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Headlines |
National
News: President Obama directs more funding for
biofuels research, jobs
May 8, 2009
– The Obama administration recently announced $1.8
million to help get automakers to build more cars that run
on ethanol. The new policy coincides with EPA’s proposed new
rule for a Renewable Fuel Standard to ensure only biofuels
with net environmental benefits over fossil fuels count
towards the nation’s 2022 renewable fuels target.
Recent News Coverage
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National
News: Biomass converted into electricity could be
more efficient than ethanol
May 8, 2009
– A study published in
Science says using plants to produce electricity rather
than ethanol results in more energy from the same amount of
land. Researchers found electric vehicles using biomass
converted into electricity traveled 81% farther per acre of
cropland than internal combustion vehicles fueled by
cellulosic ethanol.
Recent News Coverage
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AQMD
News: AQMD, CEC to hold public meeting on proposed
Canyon power plant in Orange County
May
8, 2009 – The California Energy
Commission recently released its preliminary assessment of a
proposed 200-megawatt power plant in Anaheim. A joint public
meeting will be held on May 21 beginning at 1 p.m. to hear public
comment on the proposed project. More
(PDF, 37k)
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State
News: Santa Barbara fires not affecting air quality in
South Coast Air Basin
May 7, 2009
–
About 100 miles to the north of Los Angeles, the Jesusita
Fire is burning in Santa Barbara but it is not affecting air
quality in the South Coast Air Basin. Due to smoke and winds
stirring soot particles from burned areas into the air, the
quality of air in Santa Barbara County is poor.
More
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National
News: Tentative deal reached in a Cash for Clunkers
program
May 7, 2009 –
U.S. consumers may get billions of dollars to trade in their
old cars and trucks if a
Cash for Clunkers (PDF,
33.97k) bill is passed. The measure provides
incentives for motorists to trade in older, dirtier and
less-fuel-efficient vehicles for newer models. The plan is
included in a broader energy bill still being considered.
More |
Recent News Coverage
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International
News: China’s construction frenzy lacks eco-friendly
features
May 7, 2009
– Asia is a region with the world’s busiest construction
sector yet it holds the poorest record for designing
environmentally-friendly buildings. According to a report by
the Asia Business Council, 80% of the buildings in China
consume two to three times more energy per unit of
floor-space than buildings in developed countries.
More
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National
News:
Five “green collar” jobs for the future
May 6, 2009
– If you add “green” to your existing specialization
or are considering getting additional training in green technology,
you might be in line for a bright future. Here are five
careers to keep an eye on: environmental engineers,
environmental scientists, green construction workers,
insulation workers and green-friendly interior designers.
Recent News Coverage
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State
News: Plug-in hybrids an effective tool to combat global
warming in California
May 6, 2009
–
Recent studies suggest plug-in hybrids can lower greenhouse
gas emissions if you live in
a state that does not rely on coal power. One UC Berkeley
study shows these cars can decrease emissions by more than
60% in comparison to conventional cars and by nearly 50%
when compared to traditional hybrids.
More
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State
News:
New law could require smog checks for
motorcycles by 2012
May 5, 2009 – A
newly introduced bill
(PDF, 144.34k) would make it mandatory that
motorcycles manufactured in the 2000 model year and later
get biennial smog checks. The bill targets bikes with
illegally modified exhaust systems. The ARB estimates that
5.2 tons of pollutants would be prevented from entering the
atmosphere daily.
More |
Recent News Coverage
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National
News: Study says obese children are more susceptible to
air pollution
May
5, 2009 – The study, which looked at
611 children, will be presented at the
American Thoracic Society
International Conference. Lead researcher Heike
Luttmann-Gibson, of the Harvard School of Public Health,
found that associations between air pollution and lung
function were two to five times stronger for obese children
than for normal-weight children.
More
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National
News: Solar technology may one day be found on car
sunroofs
May
5, 2009 –
Researchers
(PDF,197.93k) are looking at ways to develop
photovoltaic cells for use on unconventional items, like car
sunroofs. The new technology prints ultrathin,
semitransparent and flexible cells on plastic, cloth and
other materials. If it succeeds, cells may be stamped onto
fabric for T-shirts or other clothes that collect energy
while worn.
