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January 2008 |
The following news "briefs" highlight recent news regarding transportation-related environmental issues, primarily air quality, affecting the Baltimore region. Please note that this brief is not all inclusive of the variety and magnitude of activities in the region. It is intended for informational purposes only; refer to the source, guidance, or program for additional information.
Energy legislation signed by President Bush this past December established a new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard that will go into effect in 2020. One day after the signing, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson stated that EPA is denying California's request for a waiver to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Maryland, along with a number of other states, has adopted the California standards. The Maryland program would go into effect with model year 2011 vehicles.
The January 14, 2008 Interim Report to Governor O'Malley from the state's commission on climate change contains the following recommended goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the State:
Along with recommended goals, the interim report includes recommended early executive actions, 2008 legislation, and other possible strategies to reduce greenhouse gases. It also includes a preliminary emissions inventory.
Clean Air Partners has developed new air pollution education curriculum for use by middle school teachers. This curriculum, called On the Air: Exploring Air Pollution Sources and Solutions, has seven interactive units and is intended for sixth grade science classes. If you are interested in scheduling the use of the On the Air curriculum or outreach presentation, you may contact Rebecca Davis at rdavis@cleanairpartners.net or 703-340-6875.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, an international trade association that represents independent truck owner-operators and professional truck drivers, is now offering loans for trucks owners wishing to purchase auxiliary power units, or APU's. APU's can reduce air pollution as well as save truckers money in fuel costs. They do this by providing power for climate control and in-cab appliances during the mandated rest period for truckers, without requiring the main engine to run. For more information on OOIDA loans visit: http://www.ooida.com/Benefits/Truck_ Finance/truck_finance.htm. For the loan application visit: www.ooida.com/Benefits/Truck_Finance/A PU%20App%20%20Fillable%20Rev.pdf. For more information on the benefits of auxiliary power units and other technologies promoted by the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership, watch a video with the Chrome Shop Mafia at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway/video- csm.htm
EPA has announced a grant program for communities to reduce pollution from air, land, or water. Proposals for these grants, called CARE grants (Community Action for Renewed Environment) must be turned in to EPA by March 17, 2008. Two more conference calls for applicants will occur on Feb. 11 and Feb. 27. For more information on the grant program, see: www.epa.gov/care .
Consumers, fleet managers, and distributors can go online to find information on buying biodiesel. The National Biodiesel Board is providing guides for buying and using biodiesel. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oils or animal fats that may be used in a petroleum blend. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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