Category Archives: environment

Infrastructure – More DOT Roadway Safety Planning Grants

Posted on 27 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Whether it’s a dangerous intersection or highway, or a need for better bus and bike lanes, no one can better pinpoint a community’s safety needs than the people who actually live and work there,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “In the past five years, the communities we are awarding these grants to experienced nearly 14,000 roadway deaths. To help change that unacceptable reality, we are proud to deliver this needed funding to help them address their unique safety needs and save lives.” Continue reading →

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CARB Expands Community Air Protection Program

Posted on 27 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“Blueprint 2.0 is an example of equity-driven innovation that puts a spotlight on the environmental challenges that overburdened communities face and engages residents so that solutions are informed by their priorities and needs,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With today’s vote, we expanded the tools that residents have to work toward cleaner air and healthier communities.” Continue reading →

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Zero-Emissions Truck Sales Soar in California

Posted on 24 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“The report makes several important points: users are interested in adopting zero-emissions technology; several manufacturers are stepping up to meet that market interest; and the flexibility that we built in to allow for a phased-in transition toward a zero-emissions future is working,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB’s Executive Officer. “Helping the businesses that rely on trucks to transport goods across the state switch to zero emissions is key to achieving a clean air future, and the data show that progress is well underway.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Orano Explore EV Battery Recycling Deal

Posted on 24 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Key to the deal appears to be Orano’s low-carbon technology, which differs from existing processes, allowing the recovery of all materials from lithium-ion batteries, and the manufacturing of new cathode materials. The joint venture will produce materials also known as “black mass” or “active mass.” This can be refined in Orano’s hydro-metallurgical plant to be built in Dunkirk, France, so that the materials could be re-used in batteries. Continue reading →

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Toyota Hydrogen Road Service Vehicle at Motegi

Posted on 20 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“When we were first approached, the project only entailed the hydrogen module. However, from the perspective of JAF’s operations, we informed Toyota that running out of fuel was a relatively rare problem, while the most common issues are tire-related, “said General Manager Koso Takeda, JAF Road Service Division. “From there, the conversation turned to creating an all-in-one vehicle with the equipment to carry out JAF tasks. Before the day was out, people from Toyota visited our offices to measure sizes, and proceeded to build it.” Continue reading →

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EPA Approves California Regulation of Ocean-Going Vessels

Posted on 18 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“California’s At-Berth regulation is an important step in continuing to modernize the state’s ports with the technology that will advance a clean air future,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB’s Executive Officer. “The emissions reductions and public health benefits that will come from cleaner operations are also a relief for communities alongside the state’s ports that deal with the burden of pollution from multiple sources, including vessels.” Continue reading →

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EPA – Lead Emissions from Aircraft Cause Air Pollution 

Posted on 18 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“The science is clear: exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects in children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions in our air. With today’s action, the Biden-Harris Administration can move forward in the process to propose new standards to protect all communities from the serious threat of lead pollution from aircraft.”  Continue reading →

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Honda and Isuzu To Show Fuel Cell Powered HD Truck

Posted on 17 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“Isuzu and Honda believe that FC technology, utilizing hydrogen as fuel resulting in no CO2 emissions, will be effective to achieve carbon neutrality of heavy-duty trucks which are required to achieve high-efficiency transportation with the capability for long-distance driving, large load capacity, quick refueling,” the Japanese companies said in a release. Continue reading →

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Stellantis, Samsung SDI Pick Kokomo for Second Gigafactory

Posted on 11 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis has announced plans of reaching a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. To achieve these ambitious sales targets, the Stellantis said it is securing ~ 400 GWh of battery capacity, at what are planned to be non-union facilities. Stellantis, which was created by a mega-merger of Fiat Chrysler (FCA) Renault and Peugeot, thus far is taking a ‘let them eat cake’ position with the unions. This is a high risk strategy, because the unions are sticking to their knitting, so to speak. Sean Fain, the head of the UAW has roots in Kokomo Continue reading →

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Automakers Want US Taxpayer Subsidies for Aluminum

Posted on 5 October 2023 by Ken Zino

The letter was published on a website and in full page ads in five newspapers: The Albany Times-Union, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Louisville Courier-Journal, the South Carolina Post and Courier, and the Indianapolis Star. Not coincidentally each newspaper is in a market with one of the remaining six primary aluminum smelters. The letter was also accompanied by a digital ad campaign and mobile takeover on Politico. The power of big special interest money is once again in play, and at least this time subject to public scrutiny and challenges by some as socialism or woke-ism for the one-percenters. Continue reading →

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LG Energy Solution, Toyota Sign Long-Term Battery Deal

Posted on 4 October 2023 by Ken Zino

The deal is LG Energy Solution’s largest single supply agreement secured outside of its many joint ventures. The company now supplies its batteries to all top five global automakers[based on 2022 sales]. The company has eight battery manufacturing facilities currently operating or under construction in North America, and continues to expand both its production network and supply chain in the region. Continue reading →

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Honda, Acura – New Deals with Evgo, Electrify America

Posted on 28 September 2023 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor today announced that it has reached agreements with EVgo and Electrify America, plus roaming network partners, giving Honda and Acura EV customers access to more of the largest charging networks in North America. These latest agreements are in addition to the recent announcement that Honda will adopt the NACS charging standard with Honda and Acura EVs gaining access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Combined with the  joint venture that Honda established with six other major automakers to create a high-powered charging network, US Honda and Acura EV customers will be able to use the majority of public American DC fast chargers starting in 2024 and can expect ~100,000 DC charge points available to them by 2030. Continue reading →

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Census Bureau Releases Data on US Fleet after 18 Year Gap

Posted on 28 September 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Census Bureau today released data on the nation’s inventory and use of selected vehicles. The Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) is a collaboration with the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Federal Highway Administration, the Department of Energy; and the Census. For automakers it contains a wealth of data about miles driven, fuel economy and actual use patterns, which are key to product development, marketing, corporate forecasting, among other things. Continue reading →

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Fraud – SEC Charges Hydrogen Truck Company Hyzon Motors

Posted on 27 September 2023 by Ken Zino

“Transparency in the form of full, fair, and accurate disclosure is fundamental to the federal securities laws,” said Jason Burt, Regional Director of the SEC’s Denver Regional Office. “The defendants allegedly violated this principle by misleading investors about virtually every aspect of Hyzon’s business. The terms of today’s settlement, if approved by the court, will hold Hyzon and responsible individuals accountable for their misconduct.” Continue reading →

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California Launches International Methane Reduction Initiative

Posted on 20 September 2023 by Ken Zino

“The climate crisis knows no borders. We’re partnering with governments around the world to tackle methane emissions, a dangerous pollutant that has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide,” said Gov. Newsom. “By working together on strategies informed by science, like deploying methane detection satellites, we can help address this global threat.” Continue reading →

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