All New Cars in CA Have Environmental Impact Labels
As of January 1, every 2009 model year and newer car sold in California now carries a label that ranks that vehicle’s environmental impact. The label can be found under the hood on the emissions control information label. There are two rankings (global warming score and smog score) on a scale from 1 to 10, with five being the average score in the state. The more environmentally friendly a car is, the higher the ranking.
Check out this link to see the top 10 cleanest cars.
California Beaches Threatened By Climate Changes and Human Activity
A combination of rising sea levels and human activity have caused many of California’s iconic beaches to come under duress. In the last century, sea levels rose 8 inches along California’s coasts, which increased erosion of beach sands. Current predictions of a 2-3 foot rise in ocean levels this century will dramatically expand this erosion.
Additionally, in some cases, human built structures like breakwaters have acted to disrupt the national migration of sand up and down the coast, which can exacerbate the problem.
Despite Recent Protests, Farm Industry’s Best Interest is to Regulate Emissions
While we understand why most businesses are automatically opposed to an emissions tax for financial reasons, there are certain industries that really should think twice about their opposition. We’ve previously identified the skiing industry as a business sector that has a direct interest in fighting climate change. Another sector, which is only slightly less obvious, is the farming industry.
A recent study by Stanford researchers found that global warming will likely put an enormous strain on California’s agricultural industry. More frequent heat waves, rising temperatures and a drier climate, will put extreme strains on the state’s water supplies and energy systems, both of which are essential to growing.
The study, which used climate scenarios developed by the IPCC, predicted that in the second half of this century, average temperatures will increase approximately 4 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit. READ MORE
The Colorado River, and the Civilization Dependent Upon it, Faces Dramatic Threats
Although climate change takes most of the headlines nowadays, the environmental threats we are facing are even more widespread. While climate change will exacerbate many of these problems, there are a number of other external issues that must also be urgently addressed.
One of those environmental disasters that is being worsened by climate change, but which also is being worsened by external events, is the destruction of the Colorado River.
SignOnSanDiego expands on this crisis:
The Colorado River has endured drought, climate changes, pollution, ecological damage from dams and battles by 7 states to draw more water. Now energy companies are sucking up the river’s water to support increased development of oil, natural gas and uranium deposits. Yet, the river must provide drinking water for 1 out of 12 Americans and 15% of our crops. READ MORE
Sunrise Powerlink project approved by California
In an apparent victory for renewable energy proponents, the California Public Utility Commission voted on Thursday to approve SDG&E’s plans to build the Sunrise Powerlink transmission lines by a 4-1 vote.
The approval process proved quite contentious, with opponents arguing that SDG&E did not actually intend to use the lines for renewable energy, and also objecting that the lines would damage the sensitive Anza-Borrego desert. READ MORE
CA Public Utilities Commission to vote on Sunrise Powerlink
The future of the contentious Sunrise Powerlink project could be decided today (Thursday) by the California Public Utilities Commission. The proposal by utility company, SDG&E would run a 100 mile $1.9 billion high-voltage transmission line to San Diego from the eastern deserts of neighboring Imperial County.
Proponents, which include Gov. Schwarzenegger and the PUC president, argue that this is exactly the type of project that is necessary to grow our nation’s renewable energy production. Since most large-scale renewable resources lie away from urban centers, the electricity generated in these locations must use a new generation of transmission lines to bring the power to cities. This is the purpose of the Sunrise Powerlink project, according to SDG&E and other supporters. READ MORE
Conflict over Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project could be decided this week
The conflict between the need to develop renewable energy resources and the environmental impact of these projects will come to a head this Thursday when the California Public Utilities Commission will decide on a major transmission line project in San Diego County.
Proponents of the project, termed the Sunrise Powerlink, argue that this massive 1000 MW transmission line from Imperial County in the east, through the Anza-Borrego Desert, and into northern San Diego County is essential to adding solar, wind, and geothermal energy to the region’s electricity mix. Opponents argue that the renewable energy slated to be generated in the deserts east of the city is unproven and that the Sunrise Powerlink should take a more environmentally friendly route, if at all.
We will be exploring this issue in more depth as it develops.
[Note: clicking on the above map will expand the graphic.]
