Discourse for all interested in all things air-quality related
Goods delivery: it’s big business! And the U.S. freight railroad industry moves freight more efficiently and has a lower carbon footprint, all things being equal, than any other single mode. In effect, this is the message of an Apr. 22, 2013 Association of American Railroads (AAR) press release, whereby the AAR states unequivocally, “Ton-miles-per-gallon is a standard measure of fuel … Read more
The American Lung Association (ALA) in its “State of the Air 2013” report, released Apr. 24th, found that better than 40 percent of all Americans breathe unhealthy air. On the other hand, for the nation in general, related air quality news was much more promising. “This year’s report reveals that many places made strong progress, … Read more
One of the particulars of driving a motor vehicle especially one of the internal-combustion-engine-powered variety is that part of the overall vehicle operation involves engine idling. It’s unavoidable. However, keeping idling to a minimum would go far and do much to lessen air and human health impacts tied to the operation of motor vehicles powered by internal … Read more
Transportation provides such an essential service to society. Public transit also being a small but integral and important part of the total transportation package, here is what the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) had to say about the environmental friendliness aspect of public transit: “In celebration of Earth Day, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) … Read more
Earth Day is many things to many people. It is a time of celebration and also a time for serious contemplation, as in contemplating what has been, and what is being and could be done to make the world better. Furthermore, as a platform that allows participants the opportunity to devote time to focus attention … Read more
So, what is smart growth? “The central tenet of smart growth,” Greg Dierkers, Erin Silsbe, Shayna Stott, Steve Winkelman and Mac Wubben of the Center for Clean Air Policy in its “CCAP Transportation Emissions Guidebook – Part One: Land Use, Transit & Travel Demand Management” stress, “is the return to more compact built forms that … Read more
I cannot imagine there being a single vehicle owner who wouldn’t support a rule stipulating cars run cleaner. If not that, then how about much improved motor vehicle fuel economies – who would not want this? Maybe I’m just a dreamer. Washington Post correspondent Juliet Eilperin on Mar. 29, 2013, wrote: “The Environmental Protection Agency … Read more
Next Monday, Earth Day turns 44. All about Earth awareness or planet conservation, the topic I’ve chosen to write on will, of course, have an air quality connection. But being today is not Earth Day that will have to wait. For the time being, though, what I thought I would write on right now, very … Read more
In a recent “gristmill” article at Grist.com, writer Susie Cagle discusses agriculture. Cagle, in citing the American Farmland Trust (AFT), not only reports there are 25-million-plus California farmland acres (as of 2007) but also that such acreage is shrinking at a rate of better than 1 percent per year. The Golden State is losing ground – … Read more
There is more good news regarding emissions reductions work – this time at the two U.S. ports at Charleston, South Carolina and Seattle, Washington. In Charleston, Air Emissions Inventory report data show that: “Total port-related levels of nitrogen oxide (Nox), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) were reduced by 29 percent, 51 percent and 26 percent respectively from 2005 levels. “Emissions … Read more