Discourse for all interested in all things air-quality related
When queried on environmental matters, many cite polluted air as a problem, responses reflecting that the problem is somewhat serious, serious or very or extremely serious. Now add to this the attention paid the issue at times. Such was the case with the gathering in the nation’s capital on Feb. 17, 2013 of an estimated … Read more
The California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (ARB) states: “CA’s population reached 24 million people. Total registered vehicles surpassed 17 million and vehicle miles traveled is 155 billion. Cumulative CA vehicle emissions for [nitrogen oxides] and [hydrocarbons] remain at 1970 levels of 1.6 million tons/year despite a rise of 45 billion in VMT over … Read more
Global air travel is not receding. In fact, in several places triple-digit percentage increases are not uncommon. Katherine Rowland in OnEarth magazine in “Infographic: Flying the Friendlier Skies,” writes: “In emerging economies, the growth has been dramatic: between 2007 and 2010, passenger volume in China increased by almost 50 percent — another 84 million fliers. … Read more
I’m no stranger to the words “inventory” and “audit.” Fact is, my very first job required that inventories regularly be taken to prevent in this case new home audio electronic equipment supplies from running low or out. It mattered not what the consumer product in question was. If in-stock quantities were down, then through the reordering process, stock was … Read more
The manufacture of Portland cement involves the grinding and heating in a rotary kiln of clay, iron ore, limestone and sand, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). After cooling and grinding and upon being mixed with gypsum this is what creates the Portland cement. If aggregate and water are added, the result is concrete. The processes of heating … Read more
Number 14 in the Clean Air Technologies Series. If I mention the National Park Service (NPS) what draws to mind? Conjured up images of environmental sustainability? How about awards presentation? Probably neither, correct? First order of business here is the subject of environmental stewardship. I ask: is it not the preservation of open spaces, scenic vistas and the … Read more
Haste makes waste and gridlock does the same. But gridlock is worse: it also causes delays. Out is a new report called the 2012 Urban Mobility Report, published by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute or TTI. In a press release, the TTI writes: “Rankings of the nation’s most congested cities vary slightly from year to … Read more
From information provided by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in a news release, I learned that “Floating in the air and invisible to the eye, airborne particles known as secondary organic aerosols live and die. Born from carbon-based molecules given off by trees, vegetation, and fossil fuel burning, these airborne SOA particles travel the currents and … Read more
The Public Policy Institute of California in its report: “Planning for a Better Future: California 2025: 2010 Update (Transportation),” revealed based on California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board data, in California in 1975, and within the transportation sector, smog-forming emissions generated via passenger vehicles accounted for a full 70 percent with the remainder being released from heavy duty … Read more
Based on my reading of “California ships required to use cleaner fuel benefits public health,” written by Melissa Lin Perrella with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), it is my understanding a federal district court on Nov. 16, 2012 agreed to reject a lawsuit having to do with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association’s (PMSA) challenge of a California regulation that requires … Read more