California passes toughest diesel emissions standards in U.S.
The California Air Resources Board did pass the diesel emissions standards on Friday. The standards will be the toughest in the nation and will require extensive retrofitting of heavy diesel trucks and buses. Some older models will have to be phased out entirely.
Around a million trucks and buses will be retrofitted or replaced. Retrofits will require smog filters or cleaner engine technology beginning in 2011. By 2014, all trucks and buses must have soot filters. By 2023, no truck or bus will be allowed to be more than 13 years old unless it has special equipment to cut nitrogen oxide emissions.
This approval comes in the same week that California also passed the most stringent greenhouse gas emissions laws in the nation. Reducing diesel soot emissions will improve human health, air quality, and also fight climate change.
California to implement strictest emissions standards in U.S.
On Thursday, the California Air Resources Board in a unanimous vote, passed the largest greenhouse emissions plan in the United States. The plan will result in a 15% decrease in emissions over the next 12 years, with the goal to lower them to 1990 levels.
California, which is the world’s eight largest economy and accounts for 1.5% of global emissions, will be implementing widespread regulation of sectors including transportation, building efficiency, landfills, and electricity generation. Among other requirements, one-third of all electricity will be required to be generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. READ MORE
NASA: Reducing smog and soot can have immediate impact on climate change
A study indicating that cutting smog and soot has an immediate effect on climate change was released this week by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Sciences. The study comes at an interesting time, since the California Air Resources Board is voting today to dramatically regulate the soot emissions from heavy diesel trucks in the state.
According to the NASA study, cutting soot emissions will not only improve human health, but it will make an immediate impact on reducing climate change. READ MORE
First-in-nation proposal in CA to drastically curb diesel emissions
California is proposing a first-in-the-nation regulation that would require nearly all heavy trucks that operate in the state to install a filter on their exhaust pipes to reduce diesel soot emissions by 85%. The proposal comes before the California Air Resources Board on Friday.
If passed, it would take effect in 2010, with 2014 as the deadline for almost all retrofits. The filters would cost truck operators around $15,000 to $20,000 per truck. The second and potentially more burdensome phase of the proposal would require older trucks to upgrade their engines to reduce emissions.
Diesel soot is a particularly harmful pollutant. Medical research indicates that it is among the most harmful types of air pollution, as it can lodge deep in human lungs, can penetrate the walls of blood vessels, and contains more than 40 cancer causing chemicals. READ MORE
Western U.S. to face major water shortages even without climate change
The AP had an article on Friday about the impending water shortages in the Western United States [link may expire]. The region will face shortages as a result of a changing climate as well as exceedingly dumb planning that led to inefficient development and failed to account for the fact that the 1900’s were an above average century for wetness on the whole.
The result was a massive population boom in the Western US that was built on inefficient water use from the Colorado River based on the assumption that the river’s flow would not decrease and population growth would not overwhelm it. Of course, none of these assumptions proved true. READ MORE
San Diego hopes to lead California in solar panel installations
San Diego may be the first major city in California to take advantage of a new state law that allows government to assist in the financing of solar panel installations for homes and businesses. Under the proposal by Mayor Jerry Sanders, participants will be able to pay for solar panel installations through their property tax bill over a 20 year period. The privately financed loans would have a fixed interest rate and could be transferred if the property was sold.
The proposal, if approved by the San Diego City Council, would become law early next year. This would coincide with the federal law that goes into effect on January 1 that gives a 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations. READ MORE
FunnyOrDie ‘Prop 8 The Musical’ video parody with Jack Black, John C. Reilly, et al.
Not exactly environmentally-related, but a funny video from FunnyOrDie. The musical mocks California’s passage of Prop 8 last month, which bans gay marriage in the state.
Hat-tip: Ecorazzi.
Initial plan released to reduce California emissions by 25% by 2020
An initial plan to accomplish California’s goal of rolling back greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 was released by the state’s Air Resources Board on Thursday. The plan, which would result in a 25% reduction from current emissions levels, targets businesses and citizens, alike.
Some of the key proposals include: a statewide cap-and-trade system, an increase in fees on water usage, stricter tailpipe emissions standards, and a mandate that utilities generate 1/3 of their electricity from renewable sources. READ MORE
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