Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions

GM and Komatsu Deal on Fuel-Cell Powered Mining Truck

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The companies will jointly design and validate the technology. Lightweight with fast refueling, hydrogen fuel cells are best for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity, the companies said. Continue reading →

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Electric Trucks Can Drive Us Toward Environmental Justice

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Recent and pending regulations could boost this transition dramatically, particularly if the proposed EPA truck emissions rule is strengthened. While the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of electric trucks are substantial, an array of recent studies shines new light on the health and environmental justice benefits,” said Steven Nadel, of The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will be most significant where truck routes are commonly situated – in neighborhoods with people of color and low-income residents. Continue reading →

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Michigan State Fleet – All to be Zero-Emission Vehicles  

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”  Continue reading →

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Briggs and Stratton Settles With CARB For Off-Road Emissions

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board has reached a settlement agreement with Briggs and Stratton of Milwaukee, WI., a significant producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, for $117,314. This was for the company’s violations of the Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulation. The regulation limits emissions of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from spark-ignited, small off-road engines, including those found in landscape equipment, small power tools, and portable generators. Continue reading →

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The Corrupting Influence of Money on US Public Health

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“Heavy Vehicle emissions standards recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would boost the electrification of trucks and buses, but standards stronger than what EPA proposed are needed to de-carbonize transportation at a pace to prevent catastrophic climate change. While leading utilities are showing that they can help build out the infrastructure at the scale necessary to support the proposed standards, they and their customers will need to invest far more ambitiously to support more robust standards.,” claims Daivie Ghosh, Transportation Senior Research Analyst at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Continue reading →

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Ram 2025 MY 1500 Ramcharger Hybrid Debuts

Posted on 10 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Yes, it’s a hybrid not a pure EV. While purists might scoff at the gasoline engine, since it has no, none, zero need for a public charger, Stellantis might have created a new sweet spot in the pickup market. It is built from the new STLA body-on-frame architecture designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles with a frame that incorporates the battery pack efficiently. You could consider this the best that both gas and electric trucks offer, with little constraints on range – unless you run out of gasoline when the batteries are dead. 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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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 – 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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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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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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EPA Launches More Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Posted on 20 September 2023 by Ken Zino

The two new competitions are part of the second round of funding from EPA’s $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was created by President Biden’s bi-partisan Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history. EPA is announcing the availability of $4.6 billion across two implementation grant competitions, one general competition and one specifically for Tribes and territories. Under these competitions, eligible applicants will compete for CPRG implementation grants to fund measures in their state-, municipality-, Tribe-, or territory-specific climate action plans. As part of its evaluation of applications, EPA will prioritize measures that achieve the greatest amount of GHG emissions reductions. Continue reading →

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Strange Green Bedfellows – Stellantis and Aramco

Posted on 5 September 2023 by Ken Zino

Low carbon eFuel is a drop-in synthetic fuel made by reacting CO2, captured either directly from the atmosphere or from an industrial facility, with renewable hydrogen. The use of low carbon eFuel has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing internal combustion vehicles by at least 70% on a lifecycle basis, compared to conventional fuels its advocates claim. Continue reading →

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EPA Offers Grants to Cut Oil and Gas Well Methane Emissions

Posted on 30 August 2023 by Ken Zino

“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we now have unprecedented funding to cut methane pollution that is fueling the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This investment will increase competition and help small and medium-sized producers compete on a more level playing field, create new good-paying jobs in energy communities, and support environmental restoration, making clear that strengthening our economy, tackling climate change, and protecting our communities go hand in hand,” Regan claimed. Continue reading →

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