement with diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and California law. Beyond agreeing to pay a $1.675 billion civil … Read more

Nearly $500K secured by Cal Poly Eng. Prof. granted to tackle grid challenges using adv. computing

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Driven by a mission to transform power grids, Cal Poly Assistant Professor Jason Poon has secured $496,000 in grant funding to develop innovative computer methods for managing power systems. The award from the National Science Foundation is a collaborative grant that sends $267,000 to Cal Poly and $229,000 to the University … Read more

California’s emissions data shows continuing overall downward trend

SACRAMENTO – Today [Dec. 14, 2023], the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released the updated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory data showing that emissions significantly decreased in 2020 when the global pandemic slowed economic activity, increased in 2021 as the economy recovered, and is projected to decrease again in 2022. The data show that emissions in California have steadily … Read more

Phoenix’s newest light-rail extension has Jan. 27, 2024 start

The region will soon have a new connection from Mesa, Tempe and downtown Phoenix to northwest Phoenix. The Northwest Extension Phase II light rail project will officially open for service on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. A ribbon cutting and community celebration is being planned on that day to commemorate the occasion. “As Phoenix continues growing, … Read more

U.S. automakers falling behind in clean-vehicle production: EPA report

WASHINGTON — Automakers continue to sell millions of gas guzzlers and a relative handful of electric and other clean vehicles, making little progress against pollution, according to the Automotive Trends Report released today [Dec. 20, 2023] by the Environmental Protection Agency. The 2022 new vehicle fleet emitted just 10 grams per mile less carbon pollution than … Read more

Nevada DOT receives $3B federal grant: Brightline West to use funds to build CA-NV HSR

“We’re honored and humbled in the confidence President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, Senator Rosen and so many others have placed in Brightline’s vision to bring true high-speed rail to America,” exclaimed Wes Edens, Founder and Chairman of Brightline. “This is a historic moment that will serve as a foundation for a new industry, and a remarkable project … Read more