Recent News Coverage
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AQMD
News: Agency seeks to enhance its ability to identify
nuisance odors
May 1, 2009
– The AQMD’s Governing Board has approved a contract with a
UCLA team of olfactory experts for a pilot program expected
to improve
the agency’s ability to identify odor sources and potential
mitigating factors in resolving odor complaints.
More
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AQMD
News:
Governing Board approves funding for new heavy-duty diesel technology
May 1, 2009
– The AQMD and the U.S. EPA are funding a project to develop
and demonstrate selective catalytic regenerating technology
on heavy-duty diesel trucks to reduce nitrogen oxide and
particulate emissions. The technology will be demonstrated
on approximately 43 trucks, model years 1999 through 2002,
from at least four fleets in the Southland.
More
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AQMD
News:
Agency responds to the closing of Gregg Industries
April 24,
2009 – Earlier this year, Gregg Industries decided to
shut down its El Monte facility as a result of economic
circumstances and reduced demand for the company’s
automotive products. The AQMD’s involvement with this
facility is a result of numerous serious violations of air
pollution rules that have continued to this month.
AQMD’s letter to
interested parties (PDF,
1.08m)
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AQMD
News:
Agency is accepting nominations for the 21st annual Clean
Air Awards
April 23, 2009
– Preparations for the 2009 event to be held in
October are underway. The AQMD is looking for worthy
individuals, businesses large and small, cities
and community groups who have made a
significant contribution to cleaner air through innovation,
leadership and personal environmental commitment. You can
even nominate yourself!
More
(PDF, 3.29m)
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AQMD
News:
Agency offering information on federal stimulus funding
opportunities
April 3, 2009 –
To
get more information about the stimulus package and how our
region can maximize opportunities to get its fair share of
funds, call (909) 396-3333 or email recovery@aqmd.gov.
Archived copies of
presentations from AQMD’s workshop on the stimulus
package are also available.
More
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Did you know... |
that
many products, including some types of plywood and
particleboard, emit significant amounts of formaldehyde or
other gaseous pollutants? Try to avoid those products if
possible. Formaldehyde has been classified as a
cancer-causing agent and the toxic air contaminant has no
safe level of exposure. You might request that new carpets
or furniture be aired out by the manufacturer or distributor
prior to delivery. Otherwise, you may want to air them in
your garage or yard before bringing them inside. Starting
this year, a new California Air Resources Board rule goes
into effect limiting formaldehyde emissions.
More
(PDF, 238.27k) |
AQMD in
the Spotlight |
Chinese visitors tour AQMD's laboratory |
AQMD
Talks Shop with Chinese Delegates
DIAMOND BAR –
Faced with enormous air quality issues
in their own country, a group of Chinese legal specialists
visited AQMD hoping to get some answers.
More |
Local Clean Air Events |
Cool Globes Art Exhibit in LA’s Exposition Park – April 22
to July 23
The new
public art exhibit displays 60 artistically crafted
fiberglass globes, each one 5 ft. in diameter and 6½
ft. tall, to convey a message about what ordinary citizens
can do to combat global warming.
More |
11th Annual Water Awareness Day in Rancho Cucamonga
– May 9
Learn more about water conservation at this family friendly
event sponsored by the Cucamonga Valley Water District.
More |
2009 Asthma Conference in San
Bernardino – May 9
The event, sponsored by the American Lung Association in
partnership with the San Bernardino County Asthma Coalition
will feature Dr. Henry Wojtczak, a pediatric pulmonologist
at the San Diego Naval Medical Center as the keynote
speaker.
More |
Experience the “Green Long Beach” Festival – May 9
Over 270 community groups, individuals and businesses will
take part in the festival to be held in the East Village
Arts District. More |
Waste-to-Fuels Conference and Trade Show in San Diego – May
17 to 19
The event will provide a forum for informing the public and
businesses of the economic and environmental benefits of
converting waste materials to alternative fuels such as
biodiesel and ethanol as well as energy recovery.
More |
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